Bipolar questions

[IKTCA]

Friends,
I am not bipolar. I have a close friend who is bipolar. He explains to me what goes through his mind during the high and low cycles. I have also read internet articles on bipolar, I and II. I have also read the posts here. I have a few questions.

Aggressive thoughts and behaviors, hurting our friends and family members. Lustful thoughts. Where are these coming from? Are these thoughts within us and just pop? Are we that evil? We, who call ourselves Christians, have evil thoughts residing within us? Is the blood of Christ Jesus of no value? I don't think so. We are not evil. The blood of Christ Jesus keeps us from being hosts of evil thoughts and deeds.

I believe the ungodly thoughts come from the devil. He is taking advantage of our chemical imbalance, and deceives us to believe that the ungodly thougts are within us, and that chemical imbalance is the culprit. While we are not quite ourselves because of brain chemistry, the devil is deceiving us to accept his ungodly thoughts as our own.

Eventually, each of us will have to stand before God. All our hidden secrets will be revealed. When God asks us about the ungodly thoughts and deeds, can we say, "Our chemical imbalance was the culprit?" It would be equivalent to saying, "God, because you did not heal our chemical imbalance, we had ungodly thoughts and did ungodly deeds. It is your fault, not ours." Will God say, "Yes, it is my fault?"

Friends,
How great a price do we pay because of the deception? Because we believe the evil resides within us, we fall in severe depression and unberable condemnation. If we knew the evil came from outside, we would put up a fight, rather than slupmping in defeat and falling in depression, for we are God's even with chemical imbalance.

Rupert

 

[justafayes]

Yes, you are right,, the enemy puts the thoughts there to hinder us.

I heard a preacher say one time long ago..."
You can't stop a bird from landing on your head,, but you don't have to let him build a nest."
The thoughts are gonna come, but we should NOT entertain them or act upon them, Taking our eyes off Jesus and listening to the thoughts is where we get into trouble,, We can recognize an enemy thought. It will never agree or go hand in hand with God's word. That's one of the reasons he told us to "Try the Spirit and see if it is of God" How do you try the Spirit,, compare it with God's word.. God is certainly in control, submission is the answer.

As for the chemical imbalance, it is a wonderful opportunity to testify of God's grace once all is said and done.. Bless you in Jesus Name! Faye

 

[IKTCA]

My friends,
If we were the source of evil, there would be no redemption for us. If evil thoughts were formed within us and went out from us, our situation would be worse than Judas', who betrayed Jesus.

But because unclean thoughts entered us from outside, if someone wipes us clean inside, we can be made clean. Indeed, God wipes us clean inside with Jesus' blood. No dirt can withstand the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.

If anyone of us feels unclean, let it be known to him that the dirt came from outside, and Jesus' blood can wipe him clean. Amen.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus..... (Hebrews)

What is the Most Holy Place? Isn't this where God is? How clean do we become with the blood of Jesus? Clean enough to stand right before God! Amen.


Rupert

 

[freyajem]

Yes, you are right,, the enemy puts the thoughts there to hinder us.

I heard a preacher say one time long ago..."
You can't stop a bird from landing on your head,, but you don't have to let him build a nest."
The thoughts are gonna come, but we should NOT entertain them or act upon them, Taking our eyes off Jesus and listening to the thoughts is where we get into trouble,, We can recognize an enemy thought. It will never agree or go hand in hand with God's word. That's one of the reasons he told us to "Try the Spirit and see if it is of God" How do you try the Spirit,, compare it with God's word.. God is certainly in control, submission is the answer.

As for the chemical imbalance, it is a wonderful opportunity to testify of God's grace once all is said and done.. Bless you in Jesus Name! Faye

To compare a bird landing on one's head with the bipolar disease taking over one's body is a bit like comparing a kite landing in a tree to a tornado levelling a town.

 

[missionary1]

Hello My Name Is Steve Harris Jims Son In Washington I Just Wanted To Let You Know He Has Passed Away Yesterday On Newyears Day He Was A Special Intelligent Loving Man And It Willbehardforeveryone,iknow How Much He Wanted To Be Apart Of Your Forum And Had The Talent And Compassion To Do So ,any Way He Is In A Better Place Than We Are That Is For Sure


Reguards Steve Harris

 

[s_gunter]

Yes, you are right,, the enemy puts the thoughts there to hinder us.

I heard a preacher say one time long ago..."
You can't stop a bird from landing on your head,, but you don't have to let him build a nest."
The thoughts are gonna come, but we should NOT entertain them or act upon them, Taking our eyes off Jesus and listening to the thoughts is where we get into trouble,, We can recognize an enemy thought. It will never agree or go hand in hand with God's word. That's one of the reasons he told us to "Try the Spirit and see if it is of God" How do you try the Spirit,, compare it with God's word.. God is certainly in control, submission is the answer.

As for the chemical imbalance, it is a wonderful opportunity to testify of God's grace once all is said and done.. Bless you in Jesus Name! Faye

I can agree with this, somewhat. It all depends on the severity and intensity of the chemical imbalance and the individual skill of the individual using coping mechanisms. If a person doesn't know what to do to quash the thought or action (I'm referring to an outburst here...), then the consequences will be worse than if a person knows what to do when they feel the 'swing.'

And yes, the chemical imbalances can be intense enough for a person to 'forget' about their faith and the promises of God. That's how strong it can be. Now, once a person has something (usually meds) to help slow down their minds (racing thoughts is a common sign/symptom), a person can start thinking rationally again. However, this is virtually impossible without some sort of intervention, either another person being a voice of reason or having the meds. I person cannot do this alone.

 

[s_gunter]

My friends,
If we were the source of evil, there would be no redemption for us. If evil thoughts were formed within us and went out from us, our situation would be worse than Judas', who betrayed Jesus.

But because unclean thoughts entered us from outside, if someone wipes us clean inside, we can be made clean. Indeed, God wipes us clean inside with Jesus' blood. No dirt can withstand the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.

If anyone of us feels unclean, let it be known to him that the dirt came from outside, and Jesus' blood can wipe him clean. Amen.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus..... (Hebrews)

What is the Most Holy Place? Isn't this where God is? How clean do we become with the blood of Jesus? Clean enough to stand right before God! Amen.


Rupert

Just because we have Jesus in us, doesn't mean that all illnesses and other unclean things are taken from us. That doesn't happen until we are in heaven with Him. Then and only then will we be perfect.

Think about this. Is a person with cancer automatically cured after being 'saved/born again?' No! (That said, I do believe it can happen, it just doesn't happen to everyone, every time.) Would you dare say to a person suffering from cancer that they don't really have God in them because their cancer (uncleanness) remains? It's the same way for those of us unfortunate enough to be mentally ill. Just because our mind is sick, doesn't mean we aren't faithful enough/spiritual enough, etc.

Or, did I totally misunderstand your post and am showing my over sensitivity to this issue?

 

[IKTCA]

s-gunter,

What I say is of little value. Only what the Lord says matters. Who would care if man's words were discarded and trampled? What's the use of asking what he truly meant? All of us only desire that the Lord's words be lifted and honored wherever they are proclaimed.

Rupert

 

[s_gunter]

s-gunter,

What I say is of little value. Only what the Lord says matters. Who would care if man's words were discarded and trampled? What's the use of asking what he truly meant? All of us only desire that the Lord's words be lifted and honored wherever they are proclaimed.

Rupert

It looks like I did misunderstand you. I read that last night, responded, and then retired for the night. This morning I woke up thinking this thread needed a reread on my part and I read it differently this morning, especially your second post in this thread.

However, I did not mean to trample what you said. I just misunderstood what you said, and jumped to conclusions too quick. Forgive a young lady whose brain sometimes gets muddled?

 

[angelkiss]

I have been a christian since March 13, 2004. It has been the best time of my life. But, that doesn't mean that all my mood swings have automatically stopped and my outbursts have went away. I battle it each and every day.

I feel that as long as I do my best in being a christian and do God's will, he is going to understand when I face him. It's not the same as going out and doing something bad, just to be doing it. This is a very serious illness, and most people don't understand that. I have been bipolar all my life and a lot of the actions I have made are unexplainable. I haven't even been able to understand myself sometimes, let alone expect anyone else too. But one person I know does understand, and that is God. He expects us to help ourselves, and I feel that as long as I am using my coping skills, taking my meds, seeing my therapists, and doing as he expects, if I have an outburst, he's gonna be saddened, but he will understand, for it is not what is really inside my heart. It is an illness that cannot be helped.

 

[IKTCA]

Sister AngelKiss:

Thank you for the summary of our life with bipolar. I agree that bipolar is a serious sickness.

Of all the sicknesses we know, cancer is the most feared. It is nearly a death sentence. Especially, cervical cancer, stomach cancer and brain cancer are the deadliest forms of cancer. But even a cancer patient does not lose his mind and does things that he will regret only a few moments later. But we lose our mind.

Our sickness is truly the most serious of all sicknesses. Our efforts to be cured of this sickness are the most strenuous of all. We get help from psychiatrists and medicine. But that's not enough. We still lose our mind.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber (Psalm 121)

We fervently pray to the Father to hold our souls so that evil does not enter us when our brain chemistry goes out of balance. We do that day and night with the most fervent pouring of our heart.

I have much sympathy for bipolars. I started my prayer book because of them. Their names were the first that entered my prayer book. I have prayed for them for years. I learned much from praying for them, but I also had many moments of sadness.

Let our efforts to be healed be more than those with cancer. Let us not lose our hope for healing by the word of God through Jesus Our Lord. Let us not lose our obedience to the commandments of God. That is my prayer for all of us.

Rupert

 

[Jeshu]

Hello My Name Is Steve Harris Jims Son In Washington I Just Wanted To Let You Know He Has Passed Away Yesterday On Newyears Day He Was A Special Intelligent Loving Man And It Willbehardforeveryone,iknow How Much He Wanted To Be Apart Of Your Forum And Had The Talent And Compassion To Do So ,any Way He Is In A Better Place Than We Are That Is For Sure


Reguards Steve Harris

Psalm 116:15
My condolances. It is great to know that he was a loving compassionate man and that he loved the LORD. What great promises awaits those who love Him.

 

[goldenviolet]

Friends,
I am not bipolar. I have a close friend who is bipolar. He explains to me what goes through his mind during the high and low cycles. I have also read internet articles on bipolar, I and II. I have also read the posts here. I have a few questions.

Aggressive thoughts and behaviors, hurting our friends and family members. Lustful thoughts. Where are these coming from? Are these thoughts within us and just pop? Are we that evil? We, who call ourselves Christians, have evil thoughts residing within us? Is the blood of Christ Jesus of no value? I don't think so. We are not evil. The blood of Christ Jesus keeps us from being hosts of evil thoughts and deeds.

I believe the ungodly thoughts come from the devil. He is taking advantage of our chemical imbalance, and deceives us to believe that the ungodly thougts are within us, and that chemical imbalance is the culprit. While we are not quite ourselves because of brain chemistry, the devil is deceiving us to accept his ungodly thoughts as our own.

Eventually, each of us will have to stand before God. All our hidden secrets will be revealed. When God asks us about the ungodly thoughts and deeds, can we say, "Our chemical imbalance was the culprit?" It would be equivalent to saying, "God, because you did not heal our chemical imbalance, we had ungodly thoughts and did ungodly deeds. It is your fault, not ours." Will God say, "Yes, it is my fault?"

Friends,
How great a price do we pay because of the deception? Because we believe the evil resides within us, we fall in severe depression and unberable condemnation. If we knew the evil came from outside, we would put up a fight, rather than slupmping in defeat and falling in depression, for we are God's even with chemical imbalance.

Rupert

Rupert

it may seem like the person exsperiancing these things should just beable to get a grip and turn over the feelings to God. there is always an out, right? however, my exsperiance with bipolar has taught me that sometimes it just has to run it's course. we all have to learn to manage what has been laid before us. ofcourse.

the things you named as 'symptoms' perplex me. that sounds like just our nature. bipolar is behavioral in a very different way. it is a lack of connection in the brain's make up that causes an override of normal emotions and turning them into storms of sorts.

sometimes we aren't healled. sometimes we need to learn to manage and fill the void with other gifts and thanksgiving.

it is the illness vs reality instigating eachother. i know from exsperiance that being undisaplined spiritually and living unbalanced biblical greatly increases everything negative (just like everybody else).

on break-through episodes, i halluncinate. i know nothing is there. i hear things. i know aren't real. but let me tell you, even then sometimes i've been hospitalized. bible in hand. for me, it is like my thoughts become so rushed, sounds start to hurt my head, my muscles tense up (sometimes i siezsure),
my normal feelings of any emotion become so stong and intense that everything starts spinning.

the blessing is that i can tell it's starting. i have taken classes to deal with and manage my hardships... (i had great christian therepists)... i have emergency meds (seditives). my eyes dialate and heart rate changes, and my speech and thought process is confused, so it's visible my body chemicals are changing. all of this while i am on medication. so, i just start down my long list of things that help. at first i had to struggle to do this... but with practice and disapline in God's will, now it is natural ...

during these times of struggling with a potiential break through, or an actaul one, i feel blessed. i feel very different in my spirit. i feel ok there. i even feel comforted. God scoops me up, and says "be still and know that I am God" ... and He whispers to me to let others reachout and minister to me. like it's my job to except it (it's tempting to fight it). when i was younger, i SI-ed, acted out, etc.... living as a child of God has a HUGE impact on our struggles. so i have learned to draw close to God, and let Him (His word) get me through what i can't control.

i know that my not being healled has blessed many people

 

[stanneberg]

I am not bipolar. I have a close friend who is bipolar. He explains to me what goes through his mind during the high and low cycles. I have also read internet articles on bipolar, I and II. I have also read the posts here. I have a few questions.

Has anyone else noticed IKTCA's burden to pray for us bipolars even though he doesn't have the disease? Don't you find that interesting? Re-reading some of his posts, its as if he has assimilated our condition by using words that includes himself in our dispair.

Why the burden? Why is he so passionate about healing?

More importantly, why aren't I?

You'd think that I would be more willing and able to offer prayers for "healing of the minds" because I experienced it myself. The truth is -- depression has become my friend. When I experience the 'bouts of mental bankrupcy, although I don't like it, I'm familiar with it. We like what we know.

There is part of me that feels useful to other mental sufferers -- I find validity for my own weaknesses by encouraging others with the same affliction. But I do wonder about total healing. I'm starting on my 4th month without any drugs at all. At one point I was telling people that I wasn't bipolar any more. However, I still react to events the same way. There are times I invent things, read, write, pray and evangelize with the vigor of The Apostle Paul. Other instances brings me to the pit of dispair with the hopelessness of King David and Elijah. My question is: Was I healed or not?

If Rupert is right in his passionate, dogmatic approach to bipolar healing, why are so many people with the disease fighting it? I've read so many threads about people thinking they were healed but realizing it was just another psychotic attack. Of course God has the power to heal. After all, He spoke the world into existance! Another question: Do you think He wants to heal you?

Stephen Tanneberg

 

[stanneberg]

the things you named as 'symptoms' perplex me. that sounds like just our nature. bipolar is behavioral in a very different way. it is a lack of connection in the brain's make up that causes an override of normal emotions and turning them into storms of sorts.

There was a short period of time where I too was comforted by the scientific definition of the disease. Sometimes learning what is actually happening in our bodies helps us reason and cope with the lows. Friends and family have asked me to explain the disease -- I felt smarter and more validated when I rattled off statistics and other pertinant information. When all is said and done, taking everything into consideration . . . it still sucks!

it is the illness vs reality instigating eachother. i know from exsperiance that being undisaplined spiritually and living unbalanced biblical greatly increases everything negative (just like everybody else).

This sounds so typical! Too many times in my life people have tried to "fix" me. When I was down, they suggested that I remove the sin in my life, read the Bible more or work on my prayer life. Over Christmas, it was even suggested that I would become more stable if I changed my diet! The only thing I do on a consistant basis is wake up in the morning. I don't even do that at the same time everyday! If I could solve all my problems through a spiritually disciplined diet and living a biblically balanced life, don't you think I would have already done this?

I too have compared my circumstances with everyone else's. In fact, I have beat myself up over the fact that other people seem to be able to overcome the same problems that make me paralyzed. The most devastating part of being bipolar is the fact that everything is amplified. One guy may be able to deal with depression -- I just want to die!

The whole point of salvation is that God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Do you think it stops at our conversion? Jesus related us to sheep. Sheep are PRONE to wander. It is in our nature to go in the opposite direction of our shepherd. We can't try to stay close to Him by our own efforts -- He keeps going after us. Eventually, we learn to follow Him and trust Him.

on break-through episodes, i halluncinate. i know nothing is there. i hear things. i know aren't real. but let me tell you, even then sometimes i've been hospitalized. bible in hand. for me, it is like my thoughts become so rushed, sounds start to hurt my head, my muscles tense up (sometimes i siezsure), my normal feelings of any emotion become so stong and intense that everything starts spinning.

What if you weren't halluncinating? What if you were seeing something that God wanted you to see? This thought shakes things up a bit, doesn't it? In scripture, every time someone had a close encounter with God, they "fell apart." Every time someone had a vision, there was a purpose for it. They always directed attention back to God. Scriptures tell us that in the last days there will be visions and dreams. How would you feel if God chose you to reveal something to the world? According to scripture, violent physical reactions occur after a revelation from God. John fell on the floor as dead. Habbakuk said that his stomach quivered, legs shook and rottonness entered into his bones.

Please don't think that I'm beating up on you. I'm not. I am so sick and tired of the typical Sunday-School approach to my everyday struggles. Personally, I don't care if any of us are ever totally healed from our disease. I have given up on the proverbial self-help books and five easy steps to spiritual freedom. What I do care about is seeing what God can do in spite of it all!

There was a short period of time where God revealed Himself to me. This was the best and worst revelation of my life. Seeing His majesty and holiness was phenominal -- but at the same time, I saw myself for who I was. I see His church dying and suffering -- causing more damage than good. I'm compelled to do something to bring honor and glory to Him, but I know this would be imppossible on my own. What would happen if we all prayed, lifting each other up -- like Rupert is doing, and asked God to use each of us -- visions and all -- for His glory?

Stephen Tanneberg

 

[vibrant]

what's up with people coming into this forum and try to invalidate what we go through? i don't really care of you have the best of intentions, do you also go into a tourette's forum and berate them for their ticks and irrational behaviour, claiming that when they face God, they won't be able to use "chemical inbalances" as a defence?

 

[IKTCA]

Sister GV:

I am humbled by your testimony. If I had your devotion to our God, I would have already been in the third heaven. Speak more for I am ready to hear and learn humility from you.

Sister Vibrant:

I am a man who was found by the Lord Jesus at the age of 37. That is many long years of rebellious, dark and deceitful life. I am 54 now and have been cleansed by the word of Jesus for 17 years. But the stench of death and deceit is still with me. I can sense it, and I am certain you sensed it, too, for my words angered you.

My words are not "full of grace" as Jesus' words. Instead, the stench of death and deceit come from my words. I ask you to forgive me for the offence.

Rupert

 

[vibrant]

Sister Vibrant:

I am a man who was found by the Lord Jesus at the age of 37. That is many long years of rebellious, dark and deceitful life. I am 54 now and have been cleansed by the word of Jesus for 17 years. But the stench of death and deceit is still with me. I can sense it, and I am certain you sensed it, too, for my words angered you.

My words are not "full of grace" as Jesus' words. Instead, the stench of death and deceit come from my words. I ask you to forgive me for the offence.

Rupert

you just don't get it. you and others, i find, just waltz in here and disrespect the illness, the symptoms, the treatments, among other things. you're entitled to say whatever you want, but comments like yours and others leaves me feeling like this isn't a safe haven for understanding when it comes to bipolar affective disorder.

 

[goldenviolet]

stanneberg my post was to rupert. my post was also about myself.
i didn't relate, and have no comments to your post, except i did read it, and the part of how you feel about depression, and wishing you'd die.... load up on God's promises! you are the first firsts of His creation and very valuable. blessed and inheriting the title of God's redeemed son. even in grief, take comfort that you are held.

vibrant don't be discouraged sweetheart, sometimes posts are not personal, but feel very personal. i'll betcha there is just a bunch of ideas and different interpetations here. i notice that alot of times, the threads come back together. God's children do try to build eachother, and show love and compassion.... sometimes our posts don't always convey all the things we think and feel.*warmfuzzies*

Rupert you really are so very sweet. your encouragement to me in the last couple of months has been lovely blessings. everything you say to me: i see and think of you. i know i have said that before, but it needs to be said again. your faith and exsperiance and heart is looked up to.

your words didn't anger me i felt as if your ideas of bipolar might not be clear... or maybe your friend struggles with his actions more so than the chemical embalance. am i saying too much? i certainly don't want to read too much into something i am only thinking. or offend. i actually saw your thread some time ago... i wasn't too sure what to think... i just felt like i needed to put my two cents in by exsplaining what i go through, and that i agreed with the part i texted in blue.....um... .... postaholic .... a post to add to.

 

[stanneberg]

you just don't get it. you and others, i find, just waltz in here and disrespect the illness, the symptoms, the treatments, among other things. you're entitled to say whatever you want, but comments like yours and others leaves me feeling like this isn't a safe haven for understanding when it comes to bipolar affective disorder.

Vibrant,

I do understand the illness! I'm willing to bet that my condion was worse than yours -- my doctor's told me that they had never seen anyone as bad as me!

Have I posted anything that upset you? If so, are you going to give me a chance to redeem myself? or do you just want to be angry?

I have had reactions to some of the things on this Forum too! Sometimes I feel like people don't know what they're talking about. Other times I just switched it off because I was tired about hearing the same old depressing things and didn't want to get into a spitting contest over how bad the disease is.

One thing I do know is some of Rupert's posts caused me to question myself and ponder scripture. I also know that Rupert has prayed for me and my condition. I may not agree with everything, but I wish I had his heart!

How can I help you? Its obvious that something here has upset you. Why? Is it really about feeling that your "safe haven" has been violated, or is there something else? Do you even care?

Stephen Tanneberg