• The General Mental Health Forum is now a Read Only Forum. As we had two large areas making it difficult for many to find, we decided to combine the Mental Health & the Recovery sections of the forum into Mental Health & Recovery as a whole. Physical Health still remains as it's own area within the entire Recovery area.

    If you are having struggles, need support in a particular area that you aren't finding a specific recovery area forum, you may find the General Struggles forum a great place to post. Any any that is related to emotions, self-esteem, insomnia, anger, relationship dynamics due to mental health and recovery and other issues that don't fit better in another forum would be examples of topics that might go there.

    If you have spiritual issues related to a mental health and recovery issue, please use the Recovery Related Spiritual Advice forum. This forum is designed to be like Christian Advice, only for recovery type of issues. Recovery being like a family in many ways, allows us to support one another together. May you be blessed today and each day.

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pantingdeer

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For past few years I’ve felt very empty with no joy and some people have said I am depressed. My parent told me that it’s just because I need the Holy Spirit.

So what do I do to feel better? How do I get baptised in the Holy Spirit?

Also I was planning to start reading my Bible. Do I just read though the New Testament in order to begin with? I want to have strong faith in Jesus - I have no other friends.
 

plain jayne

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I hear you, brother. I really do.

Depression, anxiety, and more can come from demonic oppression and it can come from disorders of the brain and mental health issues. Sometimes life's circumstances can trigger these things and sometimes our own sin can trigger it.

There's no way to find the root of it without competent doctors, counselors, and God's word.

I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years - off and on. I feel your pain.

Do you have a competent doctor and counselor [Not the same thing.] If not, go to your primary doctor or even a local clinic and ask them for a referral for a competent - and you need to use that word - professional. They can run tests and talking things out can REALLY help.

Also, YES, you should be reading the Bible - God's letter TO US - daily or as often as possible.

There are people in the Bible who suffered from mental health issues - even to the point of wanting to die. Four great mean - Moses, Elijah, Jonah, and Job - all wanted to die. But God put a stop to that.

Depression takes time to over come. Meds can help, talking out loud with a counselor [speaking the truth!] can help and God, through his word, can help.

Actually, it's God that raises up competent doctors and counselors. There are some incompetent ones just as with any other profession so you may have to try and try again.

I've experienced help with all three. And I realize that God directed it all.

If you are going to read the Bible, get a translation that is easily readable - NKJV, NIV, ESV, or Living Bible [the revised one].
  • Start with Matthew or John. Maybe both.
  • Then read Acts or Romans or 1,2,3 John [right before Revelation] or 1/2 Peter.
  • Pray before and as you read. Ask God to open your eyes and give you understanding.
God bless you with his mercies.
 
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pantingdeer

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I hear you, brother. I really do.

Depression, anxiety, and more can come from demonic oppression and it can come from disorders of the brain and mental health issues. Sometimes life's circumstances can trigger these things and sometimes our own sin can trigger it.

There's no way to find the root of it without competent doctors, counselors, and God's word.

I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years - off and on. I feel your pain.

Do you have a competent doctor and counselor [Not the same thing.] If not, go to your primary doctor or even a local clinic and ask them for a referral for a competent - and you need to use that word - professional. They can run tests and talking things out can REALLY help.

Also, YES, you should be reading the Bible - God's letter TO US - daily or as often as possible.

There are people in the Bible who suffered from mental health issues - even to the point of wanting to die. Four great mean - Moses, Elijah, Jonah, and Job - all wanted to die. But God put a stop to that.

Depression takes time to over come. Meds can help, talking out loud with a counselor [speaking the truth!] can help and God, through his word, can help.

Actually, it's God that raises up competent doctors and counselors. There are some incompetent ones just as with any other profession so you may have to try and try again.

I've experienced help with all three. And I realize that God directed it all.

If you are going to read the Bible, get a translation that is easily readable - NKJV, NIV, ESV, or Living Bible [the revised one].
  • Start with Matthew or John. Maybe both.
  • Then read Acts or Romans or 1,2,3 John [right before Revelation] or 1/2 Peter.
  • Pray before and as you read. Ask God to open your eyes and give you understanding.
God bless you with his mercies.
Thank you for your kind post. Do you think visiting a Christian counsellor is important. Also what is your opinion on medication. I’m very sceptical of medicine in general, but especially for mental issues.
 
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Handmaid for Jesus

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Yes depression is real. Sometimes it is caused by circumstances, or chemical imbalances in the body, and it can be a spiritual attack.
Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
I would follow the advice in post #2 and be consistent. Play some lively praise music. Tat works for me when I feel depressed. Also, reading the Psalms that praise like Ps. 100, Ps.121. Read them out loud for faiyh comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Blessings to you.
 
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Paul4JC

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For past few years I’ve felt very empty with no joy and some people have said I am depressed. My parent told me that it’s just because I need the Holy Spirit.

So what do I do to feel better? How do I get baptised in the Holy Spirit?

Also I was planning to start reading my Bible. Do I just read though the New Testament in order to begin with? I want to have strong faith in Jesus - I have no other friends.


I would start with the Gospel of John. At least 5-10 minutes a day. Let the words of the Lord Jesus Christ sink in.

Spiritual Depression is very real. One of the best books I read on the topic (and one of my favorite books) is now free in audio format. Or you can always buy the book too.

Free Sermon | Spiritual Depression | Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust

I disagree with your parents. Life is full of ups and downs and we deal with things differently according to our personality, which God does not change. He can, however, teach us to be led by the Spirit and re-filled with the Spirit, because these are lifelong processes.

Again, some personalities, like mine, are more prone to depression. Yet God supplies ways to deal with this and walk with him, and he gives us joy.

[1Pe 1:8 NIV] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
 
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pantingdeer

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Yes depression is real. Sometimes it is caused by circumstances, or chemical imbalances in the body, and it can be a spiritual attack.
Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
I would follow the advice in post #2 and be consistent. Play some lively praise music. Tat works for me when I feel depressed. Also, reading the Psalms that praise like Ps. 100, Ps.121. Read them out loud for faiyh comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Blessings to you.
I don’t feel sad at all. I just lost all my feelings, desires and interests.
 
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plain jayne

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I am not licensed to give advice about medicines. Each person is different and only your doctor can make that decision.

I don't believe in making medicines a permanent thing unless the mental illness is crippling. And even then - meds should be CHECKED every few months. For a person with debilitating and crippling mental illness a competent doctor will insist on checking the levels every few months.

Your doctor does not have to be a Christian and neither does your therapist. My doctor was. My therapist was not. BUT I told him that I WAS and that is how he should approach me. He was very accommodating and respected my beliefs.

A lot of people think that therapists do a lot of voo-doo and mumbo jumbo. They don't. They get you to open up about what is happening with your life and talking and talking helps you put things in a place where you can SEE what is happening to you. You can control it much better.
 
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1watchman

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For past few years I’ve felt very empty with no joy and some people have said I am depressed. My parent told me that it’s just because I need the Holy Spirit.

So what do I do to feel better? How do I get baptised in the Holy Spirit?

Also I was planning to start reading my Bible. Do I just read though the New Testament in order to begin with? I want to have strong faith in Jesus - I have no other friends.

If you suppose you are depressed much of the time, you should see a physician, and you might get a mild medicine to help; but if your depression is severe and greatly hindering your daily functions, you may have your regular physician refer you to a psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis and medicine.
The other thought of having 'no joy' as you say does not mean 'depression', but may be a functional thing from not learning how to interact with people socially. We all need friends and social activity at times; so work at it.
As to reading your Bible, everyone ought to be reading it daily --beginning in the New Testament and carefully reading the four Gospel books therein: Matthew; Mark; Luke; John. You can ask for help on that, but you can hear God speaking to you directly at John 3:16; John 14; Romans 8; etc. to learn how to be saved forever to go to Heaven when you leave this world.
Other books in the Bible teach us more of the mind and will of God, so keep reading. You can later read in the Old Testament to learn of Bible history and creation.
Certainly depression is NOT demons.
 
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Hazelelponi

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For past few years I’ve felt very empty with no joy and some people have said I am depressed. My parent told me that it’s just because I need the Holy Spirit.

So what do I do to feel better? How do I get baptised in the Holy Spirit?

Also I was planning to start reading my Bible. Do I just read though the New Testament in order to begin with? I want to have strong faith in Jesus - I have no other friends.

Are you still having physical issues?

If so, limitations and pain can make you feel depressive... if that's the case, its a matter of coming to terms with your new physical reality.

When I became disabled young I honestly had to figure it all out between myself and God. It's almost like a grieving process you go through, and it's perfectly normal to do so. Often, you just have to go through all the emotions you have inside, and feeling slightly joyless for a while is normal - just don't stay there. Figure it out within your soul.

If it helps to speak to someone, then find a counselor.
 
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Psalm 27

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For past few years I’ve felt very empty with no joy and some people have said I am depressed. My parent told me that it’s just because I need the Holy Spirit.

So what do I do to feel better? How do I get baptised in the Holy Spirit?

Also I was planning to start reading my Bible. Do I just read though the New Testament in order to begin with? I want to have strong faith in Jesus - I have no other friends.
You’re not depressed, you’re honest. Read John, then acts.
Numbers 6:24-26
 
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1watchman

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For past few years I’ve felt very empty with no joy and some people have said I am depressed. My parent told me that it’s just because I need the Holy Spirit.

So what do I do to feel better? How do I get baptised in the Holy Spirit?

Also I was planning to start reading my Bible. Do I just read though the New Testament in order to begin with? I want to have strong faith in Jesus - I have no other friends.

As I stated above here, you need the Lord Jesus in your heart, friend (not just in your mind). Make Him your best Friend as well as Lord of your life, and be walking and talking with him always. He will comfort you by His Holy Spirit in you. Remember, that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh for us. He died on the cross for us, and arose for us, and will take all who trust Him to Heaven in the Father's house forever. Do you not see that as something worth having? Your parents were right ---you need the Holy Spirit in you. I hope you will come to Him soon. I will pray for you!
 
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IsabelPatel

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I would not attribute depression to either one or the other. You know this state that you cause yourself with the help of the environment. For example, you have heard songs about depression https://ratingsgamemusic.com/2021/08/28/top-7-songs-about-depression/ it is in them that everything that worries a person is told about. You can draw conclusions and understand that there is always the right way out of depression and anyone can help you.
 
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