Have you ever been there?

[Amin]

Hi, I'm kind of reluctant to post here because , i've studied Gods' Word, and have been very active in my church, and i pretty much know what God says about, hope, faith, resting in Him, etc. etc. Since the start of my depression, and anxiety, i've been caring, less and less
about things. Now it's gotten to the point where i really
don't care about very much at all. I sometimes feel, that,
i really don't care too much for myself, why should God?
The thing is , i know God cares because His Word says so.
He also says: Never will I leave , or forsake you. But, thinking thoughts of hope, and faith, come hard to a depressed person, at least it does me. Has anyone ever thought like this?, and did anything you do help you?
There are other things that go into the way i feel, but
they would take too long to explain. Thanks, Amin.

 

[ceedaisy]

It is the devil trying to keep you down. Just because you are a Christian and knows that God loves you doesn't mean that Depression can't touch you. Depression can be caused by a variety of things. Some depression is temporary while other times it is permanent such as mine. If it is possible talk to a doctor about how you feel and see if anti depressants would be of help. I'm on Lexapro. It has components of Prozac, but without the side effects. I saw changes in myself by the end of the first week. If it isn't possible, just keep praying to God to lift the Depression and have Him bind the devils grip on you. Don't doubt yourself and remember there are people who do care. Hang in there!

 

[Amin]

Hi, ceedaisy, I forgot to mention that i've been taking
meds. for depression for over 4 yrs., and nothing seems to do what it's supposed too. My DR. said we're almost out of options when it comes to choices in med. Some meds. i can't take, because i have a stomach problem that's going to be with me forever, and certain meds. trigger the stomach problem, so i can't take them. It was a reaction to a new stomach med. that started the whole thing in the first place. It caused me to have somewhat of a nervous breakdown, and since then my life has been a rollercoaster
ride. I'm now at the point i mentioned in the first post. I've gotten to the point where i've said; God, you're the only one that can help, but if you decide not too, give me strength to live with it. I really don't know what else to do, that's why i've for all intents and purposes, i've just kinda given up. Thanks for your reply, God Bless, And Take care, Amin.

 

[mikeforjesus]

ceedaisy why do u think your depression is permanent?

 

[pockleberry]

Hi, I'm kind of reluctant to post here because , i've studied Gods' Word, and have been very active in my church, and i pretty much know what God says about, hope, faith, resting in Him, etc. etc. Since the start of my depression, and anxiety, i've been caring, less and less
about things. Now it's gotten to the point where i really
don't care about very much at all. I sometimes feel, that,
i really don't care too much for myself, why should God?
The thing is , i know God cares because His Word says so.
He also says: Never will I leave , or forsake you. But, thinking thoughts of hope, and faith, come hard to a depressed person, at least it does me. Has anyone ever thought like this?, and did anything you do help you?
There are other things that go into the way i feel, but
they would take too long to explain. Thanks, Amin.

hey just wanted to say...i've been in that place i guess i still am, I know what it's like to just not care about anything and I've defently got confused about how and why God cares about me even when I don't. For me i found that talking to my descipler helps because she's happy to talk about what God says about how God sees me. Even if you know it having someone there who will talk to you about it and not judge you for doubting it can really make a difference....hope that i've been helpfull....if you ever wanna talk I'm happy to listen

 

[ceedaisy]

ceedaisy why do u think your depression is permanent?

I have had this depression since childhood. I would cry myself to sleep thinking that no one loved me not even my parents. I felt stupid and handicapped because I have a really bad temper and can be abusive in my depressed state. I'm not pretty when I'm low. If I'm off my lexapro, I slip right back into my old life. And then feel like I'm nothing because I need meds to make me normal. Depression is in my family. Heck who knows, it could be bi-polar for all I know. I was never tested. All I know is that I know that all those feelings were lies. I am loved, I'm not alone, and I'm not stupid. God is working on me everyday. I don't think the healing ever stops.

 

[Amin]

Hi, pockleberry, thanks for replying. I'm not certain what a descipler is, but i do have a christian friend i talk too once in a while. I guess for some reason things just seemed to change. When i saw meds. were'nt working, and my attitude kept on going down hill, i guess i just got tired of the struggle. Now i'm at a point where i just don't care. I know i should, but i don't even pray about it anymore. I believe that God knows what i'm going thru,
He knows me inside and out, he knows that in my heart i want to get better, so, i'm just going to leave it up to him, as to what the results are going to be. What i don't understand is, why i am putting God on the side ,so to say, when i know what His word says, and i believe it to
be true, and yet , i just give up and say, i'm tired of the struggle Lord, do what you want. I've just got to get out of this attitude, where , i don't care about anything. To
be honest, i don't like it one bit,but i feel as tho i don't
have any power to do anything about it, even tho i know God cares, and is in someway, working to my good, as his word says. Oh, well, tomorrow is another day, who knows but Him, what it will bring? Thanks for the chat.
Amin. (Short for A-minor) P.S. Take care.

 

[ceedaisy]

I'm sorry you are having such a struggle Amin. Depression will not be ignored. You can't just make it go away. It is a cancer all on its own. The best thing to do with it is bring it into the light and keep it out of the dark. Fellowship. I wish you could find the right medicine. Of course you wish the same thing. So you tried the lexapro? Dang tummy huh? Have you asked to be annointed at Church? And be prayed over? And remember, you are to give your struggles to God. Do what you can and try what you can. It isn't God's wish for anyone to suffer. It is because of our sinful nature. He will use this suffering for a greater cause. Maybe to help others go through the same valley you are.

Hang in there!

 

[mikeforjesus]

There is alot of power in the body and blood of Jesus Christ when you take communion after confess to a priest.. for those churches that still have the blessed sacraments..

"4. Planting suspicions:
The devil plants suspicions in every field, because a suspicious
person is usually weak and the devil can conquer him.
For example, the devil plants doubts in respect of
repentance; either about the possibility of repentance or its
acceptance by God.
He suggests to the person that it is not easy for him to get rid of
such sins which have become a part of his character or one of
his habits or have become so loved by him that he can never
dispense with them. Filling that person with doubts concerning
his ability, the devil conceals completely God's help or makes
him doubt it as David the prophet says "LORD, how they have
increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against
65
me. Many are they who say of me, "There is no help for him in
God..." (Ps 3:2).
But, if the person insists on repentance, the devil makes him
doubt God's acceptance of his repentance, either because it
came after due time or because it is not true or because his sins
are so dreadful that they cannot be forgiven easily but need
punishment beyond his endurance!
The only objective of the devil is to throw the repentant
into despair.
This would make him lose heart and continue in sin.
The devil may also make him doubt God's mercy, giving him
countless verses about God's justice and punishments; and
perhaps the punishments are for sins far lighter than his.
The devil's suspicions may enter into the personal life also."

From Diabolical Wars
http://tasbeha.org/content/hh_books/Diabwars/index.html

Also

"11. Facing the sin with the commandment:
Learn by heart a number of verses against the sins which
fight you.
For example when the devil fights you with anger, say to him,
"for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of
God." (James 1:20); or repeat the words of one of the saints,
"though the irritable person raises the dead, he is not accepted
by God or by anyone."
If the devil fights you with an evil look, put before him the
words of the Lord, "Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her
has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matt
5:28).
181
If he fights you with adultery, remember the words of the
apostle, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of
the Holy Spirit " (1 Cor 6:19). "Do you not know that your
bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of
Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not!"
(1 Cor 6:15).
If the devil fights you with the faults of the tongue, put before
you the verses of the Holy Bible, "In the multitude of words sin
is not lacking." (Prov 10:19). "... Let every man be swift to
hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;" (James 1:19); and also
say, "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over
the door of my lips." (Ps 141:3).
If the devil fights you with the love of the present world, with
its temptations, face him with the words of the Holy Bible, "The
friendship with the world is enmity with God." (James 4:4), and,
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone
loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John
2:15), "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it."
(1 John 2:17).
Remember also what is stated in Ecclesiastes in this respect, in
particular the statement, "Vanity of vanities... all is vanity and
grasping for the wind and there was no profit under the sun."
(Eccl 1:2, 14, 2:11).
If the devil fights you with pride, remember the words of the
Holy Bible, "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty
spirit before a fall." (Prov 16:18), and, "God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6), (1 Pet 5:5). "
182

 

[mikeforjesus]

I just want to say you can fight anger, abusive words, and irritability.... say with saint Paul "I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me"
I was diagnosed before with clinical depression and I was sooo violent I would be abusive , verbally and physically sometimes... I am not entirely free from anger but with Christ I do improve.. anger at others blocks compassion for them and blocks tears from coming out of sadness for them... When Christ was crucified He still prayed for those who crucified Him.. and He wept over jerusalem and it makes u feel dead... I believe alot of it can be spiritual warfare..

though depression and restless might be there still without acting out your anger and sometimes anger isnt wrong... "be angry and do not sin" says the David the prophet.. but most anger itself is wrong.. find out..

http://www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk/dealing_with_anger.htm

I have this book I recommend u get it... but Im not saying all depression is spiritual
http://russianorthodox.org/conqdepr.html

 

[Shannonkish]

YOu know, I get tired of hearing how Depression and other mental disorders are "from the devil." This is not simply the case. Yes, there are times when it is the case, however, there are MANY times that it is not the case.

The case of the OP... When you are depressed, for whatever reason, there is a decline in energy and desire to participate in things you once enjoyed. I have been where you are at. There are lots of things you can do to get out of depression, however, if you have clinical depression, you would need to go to a Psychologist in order to get the proper medication.

 

[mikeforjesus]

This book heavenly illumined .... is not saying its from the devil... actually it can be a blessing.. but sometimes it is spiritual warfare.

 

[Shannonkish]

but sometimes it is spiritual warfare.

I would place HEAVY emphasis on "sometimes"

 

[mikeforjesus]

Maybe....

http://www.copticchurch.org/Texts/Spirituals/calmness.pdf

Here is another good book... virtue of patience and calmness?

 

[Amin]

I'm sorry you are having such a struggle Amin. Depression will not be ignored. You can't just make it go away. It is a cancer all on its own. The best thing to do with it is bring it into the light and keep it out of the dark. Fellowship. I wish you could find the right medicine. Of course you wish the same thing. So you tried the lexapro? Dang tummy huh? Have you asked to be annointed at Church? And be prayed over? And remember, you are to give your struggles to God. Do what you can and try what you can. It isn't God's wish for anyone to suffer. It is because of our sinful nature. He will use this suffering for a greater cause. Maybe to help others go through the same valley you are.

Hang in there!

Hi, ceedaisy, I've been on Lexapro, and just about everthing else. I have what's called; Barretts Esophagus,
i did a google search, and a google image search, to see exactly what it was, i did'nt like what i saw. I have to have an endoscopy done about, once every 6 mo to a year, depending on how it feels, to have a biopsy done of the
lower esophagus, to make sure it's not turning into a precancerous condition. There are other things also, but i'm not going to go, on and on here at the forum. I really thank you for your care, and support. They say, nothing lasts forever, so, i guess it's got to stop sometime.
Thanks Again, Amin. (short for A-minor.)

 

[Amin]

YOu know, I get tired of hearing how Depression and other mental disorders are "from the devil." This is not simply the case. Yes, there are times when it is the case, however, there are MANY times that it is not the case.

The case of the OP... When you are depressed, for whatever reason, there is a decline in energy and desire to participate in things you once enjoyed. I have been where you are at. There are lots of things you can do to get out of depression, however, if you have clinical depression, you would need to go to a Psychologist in order to get the proper medication.

Hi, Shannonkish, What's happening to me now, was caused by a very bad reaction to a new stomach med.
It's a long story, in essence, the med. caused somewhat of a nervous breakdown, and, ever since then, things seem to be taking a downward spiral. I deal with, anxiety, depression, etc. etc. Now i'm to a point where i
just really don't care about much anymore. I've resigned
myself to the fact that, if God wants to heal me, that's
great.If for some reason He does'nt, i'm ready to accept that, after all, why should i be any different than anyone else with an affliction that they have to live with. I guess it's called, life. Thanks for the reply. Amin.
(Short for A-minor)

 

[Shannonkish]

Are you sure that he stomach medication is what caused this. I have never heard of this. Not saying it isn't possible, just haven't heard anything similar to it before.

 

[Amin]

I just want to say you can fight anger, abusive words, and irritability.... say with saint Paul "I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me"
I was diagnosed before with clinical depression and I was sooo violent I would be abusive , verbally and physically sometimes... I am not entirely free from anger but with Christ I do improve.. anger at others blocks compassion for them and blocks tears from coming out of sadness for them... When Christ was crucified He still prayed for those who crucified Him.. and He wept over jerusalem and it makes u feel dead... I believe alot of it can be spiritual warfare..

though depression and restless might be there still without acting out your anger and sometimes anger isnt wrong... "be angry and do not sin" says the David the prophet.. but most anger itself is wrong.. find out..


I have this book I recommend u get it... but Im not saying all depression is spiritual

Thanks Mike, I don't do a lot of reading anymore, but i will keep it in mind. Promise. Thanks for your concern.
Amin. (short for A-minor).

 

[Amin]

Are you sure that he stomach medication is what caused this. I have never heard of this. Not saying it isn't possible, just haven't heard anything similar to it before.

Hi, Shannonkish, Yea, i'm sure. My Dr. even wrote a message to the INS. CO. They wanted me to stay on the meds., but he wrote them telling them why i could'nt.
This happened over a period of a month of taking the med.
I kept telling them i did'nt feel right,(dizziness, abdominal
pain). They kept checking my stomach, and my liver. After about a month of med. it got so bad they had to take me to the hospital. They said it was a nervous
breakdown, caused by the med. I know when they took me off of it, all symptoms went away, but it left me feeling as i do now. I think the medical term for what happened is, pyschological decompression.

 

[whitedove7]

Hi, I'm kind of reluctant to post here because , i've studied Gods' Word, and have been very active in my church, and i pretty much know what God says about, hope, faith, resting in Him, etc. etc. Since the start of my depression, and anxiety, i've been caring, less and less
about things. Now it's gotten to the point where i really
don't care about very much at all. I sometimes feel, that,
i really don't care too much for myself, why should God?
The thing is , i know God cares because His Word says so.
He also says: Never will I leave , or forsake you. But, thinking thoughts of hope, and faith, come hard to a depressed person, at least it does me. Has anyone ever thought like this?, and did anything you do help you?
There are other things that go into the way i feel, but
they would take too long to explain. Thanks, Amin.

I'm just sorry you are going through a rough time but I'm glad you posted so that we can pray and give you hope in your life. Did you know that anxiety is from a root cause of fear? In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

What is the cure? 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

You are right, the Lord cares about you so much. Has anyone ever told you that you have a broken heart? A broken heart is someone that has been hurt through life circumstances and traumas. In Luke 4:18 Jesus came to heal the broken hearted "18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,". Has anyone ever ministered to you and brought healing to your life? That is my question to you. You see when you have a broken heart, it is very hard to stay focused on the things of the lord, read your word, stand on the promises, stay in faith. A person will waiver back in forth in faith and disbelief because of a broken heart.

The Lord knows where you are at and there is no condemnation. He knows your history and what you have gone through. He waits with love patiently over his children. Sometimes a person doesn't even know that he is there with them during these times. That is why the footprints in the sand is so good. Because he is always there we just don't now it.

Here is an article called the Broken Heart! Read it and see if you have any of the symtoms mentioned. http://truth7.blogspot.com/2005/10/broken-heart.html.

Again, give yourself some grace here and know that the Lord loves you so much and knows where you are at.
You are so important to the Lord regardless what others have said. Maybe somebody told you that you are no good. That is a lie because the Lord made you with a purpose and he has great plans for your life. You just need to find healing in your life and allow the spirit of the Lord to heal you and restore you.

I used to feel that way like you did and had to battle depression and anxiety for some time. I really did at one time. Now, I've been restored because someone helped heal my broken heart. My spiritual life is now soaring but at one time I felt such a failure as a Christian until someone came and helped me along.

My advise to you is to find someone that understands what youa re going through and knows how to minister Luke 4:18 to you to bring healing and restoration in your life.

Lord, I just pray for this person that is hurting and suffering so much and is dealing with depression and anxiety. I pray, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, that you will bring people in this person's life that know how to minister Luke 4:18. This person is you child and I know you care about everything about this person. I pray that you will lead he/she to the right person and that he/she will be freed from the spirit of fear and depression. I pray that complete restoration and joy and peace will return 7 fold in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Blessings to you!