Depression Class

[gracealone]

Hi guys,
Just wanted to ask for your prayers. I'm going to a class that's being offered at my church on Depression. I attended the first one this last Sun. I spent a great deal of time trying to talk myself out of it but in the end I sucked it up and went.
I wanted to make contact with some Christians at my church who suffer with mental disorders. Already I've found that several of the folk in the class have depression that's linked to an anxiety disorder.
So far I have mixed feelings about the teaching in the class. Some of it is very good, but when the word bondage is being used to describe mental disorders, my hackles go up.
What I'm asking is that God will enable me to offer some positive things to the class and keep me from acting in any sort of antagonistic or argumentative ways.
I'm far more bold when writing than I am in person. Speaking up in public always produces fiery hives on my skin and sometimes a migraine. I've never been able to stop that body response but I've not allowed it to keep me from speaking up.
The people in the class are so great. They are compassionate and sweet. I'm hoping that we will be able to branch off from this and do an anxiety disorder support group.
Just pray that I won't get in the way of the Lord's will. That I'll shut up when I should and speak up when I should and that I'll always do so with respect, honor and compassion.
Thanks,
Mitzi

 

[ObsessedButBlessed]

Hi Mitzi, I can understand your "hackles" going up when hearing about bondage in terms of depression, anxiety and even OCD. While I do absolutely believe there are some spiritual elements and even influences when battling mental illness, I have shied away from religious teachings that lay the blame solely on "not praying hard enough" or "being in bondange to a spiritual force," etc. I will most certainly pray that you are able to insert your wisdom and knowledge of anxiety disorders and depression to provide an alternative viewpoint, without being argumentative. It is hard to speak up, but you are so wise on this message board that I can't imagine you being any other way in your everyday life!

 

[keryakos]

Hi guys,
Just wanted to ask for your prayers. I'm going to a class that's being offered at my church on Depression. I attended the first one this last Sun. I spent a great deal of time trying to talk myself out of it but in the end I sucked it up and went.
I wanted to make contact with some Christians at my church who suffer with mental disorders. Already I've found that several of the folk in the class have depression that's linked to an anxiety disorder.
So far I have mixed feelings about the teaching in the class. Some of it is very good, but when the word bondage is being used to describe mental disorders, my hackles go up.
What I'm asking is that God will enable me to offer some positive things to the class and keep me from acting in any sort of antagonistic or argumentative ways.
I'm far more bold when writing than I am in person. Speaking up in public always produces fiery hives on my skin and sometimes a migraine. I've never been able to stop that body response but I've not allowed it to keep me from speaking up.
The people in the class are so great. They are compassionate and sweet. I'm hoping that we will be able to branch off from this and do an anxiety disorder support group.
Just pray that I won't get in the way of the Lord's will. That I'll shut up when I should and speak up when I should and that I'll always do so with respect, honor and compassion.
Thanks,
Mitzi

you have my prayers mitzi ..please pray for me as well

 

[gracealone]

Thanks Sad and Keryakos,
I'm hoping that this is going to be the start of a real positive thing within our church community. Praying for you Keryakos. God will see you through this.
Mitzi

 

[Jayangel81]

I pray that you find plenty of support and make new friends within the group

 

[kaykay9.0]

Hi Mitzi, I can understand your "hackles" going up when hearing about bondage in terms of depression, anxiety and even OCD. While I do absolutely believe there are some spiritual elements and even influences when battling mental illness, I have shied away from religious teachings that lay the blame solely on "not praying hard enough" or "being in bondange to a spiritual force," etc. I will most certainly pray that you are able to insert your wisdom and knowledge of anxiety disorders and depression to provide an alternative viewpoint, without being argumentative. It is hard to speak up, but you are so wise on this message board that I can't imagine you being any other way in your everyday life!

Echoing what Sad wrote here. Praying for you as well.

 

[QUannie]

Prayed for you!

Q