I am so depressed. Have been for a very long time. I know that depression is selfish. Could I possibly "need" an antidepressant. When I was younger (before I got saved) I was diagnosed with Manic Depression. What should I do? Keep praying and studying God's word with hope that one day I will be happy or should I go see a doctor?
Please no secular anti-God replys.
2006-10-24 06:19:31 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Its is not a lack of faith, go to a doctor.
2006-10-24 06:21:27 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie
You are Not selfish what you have is a chemical imbalance and has NOTHING to do with your faith in God. See a doctor, get a blood test, tell the Dr exactly what you said on this site, there is help and here is hope and there is godly healing meaning to accept the fact you have a problem.
God gives Dr's to give us wisdom. How do I know about this? I am bi-polar manic depressive and have been for 21 years, I take medicine and lead a godly fulfilling life and I am praying forr you.
Keep praying and studying Gods word yes BUT see a doctor and get help. I will be praying for you.
Love,
Encourager 4God.
2006-10-24 06:25:40 · answer #2 · answered by encourager4God 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
God does give us medicines and doctors to help with disorders. God will heal you one day, but for right now rely on the medications. KEEP PRAYING, SEEK GOD, STUDY HIS WORD, but do find a CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGISTS.
If you go to the secular worldly ones they just tell you a load of junk. The Christian ones will always tie God/Jesus into your struggles.
Our bodies are not perfect, sin has caused our genes to be impure and imperfect, which yes they can be chemical imbalances and other things. Don't be deceived, God has granted us the knowledge with medications and the skills of doctors. God will use ways to help cope with your problems.
Put it this way, "God laid the foundations of the Earth and Universe, then He can heal you of your manic depression." With God, all things are possible, nothing is impossible, nor too big nor too small.
I've been read 1st and 2nd Samuel, what amazes me that with God on the Israelites side no army could stop them,even if the Israelities had 100 men compared to 5,000 Philistines, with God as their leader the Philistines were handed over to them. that is only when Israel was following and obeying God.
I was just making up a number of the size of the army just to be an example.
2006-10-24 06:51:52 · answer #3 · answered by sanctusreal77 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has nothing to do with "lack of faith", anyone who tells you otherwise does not know what they are talking about.
Depression is common. Often times, depression can be alleviated by improving ones diet, taking vitamins (in case of deficiencies), getting sufficient sleep and exercise. Bi-polar or manic-depressives are often aided by the same kinds of things without having to resort to medication, however some people do find being on medication beneficial.
Talk to a psychiatrist who is experienced with treating your condition. Perhaps just knowing that others suffer from similar feelings will be help-full to you. You are not alone, and if people in your church are not supportive, it is only a reflection of their ignorance of the subject - try not to take it personal but do talk to a professional, and preferably more than one.
Sometimes it takes a while to find a drug that is both beneficial and has minimal side effects. During difficult moments seek out a support group of others with depression and the social aspect to it will be uplifting.
Start with the healthy eating and exercise while your looking for a health professional.
2006-10-24 06:44:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
See a doctor.
Depression is often a rather simple illness and/or chemical imbalance. There is nothing wrong with correcting such imbalances 'artifically', if there were God would not allow us to take vitamins! If this was a broken bone, you'd see a doctor- so why not here?
Please do not a false sense of guilt stop you from trying to be healthy and more able to love and worship God. The idea that 'depression is selfish' worrys me- that is not Biblical, but it sounds a lot like the sort of junk too many pastors spout off without really thinking.
2006-10-24 06:25:20 · answer #5 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Get help now. I don't care about your faith or lack of it. If you were diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (manic depression), then you are suffering from a serious mental illness. This has a physical and biochemical basis and is not evidence of lack of faith.
It is a physical disease. Simple as that. If you had diabetes, you would go to a doctor. If you had cancer, would that be a sign of lack of faith?
Untreated, Bipolar Disorder carries a 25% risk of attempted suicide, and a 15% risk of successful suicide. These are not odds to play with.
Visit http://z9.invisionfree.com/Bipolar_Haven for more info and help.
By the way, if you are bipolar, avoid antidepressants unless you are on a mood stabiliser, or risk a fast trip to mania land.
2006-10-24 22:28:57 · answer #6 · answered by Random Bloke 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that this is a lack of faith. Many people believe David had problems with depression as seen in the Psalms.
You probably should seek help from a physician. He may put you on anti-depressants for a time. I've had trouble with depression also for a number of years. Staying close to God and His word helps a lot.
God be with you
2006-10-24 06:26:31 · answer #7 · answered by paulsamuel33 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, depression it has nothing to do with faith, and neither has to do with selfishness (Who told you that?). Depression is a real sickness and you should go as soon as possible to a doctor. And going to a doctor, does not mean, that you should stop praying and studying God's word. On the contrary by all means continue. Remember one thing.. depression is not your fault. I hope the best of luck for you, and God bless you honey!
2006-10-24 07:06:37 · answer #8 · answered by Sakura ♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not think it is wrong to seek medical treatment for a disorder. Maybe do you can be helped by an anti-depressant. God allowed us to discover medicine and science. It is not wrong to seek help from the medical profession for something that has bothered you for so long. You wouldn't hesitate to go to a doctor for a broken leg, right? This is no different. You may need some wise spiritual consel as well [from someone you trust], but do not pay heed to those who would tell you this is all your own fault or your lack of faith. Your measured level of faith is solely between you and God. Best wishes to you.
2006-10-24 06:53:31 · answer #9 · answered by Char 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depression is a disease; would it be less Christian for you to have diabetes and take insulin?
If you believe in God, you believe He created you, therefore, He gave you a brain which does not supply the proper chemicals to your mood centers. God also gave humans the ability to learn how to cure or manage their illnesses. God created the researchers who have invented anti-depressants as well as the doctors and counsellors who can help you. Probably, some of those folk see it as God's will that they help people who are suffering whether it be from heart disease, cancer or mental illness. Please go see a doctor and don't feel guilty over having a sickness you have no control over. The fact that you are a believer will only help your recovery.
2006-10-24 06:28:36 · answer #10 · answered by Gallifrey's Gone 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should go to a therapist. Manic depression is a 'disease' that needs medication. I used to think the same way you do and even hate depreciate myself thinking: If I were a true muslim, I would not have felt this bad. My faith is weak, I am a weak person'. But when I could not make it and sought therapy I realised it is a disease and you get medication for it to be cured.
Do not be hard on yourself and do not question your faith or your sincerity in believing. This is out of your hand. Seek therapy and you will get better enshaa Allah.
2006-10-24 06:25:07 · answer #11 · answered by daliaadel 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋