Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
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!!!
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!!!
{{{{Hugs}}}}} and all my best to you...
http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/christianfellowship
Hugs
You will need to talk to pastors about what the bible says about being saved if you commit suicide. They can guide you in that area.
I am so sorry you feel so very depressed. It is good that you are on medication. Are you seeing a Christian counselor? I will ONLY see a Christian counselor because they understand the way we believe so they can guide us better. They can also work with our pastors if we allow that. But only if we allow that.
Please, tonight read Ephesians 6 starting with the part about putting on the full armor of God. Know you are loved.
I'll be praying for you to get better.
Sending you hugs.
One thing I have learned is that us Christians are just as suseptable to things as anyone else. It doesn't make it easier to live. I think you staying in contact with your doctor and seeing a counselor is still good. And continue to keep the lines of communication open with your husband too. I wish you the best of luck.
I have like 4 of her series on cassette and like 25 single cassettes, I also used to have a bunch of her books and a bunch of video.
She tells it straight up, like it is. I know lots of people think she is full of hooey but I think she's cool.
I know...sorry...I know that's not what this subject was started as but I saw her mentioned and just had to put in my 2 cents about it!
:)
Pick your battles.
If going on a church event with junior high kids triggers you, then avoid them. That is not a battle you need to fight.
Confronting your depression with therapy is a very good battle to fight. The christian aspect of it may entail finding a therapist that can incorporate YOUR beliefs into the therapy.
I would advise against christian therapy where they steer people away from medications. There are cases where meds are vital, and cases where they are not required. It takes unbiased people with the proper medical training to guide people through the process finding the best treatment plan.
I would also say that God has many ways that we can be productive and help our fellow man. Don't let others tell you how you must do this, let God into your heart and find out on your own.
Peace to you
I don't remember where this verse is but it is this "wherever you are, I am also" said by Jesus.
There are no rules with Christianity, that's what makes it hard. There are no rituals or things we have to do. We only need belief and faith.
Your faith is dependent on how much you believe and your need to share this with other people.
Depression dulls emotion but it can't destroy faith.
It doesn't make God love you less.
NOTHING can seperate you from the love of God.
when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with you.
His Bible and His Love will comfort you.
Prayers are always answered, you may not get the answers you want but asking God to work through you is something He will never deny you.
Peace
Niki
i am christian with depression. i have no advice but can only share some of my experiences. i have been lucky to have some very good christian friends who have helped and supported me every step of the way. i have found i need to be honest with them or they cannot help me. i have been surprised at the stories of others that have come out becuse of me going through this crisis.
i dont always do it but just reading the bible and praying regularly helps a lot. ive cried and pleaded with God in prayer to take me home but i am still here but He is by my side. i have a psychiatrist who is a christian too and that i believe has been the most important thing for me because we can pray together. she does not run christian counselling, her practice is secular but i know i can comfortably talk to her about God.
i dont know about the suicide and hell thing. that is one thing that has stayed my hand because i know things will be a lot worse in hell than here. this world might be broken but God is still in it.
best of luck