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!!!
Remember your condition is not your fault and having faith and taking your meds is a great start.
Of course God wants you to get help and remember that it can take a lot of trail and error to find just the right combination of chemicals for your brain personally. Hang on it will happen.
Also, don't let your doctor over drug you. They do that you know? I have been on every med there is and sometimes more than one at once. Too much can take away your precious love of life.
Make sure you feel comfortable with your doc or get second opinions. If you are having episodes like you describe, you might not be depressed, your could have mild bi polar as an example. Make sure you are being treated for what you are really suffering with.
As far as suicide, I believe when we die, the state of mind that we are in goes with us into the other side. We are not being punished by God, we are punishing ourselves, which is like killing your best friend. I don't believe in hell. I believe we create our own hell.
There is a difference between religion and spirituality...
Religion is for people who are afraid to go to hell.
Spirituality for those of us who have already been there.
I suggest an amazing movie that will make you never want to take your own precious life again. It's called What Dreams May Come. It's also very uplifting, which is what God is doing with all of us here at Daily Strength.
Welcome sad friend, this too will pass with your faith in God and a good doc/therapist.
I'm sorry I was raised Christian, but now study all religion. I believe in Jesus Christ, but I like to read about Buddhism because they speak about suffering and the end to suffering. It validated my pain. Whatever your faith, I want you to live a full and wonderful life.
: D
I wish you much peace in your soul. God's sad that you are sad but it was given and there must be a reason for having to have depression. I have always wondered? I journal when I'm down. That's where I find my center and a place to look back and see where miracles came into my life.
Feel free to message me anytime. I'm an early riser. :) Bless you.