I thought you were starting school in Jan?

I don't think it's religion. It's mania. You get stuck on one thing. It almost gives you a high so you do it a lot.

To me, that a pretty good mania to have.

I think the extreme part of it does!

I am starting school in Jan. but I have been looking into fraternities to make sure I'm besides myself when girls come into play. I really want this degree and I know that women really keep me from accomplishing my goals. I don't know if I want to get married or join a brotherhood.

I was not brought up as a believer. My dad is an atheist. My um believes there's something. It was only when I found God that I was diagnosed bp. I think the shrinks get carried away with the religious mania thing. I also noticed whilst in hospital that quite a number of patients were clutching their bibles.

oops typo, should read mum.

whatever, your counselor is a dweeb.

Unfortunately yes.Bipolar is a complex disease, but their is a definite link to themes of religious nature during psychosis ,which seem to be across the board.It probably has a lot to do with the battle between good and evil. Some pp hear God speaking through them, some may think they are God themselves, or satan. It's really very interesting.
I had been heavily engrossed in the bible, and spent hours studying scripture.
I wound up in a psychotic state believing I had to surrender my children to prove my faith.In my mind, that was easy, because the bible says if you love brother or mother or sister more than me you are not fit for my kingdom. It got ugly real quick, and I'm lucky I'm here to talk about it. While recovering in the hospital, the pd. told me , go home and continue to be a good mother to your children, and you mustn't delve into the Bible. I was devastated. It shook my faith.That wasn't the last experience I had the next was the same scenario.I know it's a painful blow, but I listen, because I'm frightened. I know a few scriptures by memory, and I feel these are gifts, that Jesus provided me for nourishment. I read the psalms and find they bring me great comfort.
But I feel I have to listen to the professionals and make a prudent decision no matter how difficult. I'm lucky in that I
am at peace, in my faith, because God is the Author , and I have to leave it to Him. There is a reason that my appetite
can not be fed in extremes as far as The Bible is concerned or structured religions.
Just trust the Lord he will direct your steps. Best of luck, Bry!
Love, Nectar.

I think if it grows into an obsession it's a problem, but I think we find strength support and encouragement from God and that's why we are drawn to him. So many of us get suicidal and I think we call on God to help us out of that start of mind because it's so horrible. I think it's perfectly ok that you are thinking about becoming a monk, but I do think you should get your degree first. That will give you plenty of time to think about it before you do it.

Wow, you mean theres someone else out there who sees it too?Isnt it funny how Joan of Arc heard voices and saved France. How Bernedette saw repeated visions that produced a spring of supernatural healing water.and this list goes on and on but if you or I have these same experencesome one will surly reply,"Are you taking your mediciane."

.

Religion .... No !

Spirituality.... Yes !!

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sorry, that was not very nice. what i mean is i think your counselor is reaching, and may need to exlpore his/her own religious beliefs and not impose personal beliefs on you.

however, bp/god post are often quite interesting here on DS so you might find some answers you're looking for, the more people that log on.

I think if you are going to join the Franciscans after college, you better get laid quite a bit in college because once you go Franciscan you can never go back, and getting laid is out of the question....

i don't know if it's because of bipolar, but i know that when i'm truly fucked up going to mass is the only way i can really feel better. i don't talk to anyone and i just listen, but i go to confession before mass. i also feel guilty for not going all the time, only when i'm a mess.

mr tim.......lol