Depression Support Group

Hi,
This is the first time I've posted to this support group. I have major depression and attempted suicide nearly 9 months ago. I'm very interested in what other Christians have done and the path they have taken to cope with depression.

This is not to offend those that are not of my same faith. I have no intention of offending anybody. I'm just trying to find out if there are any good resources for Christians that continue to struggle with depression.

I have been on an anti-depression since 1999. Background info... I started struggling w/ it in the 6th grade after a move and not fitting in at a new school. I coped the best I could throughout school.

In 1999 after having children and attending my 10 yr, reunion I had a serious bout of the depression and went on meds with out counselling. I had become a Christian and for awhile I could just pray and rely on my faith and meds to get by. At the time I stayed home. I had started working in 2001 and was able to maintain. I was on Paxil as first med. That worked great until about 2 years ago.

I ended up having a major relapse. I eventually started counselling, and went back to the dr. to change meds. I was on Pristiq for about 6 months after I had 2 overdoses on Paxil. I was not honest and did not tell my counselor or dr. about the overdoses.

Last April, I took an overdose and attempted to asphyxiate myself in my garage while my hubby and kids were gone to work/school. I got pretty sick and vomitted. If I could have just passed out I may have been successful. Well, long story short. I told my counselor, my hubby and spent some time in the Behavioral health unit while I changed meds to Cymbalta. I still have bad days. I recently went for my med check at the Mental health center and went from 60 to 90 mgs.

I still work and like my job most days. But this past weekend I went on a church sponsored trip with the JR. high and had a major relapse. It followed a fight with my daughter. Anyway, I spent the rest of the weekend fantasizing and planning to hang myself in the middle of the night. Fortunately as we were on our way home, the closer we got home the more in control I felt and I was honest w/ my hubby again and told him where I was heading. I plan to make an appt. with my counselor again very soon.

I just need some advice and maybe comfort from other Christians that find themselves struggling with depression and see if there are any resources, devotionals or anything else, in addition to the Bible that has helped you. I'm curious, does the Bible really say you can't be saved if you commit suicide, what verses are the greatest comfort to get myself through my next relapse or to prevent future relapses. Thanks!!!
Posted on 02/07/10, 07:11 pm