A sin huh? Well, I guess that I'm going to hell along with a lot of other people!! OOPS!!

That is what I thought precious I wanted to run out of there so badly

I'm sorry you had that experience!! I am of Christian Faith, but I have strayed away from "churches" (if that makes sense), because I too, have had a few awful experiences. I think that is AWFUL that they said that to you!!!! It DOES help me personally to read the bible (I admit I don't do it quite as often as I should). But depression does NOT make you a sinner!!!!!!! Grrrrrrrrrr..........it makes me so angry to hear things like this. Hugs x

I'm very sorry this happened to you. Big hugs.

(((Cheryl)))~~
Well, that wasn't the experience you were expecting, was it? I'm sorry you had to endure that.

I confess that I have, in the past, forced myself to do something in the name of "helping myself" that I did not embrace with an open mind and heart. The results were usually disastrous, although I was pleasantly surprised a couple of times.

Depression is a sin? I'll be damned. I never knew that. I sin all the time so I'm not sure I would be offended if it were brought to my attention that I was sinning in another way but I personally don't buy it.

I believe worrying is a sin because we are trying to control things beyond our control and not trusting in the plans God has for us.

For me, getting God involved in my struggles has been vital to my management of this disorder I know that doesn't work for all.

Are there other support groups in your area that you could try?

Cheryl I would have run out of there. Next time you try something and it is not what you expected look at your phone and say an emergency just came up that might save you. No way it is a sin. When you have a disorder symptoms go with that disorder. Ask your therapist maybe to see her two times a week or see if there is a free group in the area that is affiliated with NAMI. Check with your Therapist about other groups too.

Cheryl,
I too am sorry you had that experience. It would hardly have made you feel loved and cherished but instead judged for something you don't really control.

I would add it to my list of things to forget.

What a bunch of crap! No offense to the religious but this is ridiculous to be telling people that god thinks depression is a sin. Telling people that can cause more problems I think. Sorry you had that experience. As far as groups go I would seek out a DBSA support group if you can. In my experience they are not religious. Also, check out a NAMI group. I've never been to one of their meetings but I'm pretty sure they are not religious also. Good luck, I know its not easy to get yourself to go to a group in the first place and then to have it be like that..that sucks. Take care.

This is one of the reasons I HATE religion. God gave me this illness so how can it be a sin?
Stay away from religious groups..they're not going to help you.

BabyShelby - I like what you said "I believe worrying is a sin because we are trying to control things beyond our control and not trusting in the plans God has for us." It makes a lot of sense. I think it will help in my worrying about things. Thank you!

I talked to my therapist today she is going to put me in a trauma support group starting in 2 weeks. I called her crying and was so upset. I did not know I qualified for trauma but my daughter has not spoke to me in 5 years and she said that is a trauma.I found the meeting through a list the hospital gave me. I was to scared to walk out but I won't ever be again it messed up my mind.

So sorry you had that experience. I think it's important to keep trying some other groups and don't give up hope. I hope this next one will feel like a good connection for you.

PS, I know I've looked around for support groups too and after trying several I think I've located some that are good for me. Sometimes one group session seems to go slow, or some difficulties come up, but I think that's a natural part of the process of finding a steady group to meet with regularly. My suggestion is to give the group another try if you feel on the fence about it after one visit. Sometimes the next one goes better, other times maybe not, but at least you know you gave it a try. You of course know what feels right to you.

Wishing you the very best. hugs.

I do believe in god. I was so close to stopping my meds yesterday cause I was feeling flat. After this meeting I decided not too. i figured God gave me my DR to help me make me feel better and meds are part of it.

I believe in God, too! I'm sorry the church meeting was so terrible...I do know not all churches are uninformed about the reality of this illness, so please remember that and I hope that bad meeting doesn't upset you any further.

Hang in there! Don't stop the meds without the help of the doctor! Once you start to feel like you have a good medical team and support, things will start to get better.

Girl, those groups think that every Mental Disease is a "choice" that people can fix if they pray and take it to God enough. I'm a Christian, I read my Bible, I believe in God....I don't do organized Religion because of all the fanatical crap that is out there and treats people with problems like we have the way they do.

We have an illness, like cancer or diabetes or lupus....it's something we have to learn to live with and integrate into our daily life because it affects every single minute of our lives. The goal is stability and we have to work incredibly hard to reach that goal.

Don't let anyone tell you that this is somehow your fault or you've brought this upon yourself or you can make it go away by being more Godly....I think even God would shake his head in wonder at that line of BS.

All you can do is take your Meds, go to your Therapist and figure out ways to integrate your BP and your life, so they're not fighting each other. BP is a lifetime disease and the more you accept it and learn coping skills and tools to help you get through the hard times the easier it is to handle it.

Hang in there.