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Chronic pain/illness' and depression seem to go hand in hand

pumanator

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you too...bottom line, I am on the down hill end of life and fact is, this old house is gonna burn...nearly did back in 03 in The Old Fire of the San Bernardinos...in some ways kinda wished it had...well...maybe not. Fact is, house is just a place to live until we are done with this earthly tent and it will eventually burn anyway...stewardship is a balancing act to say the least.
 
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Colleen1

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you too...bottom line, I am on the down hill end of life and fact is, this old house is gonna burn...nearly did back in 03 in The Old Fire of the San Bernardinos...in some ways kinda wished it had...well...maybe not. Fact is, house is just a place to live until we are done with this earthly tent and it will eventually burn anyway...stewardship is a balancing act to say the least.

I hear you. ...and yes stewardship can be tricky. I believe God gives us the strength to do the things he wants us to do. The trick for me is really knowing what He's asking of me. Some things are common sense and other things aren't that easy to know. I figure He's bigger than my mistakes; thank goodness. ...so if I miss something He'll bring it to my attention. Hope things are going well. Take care.

p.s. listening to David Jeremiah series it's been food for the soul...great when that happens...challenging and validating
 
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pumanator

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Last Saturday I took my brother and another pastor to Disneyland. They where out here for a week long conference from Wis. and his friend had never been. The cost in money and pain was more than I was willing to pay...but, on the day they were free and hangin with me I felt the Lord lead me to bless them. I got through the day and it only cost half what I thought it would. The blessing I received lasted all week...sometimes He gives us what we need when we need it when we least expect it and especially when we get to the end of ourselves.

Anyway, I think I am starting to get the point of resting and trusting in Him.
 
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Colleen1

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Last Saturday I took my brother and another pastor to Disneyland. They where out here for a week long conference from Wis. and his friend had never been. The cost in money and pain was more than I was willing to pay...but, on the day they were free and hangin with me I felt the Lord lead me to bless them. I got through the day and it only cost half what I thought it would. The blessing I received lasted all week...sometimes He gives us what we need when we need it when we least expect it and especially when we get to the end of ourselves.

Anyway, I think I am starting to get the point of resting and trusting in Him.

I hear you. When I finally roll with the waves and trust His plan even though I don't understand why He's asking me to make a certain sacrifice it's amazing what He brings into my life. I'm grateful for your experience. These times in our lives gives us hope and renewing. It's been a pleasure talking to you. I'm very grateful for your honesty. I've needed to take a break from the world and I'm starting to feel better at least emotionally so thanks for your patience.
p.s. I think you have the right idea....I need to start doing things just for fun. With a low energy level I'm always doing the 'most' important things first but having fun is like medicine I need to remember that. :D
 
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pumanator

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If Jesus took time out of His busy schedule I expect it is alright for us to do the same. Times of refreshing can take many forms. ALL...all things are lawful but not all are to our benefit. The Lord did laugh, He enjoyed the fellowship of those He loved. For me I have to be careful to not dive to deeply into distractions but in all things balance, Danialsan;). Proverbs talks about the heavy heart and the things that can make it lite. If there is something you really like to do that brings you joy as a temporary distraction then by all means take advantage of what He has provided with out guilt.
 
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Colleen1

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Sounds good. Yeah, balance has always been and will continue to be my struggle. I have to pay close attention to this. In the past, well quite awhile ago, I use to have a rather high energy level to get everything done. This reminds me not to take things for granted. I'm grateful for many little things. Like a good weekend. I needed to hold off on things for a while to deal with grief but now I'm slowly catching up on my physio stretching and schedule around my place. I think I need to make some sort of a schedule so I can manage my time better and I tend to forget some of the things I need to do. Routine helps me manage things and I'm slowly getting back on track. I've been in a fair amount of physical pain which tells me I need to keep on top of my treatment. This thread was a good idea...very true.
 
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underlord553

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Had an operation they botched, and am in chronic pain. Understand now what people are going through. Thank God that they say that they can fix it. Yes depression is a problem. Definitely a positive mind set helps. And allowing the presence of God to fill you up gives you that. And rebuke the enemy. Put on the shield of faith which is able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.
 
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Colleen1

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Had an operation they botched, and am in chronic pain. Understand now what people are going through. Thank God that they say that they can fix it. Yes depression is a problem. Definitely a positive mind set helps. And allowing the presence of God to fill you up gives you that. And rebuke the enemy. Put on the shield of faith which is able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.

Sorry to hear you're having a difficult time. I've had my share of funky medicine too. Not fun. Hopefully you've found a doctor you feel comfortable with. Hope your procedure goes well. I'll pray; take care.
 
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pumanator

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almost 7800 views for this thread...gotta be a God thing. I pray ppl continue to come here and the forums for chronic pain. I pray we can continue encourage to point each other to the One that bears our burdens and knows our pain and keeps each tear we shed in bottle...remember that we are precious in His sight and love us when we are up and when we are down, when we are on and when we are off.
 
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Colleen1

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I would like to ask for prayer. I'm having a tough time. My doctor moved and I'm having a difficult time keeping my treatment plan in place and finding a new doctor. Right now I have no support and this isn't good. I hope it's God's will to help me work out some good support and a way to finance it. Feeling rather worried and discouraged. Thanks.
 
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Trufflelover#1

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I only wish for this pain to end, 10 years of pain and I see no end in sight!! It is unbearable and I try to stand on all the promises of the Lord but am feeling like I am floundering. Waiting on direction,surgery? Implantable devices, more meds, natural approaches. God said to me heal thyself..waiting for the breakthrough while youre in excruciating pain is the hardest part. I never vent to anyone, thank God for this place.
 
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Colleen1

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I only wish for this pain to end, 10 years of pain and I see no end in sight!! It is unbearable and I try to stand on all the promises of the Lord but am feeling like I am floundering. Waiting on direction,surgery? Implantable devices, more meds, natural approaches. God said to me heal thyself..waiting for the breakthrough while youre in excruciating pain is the hardest part. I never vent to anyone, thank God for this place.

I'm glad you feel comfortable here and are sharing. It helps to have someone to speak to. Many of the feelings you've mentioned here are things I've struggled with and still at time go through especially when there are others who don't understand or question my faith or desire to heal because I am still ill. I have pain in my entire body every day and sometimes it's worse than other times. This morning I woke up very sore and tired. It is difficult to experience some of the things that we experience and still feel that our faith is strong. One of my favorite verses is:

Job 7:11 “Therefore I will not keep silent;
I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit,
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

To me this passage and others tell me that God wants me to bare my soul to Him regardless of how I feel. He cares and I can talk to Him about it whatever it may be. This helps me feel close to God and deepens my relationship with Him. It provides great comfort to know that I have the best father and I can go to Him any time and He will hold me in my pain. I know even if I eventually feel better there will still be problems so I try to live every day well and find happiness but this is easier said than done. ... and dealing with pain can be very tiring making me question whether I can stand the test of time. Being tired out can create a whole lot of stress and a sense of helplessness. It wears us done and makes it harder to cope. Some days I have to look at one minute at a time and surround myself with comfort e.g. warm water, sun, flowers, fresh air, prayer, encouragement, medicine. Whatever God has provided. But the ongoing illness doesn't go away. This has helped me appreciate many things even the seemingly little things that help me get through what seems to be an endless situation. What I'm trying to say is you are not alone and you are welcome to chat with me if you need to get you mind off of things or I can simply listen. You can talk to me on these threads or private message me. Whatever you feel comfortable doing. I will be praying for you. :prayer:
 
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Trufflelover#1

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Thanks for the encouragement. Part of the difficulty in going through this is feeling alone. Especially on a spiritual level. Unbelievers cant understand what we are going through in that sense. Right now I am trying to rest in the LOrds omniciense, knowing that HE knows whats best for me and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. The only thing I'm stuck on is if I believe in His word that says, "By His stripes they are healed". Why hasnt it happened. I reflect on the healing of the bent woman in Luke, where Jesus said she had a spirit of infirmity. Could this be happening to me and other christians? I have rebuked any suck attacks in HIS name. I am constantly quoting healing scriptures out loud and praising God in the midst of it all. Yet, the waiting on this healing, when days are long and excrutiating (and they are many ) is becoming unbearable. What are your thoughts on this? When a christian is believing and standing on Gods Word for a healing and it still doesnt manifest? Thanks to all
 
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Colleen1

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Thank you Colleen for the words of wisdom and hope. I would have pm'd you but I dont have enough posts yet.

No problem. I don't mind either way. I just say that so people realize they have a choice with whatever they're most comfortable with.
 
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Colleen1

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Thanks for the encouragement. Part of the difficulty in going through this is feeling alone. Especially on a spiritual level. Unbelievers cant understand what we are going through in that sense. Right now I am trying to rest in the LOrds omniciense, knowing that HE knows whats best for me and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. The only thing I'm stuck on is if I believe in His word that says, "By His stripes they are healed". Why hasnt it happened. I reflect on the healing of the bent woman in Luke, where Jesus said she had a spirit of infirmity. Could this be happening to me and other christians? I have rebuked any suck attacks in HIS name. I am constantly quoting healing scriptures out loud and praising God in the midst of it all. Yet, the waiting on this healing, when days are long and excrutiating (and they are many ) is becoming unbearable. What are your thoughts on this? When a christian is believing and standing on Gods Word for a healing and it still doesnt manifest? Thanks to all


Yes, I've had similar feelings during differeent points in my life. It's good to do the things that you're doing but I think it's important to keep in mind that healing can mean different things. Using Paul as an example, he had his struggles spiritually / emotionally and physically. God helped heal him spiritually and emotionally but he left that 'thorn in his side'. Why God chose to do this... probably for various reasons. One thing I'm certain of is that God's plan is more intricate and powerful and brilliant that anything I could come up with. I also know His motives are pure. I'm a asker of questions; this helps me learn. But I may not get all the answers or in the timing I would like. Yes, this can be frustrating and leave me feeling lonely, unloved, etc. but I keep in mind all the times I've seen His mighty hand work and see how He turned misery into something good. I've also seen how I've been able to use my tragedis to comfort others in ways I'd never foreseen and some of them strangers at the doctor office, at the pool, in the mall, etc. but knowing during those times God had brought us together and he was working. I'm glad God has changed me and molded me and some lessons I couldn't have learned any other way other than the way He chose. Does this mean those times were / are easy... absolutely not. None of it has been easy. There's been some pretty tragic stuff. ...and some pretty lonely disheartening feelings. This is why I think when other christians push and promise healing it can be disillusioning. Meaning, God has plans and reasons beyond what we can comprehend. Do I think things are fair.... no! Many times many things in my life have seemed utterly unfair and senseless. That's why I thank God for the glimpses of His power and plans along the way and I cling to these because they remind me He's loving, His motives are pure and there are things I can't comprehend and I can go to Him and pour out all my feelings regardless. Does me saying this stuff make your pain go away... no. I feel for you; I know it isn't easy and the disheartening feelings can be so intense. I'm glad you feel comfortable to share; it's a good thing. I think we as christians need to see the importance of this. Having questions, feelings and doubts doesn't make us any less christian. God wants us to contemplate our thoughts, emotions, behavior. He even wants to help us with our doubt and through all of this. He wants us to seek Him during all times even our low times. "Help me in my unbelief." I hope you feel comfortable here for support and know you're in my prayers. You're not alone.
 
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