Psychological Illnesses?

Question

I'm just wondering if there is a correlation between any religios beliefs and being under psychiatric care. Do you now or have you ever suffered from depression or bi-polar disorder, and if so what religion were you brought up in and what religion are you now? I read the article that we are possibly "hard wired" to seek God, and I am NOT suiggesting that religion=crazy, but often I hear how God is the answer to all sorrow and such. Without preaching, would you please tell me if Religion has had any impact on your mental state or vice versa?

Answer 1

i am a spiritualist medium ... and have never had any emotional or mental problems .. infact im probably one of the calmest people you will ever meet
i have had quite a hard life ... i have had my fair share of problems
but i try to meet each problem with a calm and positive outlook .. and never over burden myself with worry

Answer 2

Certainly your upbringing can have an effect on your mental well being. If the person is brought up in a strict type of religious family, this could make it hard to discover your own beliefs as you grow older. I suffer from bi-polar disorder, brought to a diagnosis when I was 17, and have been treated ever since. I was brought up in the Episcopal church which is not strict at all, but my mother interpreted it her own way and I was forced to her beliefs. Then again, some mental disorders are inherited. I do not believe that we are "hard wired" to seek god, but that all humans are born to seek something larger than themselves to help explain away the difficult times we encounter during our lives and the things we cannot explain. Hope that helped.

Answer 3

I have bipolar disorder. Was raised evangelical. The only impact religion has had in my life is that because of my beliefs I would not dare kill myself. The thought comes in my mind and as soon as it does it is gone. Because I believe if I do that I will go to hell. I don't go to church. I pray to God when I am down. I am pretty sure it would help if you go to church because you have positive people in your life and when you get depressed or you are on your bipolar roller coaster. You have people that understand and can help you cope. I have coped with bipolar disorder since the age of 13. I am now 38. I have tried treatment (pills) did not work for me. The best thing that has worked for me is dealing with my condition on my own. I know I am like this. It is very hard having the horrible depressed days. But I thank God for my life and I thank him for helping me deal with the downs.

Answer 4

Belief in something CAN have an effect, yes. However, for people to say that their religion can cure anything is crazy, you know? I do believe that we are created, and in that way need to know our creator. Good luck to you, it seems like you are on the right path. Don't let anyone tell you that their religion can fix you. (It's about relationship, anyways!) But on the other hand, don't let anyone tell you that all beliefs are hogwash and that perscriptions can cure you.

Answer 5

I've suffered form depression based on my circumstances, and I didn't understand why I was going through so much pain. I'm on the other side of it now, and Jesus definitely has a plan for my life. Life makes sense to me now. I love my Life! Everything is not perfect, but I know God is watching out for me.

Answer 6

I was brought up Catholic was manic depressive by the time I was nine and religion is never the right answer.
Tammi Dee

Answer 7

Trust me. This is not preaching, but answering your question. I suffered depression from time to time (who hasn't if they are human) after all we do live in a wounded world. I have suffered depression when I turned from God (sinning and living a sinful life). Yet, I have also been depressed from time to time when doing the will of God. However, let's not say that God is a being that depresses us and leads us to depression. This is not what is happening nor is it what He is doing.
What I mean is this. When I stray from God I lose my joy, security, peace, and order in my life. I become unwise in understanding the world and in my choices. And I also lose the ability to remain "cheerful in all weathers", so to speak.
Now when I experience depression in doing the will of God, it is not God's will that depresses, it is the hostility and indefference of others that I encounter when being charitable to them. I would not be human if their reactions did not effect me. However, let us make one thing clear. Their hostility or indifference is a "reaction" to the power of love. They have failed to respond to that love, which is to reciprocate in kind.
Also, one can become depressed in living their religious faith because they are coming face to face with what is wrong in this world. I have come face to face with extreme poverty in Haiti, Africa, Bangladesh, and even the streets of New York. I have come face to face with women being objectified in America and foreign nations. I have witnessed physical and mental abuses by believers and non-believers alike towards their spouse and children. Now this is enough to send anyone into depression and possibly despair, but I have pulled through because of the faith I have been taught by God within my religion.
Now I have never suffered any serious psychological illness (e.g.) chronic depression, bi-polar, schizophrenia while living according to my faith (Catholicism). And the reason why is that at least God has favored me with goodly parents, friends, and enemies. All of who shaped my life and help me understand the true dynamics of love, mercy, and justice from and towards them.
Yet, in your question you wonder if there is a correlation between religious beliefs and being under psychiatric care. Sure, but the intent is only to heal. For example, those in AA (not a religious, but a spiritual program) uses faith in their recovery from insanity to serenity. As far as those who are gravely ill. The illness stems from genitics or other means (e.g.) circumstances and that was usually long before religion came into their life or they have grown up with a distorted view of religion and faith while suffering their illness.
It is sad to note that some use religion to exacerbate their suffering and illness. Some actually make the sick believe they are possesed by demons and this gives the patient no hope of finding treatment or cure. They may do an exorcism on the patient, but all the while God may desire them to seek treatment from a doctor because their illness has nothing to do with the power of the evil one. They give the devil more credit than it desreves. They do not know the differences between possession and effects of Original Sin.
As far as the article you read that we are "hard wired" to seek God, this is true for we were created with this ultimate desire and destiny. Even the Greek Non-Christian Aristotle says, "all things tend to their perfection." And humanity's prefection is in God. Because this is known and remembered in my faith, it heals me mentally. At least I do not wonder the world asking, "what is the purpose and meaning of life?" for it is already answered, it is a matter of acheiving that destiny. At least now my heart walks sercurely in this world knowing that I do have a purpose in life. I struggle not to wonder aimlessly seeking pleasures that do not fit and comply with this goal, who is God Himself. This tending to God implies that my mind and spirit are to be happy and ordered when living the faith He has given.
I hope this has been helpful. Sorry that it is lengthy. May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john

Answer 8

Contrary to your possible 'HIGHer' indoctrination into the 'scientific'
religion, many are quite well-adjusted individuals:
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004

Answer 9

None whatsoever

Answer 10

Did you forget to take your pills? The only people suffering are the wicked ones that have personal problems within themselves.