Greetings!

[Phasefree]

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I'm glad to have found a BP forum with a Christian focus. I hope I can make some online friends here and be encouraged as well as encourage others.

I'm a 36 year old married Christian guy who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1994 at the age of 25 after a manic episode that resulted in a 2-week stay in a psychiatric hospital. My disorder first appeared when I had an episode at age 14 but I really didn't know what it was at the time. My mother who is currently 70 also has the disorder as did several, now deceased, family members on her side of my family.

I faithfully took lithium for several years but it eventually had such a bad effect on my thyroid that my pdoc took me off of it and we tried a few other meds. I didn't respond very well to any of them so I'm now managing my illness without any meds at all. I've been med-free for the last three years.

I wish I could say things we're easy but taking care of myself in this regard has proven to be my greatest challenge in life. I have to constantly watch my moods, actions, thought patterns, exercise regularly, watch what I eat & drink, etc. etc. I've been looking for an online support group where I can obtain and pass along real world support.

By God's grace I've been able to stay manic-free; by I do struggle sometimes with a little hypomania. This usually results in making plans to pursue lifelong dreams, buying books and browsing the web like mad!

I'm blessed to be married to a wonderful woman who happens to be my very best friend in the whole world. She's very loving, patient and supportive. I've also been blessed with a good career path that has focused on writing, telecommunications, Internet support and web site production.

In my heart of hearts I truly believe having this disorder is a gift from God. If it weren't for being bipolar I honestly don't know if I'd be a Christian at all; having this illness drove me to the Church, and it keeps me on the path of trying to walk in faith and obedience to Christ. I also believe He "blessed" me with this illness so I could better understand, and hopefully support, the struggles of others.

What's the story behind the name "Phasefree"? It's basically a reminder for me that my goal is to live consistently, and on a good level path in the middle ground somewhere between the extremes of my illness.

Thanks for reading, I'm glad I'm here.

In Christ,
Phasefree
Proverbs 3:5-6

PS--Posts about how I simply need to have faith and claim healing in Jesus' name, or how I need to realize my illness is the result of ancient family curses will be utterly, and completely ignored.

 

[clownfool]

welcome to the bp forums
you gotta watch for wolves in sheep clothing on this site
Just don't let them decieve you always use the word of God as the final authority

I believe a lot of these people here are misled and on the road to hell.


Check out my life story in the bipolar forum under the topic

Why did God give me bipolar

My story is the first post\

May the Holy Spirit guide you in all truths
God bless

 

[Alive again]

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I'm glad to have found a BP forum with a Christian focus. I hope I can make some online friends here and be encouraged as well as encourage others.

I'm a 36 year old married Christian guy who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1994 at the age of 25 after a manic episode that resulted in a 2-week stay in a psychiatric hospital. My disorder first appeared when I had an episode at age 14 but I really didn't know what it was at the time. My mother who is currently 70 also has the disorder as did several, now deceased, family members on her side of my family.

I faithfully took lithium for several years but it eventually had such a bad effect on my thyroid that my pdoc took me off of it and we tried a few other meds. I didn't respond very well to any of them so I'm now managing my illness without any meds at all. I've been med-free for the last three years.

I wish I could say things we're easy but taking care of myself in this regard has proven to be my greatest challenge in life. I have to constantly watch my moods, actions, thought patterns, exercise regularly, watch what I eat & drink, etc. etc. I've been looking for an online support group where I can obtain and pass along real world support.

By God's grace I've been able to stay manic-free; by I do struggle sometimes with a little hypomania. This usually results in making plans to pursue lifelong dreams, buying books and browsing the web like a mad!

I'm blessed to be married to a wonderful woman who happens to be my very best friend in the whole world. She's very loving, patient and supportive. I've also been blessed with a good career path that has focused on writing, telecommunications, Internet support and web site production.

In my heart of hearts I truly believe having this disorder is a gift from God. If it weren't for being bipolar I honestly don't know if I'd be a Christian at all; having this illness drove me to the Church, and it keeps me on the path of trying to walk in faith and obedience to Christ. I also believe He "blessed" me with this illness so I could better understand, and hopefully support, the struggles of others.

What's the story behind the name "Phasefree"? It's basically a reminder for me that my goal is to live consistently, and on a good level path in the middle ground somewhere between the extremes of my illness.

Thanks for reading, I'm glad I'm here.

In Christ,
Phasefree
Proverbs 3:5-6

PS--Posts about how I simply need to have faith and claim healing in Jesus' name, or how I need to realize my illness is the result of ancient family curses will be utterly, and completely ignored.

Welcome ro oue forum!!! We are always pleased t find new freinds who are working to find peace and hope and support along life's journey, that happen to also have bp as one facet of who they truly are. We do have those who pop in from time to time adn try to convince us we are demon possessed or curse or whatever makes them feel better, but most of us here are learning to see blessings admidst our day to day lives as God grows us daily in our faith.

 

[I'ddie4him]

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I'm glad to have found a BP forum with a Christian focus. I hope I can make some online friends here and be encouraged as well as encourage others.

I'm a 36 year old married Christian guy who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1994 at the age of 25 after a manic episode that resulted in a 2-week stay in a psychiatric hospital. My disorder first appeared when I had an episode at age 14 but I really didn't know what it was at the time. My mother who is currently 70 also has the disorder as did several, now deceased, family members on her side of my family.

I faithfully took lithium for several years but it eventually had such a bad effect on my thyroid that my pdoc took me off of it and we tried a few other meds. I didn't respond very well to any of them so I'm now managing my illness without any meds at all. I've been med-free for the last three years.

I wish I could say things we're easy but taking care of myself in this regard has proven to be my greatest challenge in life. I have to constantly watch my moods, actions, thought patterns, exercise regularly, watch what I eat & drink, etc. etc. I've been looking for an online support group where I can obtain and pass along real world support.

By God's grace I've been able to stay manic-free; by I do struggle sometimes with a little hypomania. This usually results in making plans to pursue lifelong dreams, buying books and browsing the web like mad!

I'm blessed to be married to a wonderful woman who happens to be my very best friend in the whole world. She's very loving, patient and supportive. I've also been blessed with a good career path that has focused on writing, telecommunications, Internet support and web site production.

In my heart of hearts I truly believe having this disorder is a gift from God. If it weren't for being bipolar I honestly don't know if I'd be a Christian at all; having this illness drove me to the Church, and it keeps me on the path of trying to walk in faith and obedience to Christ. I also believe He "blessed" me with this illness so I could better understand, and hopefully support, the struggles of others.

What's the story behind the name "Phasefree"? It's basically a reminder for me that my goal is to live consistently, and on a good level path in the middle ground somewhere between the extremes of my illness.

Thanks for reading, I'm glad I'm here.

In Christ,
Phasefree
Proverbs 3:5-6

PS--Posts about how I simply need to have faith and claim healing in Jesus' name, or how I need to realize my illness is the result of ancient family curses will be utterly, and completely ignored.

Hey Phasefree,

Pleased to meet you and I hope that our time here can be spent encouraging and fellowshipping.

Your story sounds alot like mine. I am still on Lithium after 12 years.
Kinda reluctant to try anything new.
Glad things are doing well and keep posting.
Good to have you here.

 

[wonderwaleye]

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I'm glad to have found a BP forum with a Christian focus. I hope I can make some online friends here and be encouraged as well as encourage others.

I'm a 36 year old married Christian guy who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1994 at the age of 25 after a manic episode that resulted in a 2-week stay in a psychiatric hospital. My disorder first appeared when I had an episode at age 14 but I really didn't know what it was at the time. My mother who is currently 70 also has the disorder as did several, now deceased, family members on her side of my family.

I faithfully took lithium for several years but it eventually had such a bad effect on my thyroid that my pdoc took me off of it and we tried a few other meds. I didn't respond very well to any of them so I'm now managing my illness without any meds at all. I've been med-free for the last three years.

I wish I could say things we're easy but taking care of myself in this regard has proven to be my greatest challenge in life. I have to constantly watch my moods, actions, thought patterns, exercise regularly, watch what I eat & drink, etc. etc. I've been looking for an online support group where I can obtain and pass along real world support.

By God's grace I've been able to stay manic-free; by I do struggle sometimes with a little hypomania. This usually results in making plans to pursue lifelong dreams, buying books and browsing the web like mad!

I'm blessed to be married to a wonderful woman who happens to be my very best friend in the whole world. She's very loving, patient and supportive. I've also been blessed with a good career path that has focused on writing, telecommunications, Internet support and web site production.

In my heart of hearts I truly believe having this disorder is a gift from God. If it weren't for being bipolar I honestly don't know if I'd be a Christian at all; having this illness drove me to the Church, and it keeps me on the path of trying to walk in faith and obedience to Christ. I also believe He "blessed" me with this illness so I could better understand, and hopefully support, the struggles of others.

What's the story behind the name "Phasefree"? It's basically a reminder for me that my goal is to live consistently, and on a good level path in the middle ground somewhere between the extremes of my illness.

Thanks for reading, I'm glad I'm here.

In Christ,
Phasefree
Proverbs 3:5-6

PS--Posts about how I simply need to have faith and claim healing in Jesus' name, or how I need to realize my illness is the result of ancient family curses will be utterly, and completely ignored.

Dear Phase free


You may well be sent here by GOD, but maybe the reason might not be what you thought.

You must know and accept as a bipolar that you are and forever will be a bipolar unless you are totally healed by JESUS CHRIST.

Everyone of us including you are just as capable of causing extreme carnage as waking up in the morning. When that happens we have no control as it is the brain that is causing the carnage. One part of the brain does not sit and watch the other to tell it to stop. It's called FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!!

I notice by your post that the doctor did not take you off meds. The only recourse that is anywhere safe is
to be patient and keep trying new drugs till you find the ones that work for you. It took me a long time and much pain to get the right meds. Since then I have had a very good life and I have no idea I'm taking them.

When a person posts what you did here, many bi polars are put to extreme risk. If this is how you value your life and want to take the risk, it is only YOU that can make the change.( that is till your locked up and forced to take what they give you )

You state yourself that your not steady but it has been mild. What are you waiting for? The time when you do something you can't take back? You couldn't be more classic in your actions than the best of bi polars. ( WE DON'T NEED MEDS, WHERE STRONG AND SMART!!! OOOOHHHHHHHH MYMYMY ) SOMETIMES ARE BRAINS ARE REAL JOKERS!!!!!

If you want to continue the blessings of a good wife then don't put her to risk plus having to deal with you when your hyper. If you don't care about yourself enough to do the right thing then do it for her. She deserves it.

It is good to hear that you started your CHRISTIAN walk. We all need to read GODS WORD and put it in our heart. For example those that read HIS WORD will read a verse that says: " GIVE HEED TO THE PHYSICAN " or learn about GODS GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT that turn their complete life over to HIM.

I TO AM GLAD YOUR HERE!!! WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER:


XEven though you can't see Him, GOD is there!O
( click on the X and move to the O ) ( then feel who is around you )

 

[Phasefree]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone, I appreciate the kind words as well as the words of caution.

wonderwaleye: Thank you for your concern, I appreciate everything you said. It's not every day that someone is as direct and as honest as you were in your reply.

I did want to comment on a few things you said...

My psychiatrist *did* take me off my meds, I didn't decide to go off of them by myself. I would honestly never trust my own judgement to do that. It would be all to easy to think I don't need meds and fall into the trap of "thinking" I'm ok or healed when in fact I'm not ok and I'm just making unhealthy decisions in a hypomanic or manic state.

You can rest assured this isn't the case. I am very aware of my mental states, moods and actions, as is my wife and other close family members to whom I am accountable. If I ever get to a place where I even begin to do things that contribute to my illness I have a strong network of loving people who can level with me and be honest about my need for medication and/or some other treatment. We recently spent 12 weeks in a NAMI workshop for families to learn how to assess family member risk factors and respond appropriately. I don't pretend for one second that I'm beyond care.

You mentioned that due to what I posted here "many bi polars are put to extreme risk." That saddens me deeply, it was never my intention to cause someone else to stumble, struggle or otherwise make a wrong decision to go off their medication or reject medical care. I was simply telling my story up to this point. I would never suggest to anyone that they go off their meds or do what I have done. We're all very different and no one thing will work for everyone. Please forgive me if I offended you or anyone else on this board.

I know what I posted may have made me sound like someone who claims they don't need meds or are so strong that they're beyond medication and care; that isn't true. I don't believe that and I know for sure I can't go it alone in my own strength. That's why God's grace and mercy and the loving guidance of care of my doctors and family members have saved me over and over.

I took a chance in coming here and sharing my story, but I am reluctant to post if what I have to say might put someone else at risk. Thank your sharing your concerns.

 

[wonderwaleye]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone, I appreciate the kind words as well as the words of caution.

wonderwaleye: Thank you for your concern, I appreciate everything you said. It's not every day that someone is as direct and as honest as you were in your reply.

I did want to comment on a few things you said...

My psychiatrist *did* take me off my meds, I didn't decide to go off of them by myself. I would honestly never trust my own judgement to do that. It would be all to easy to think I don't need meds and fall into the trap of "thinking" I'm ok or healed when in fact I'm not ok and I'm just making unhealthy decisions in a hypomanic or manic state.

You can rest assured this isn't the case. I am very aware of my mental states, moods and actions, as is my wife and other close family members to whom I am accountable. If I ever get to a place where I even begin to do things that contribute to my illness I have a strong network of loving people who can level with me and be honest about my need for medication and/or some other treatment. We recently spent 12 weeks in a NAMI workshop for families to learn how to assess family member risk factors and respond appropriately. I don't pretend for one second that I'm beyond care.

You mentioned that due to what I posted here "many bi polars are put to extreme risk." That saddens me deeply, it was never my intention to cause someone else to stumble, struggle or otherwise make a wrong decision to go off their medication or reject medical care. I was simply telling my story up to this point. I would never suggest to anyone that they go off their meds or do what I have done. We're all very different and no one thing will work for everyone. Please forgive me if I offended you or anyone else on this board.

I know what I posted may have made me sound like someone who claims they don't need meds or are so strong that they're beyond medication and care; that isn't true. I don't believe that and I know for sure I can't go it alone in my own strength. That's why God's grace and mercy and the loving guidance of care of my doctors and family members have saved me over and over.

I took a chance in coming here and sharing my story, but I am reluctant to post if what I have to say might put someone else at risk. Thank your sharing your concerns.

Dear Phase Free

The reason that this forum is so valuable to others is that these are CHRISTIAN folks dealing with a very serious disease.



The more folks we have here expressing their thoughts, actions, and treatments the more chance anyone of has with the coping of the disease.



Your first post said:

" I faithfully took lithium for several years but it eventually had such a bad effect on my thyroid that my pdoc took me off of it and we tried a few other meds. I didn't respond very well to any of them so I'm now managing my illness without any meds at all. I've been med-free for the last three years. "



No where in this statement could I find that the doctor took you off meds. I am not aware of any post I've ever read where the bipolar said the doctor had ceased all medication. Yet I have read about and seen severe carnage caused by not taking meds.



I have never run into or heard of a manic that would stop and sit down and say: " I am very aware of my mental states, moods and actions " and then turn it
off.


What one doctor told me is that it is dangerous to let mania of any kind go unchecked because your mind learns to go manic faster. He also told me that it can get so bad that a person can get to the state where they have to be hospitalized for life.


I'm sure that if you have dealt with this disease for any length of time you have heard much of what is said.



I'm sorry you took offence to my post or had your feelings hurt. I try to be straight forward and to the point. If I find a post that is contrary to the needs of the disease I respond immediately. I have a love of all souls because of JESUS. I also get real upset when these folks are told that the reason they remain sick is because they lack Faith. Which is not so.


Well I hope we can become good friends in JESUS.


NEVER NEVER FORGET:


XEven though you can't see Him, GOD is there!O
( click on the X and move to the O ) ( then feel who is around you )