Need your thoughts

[Wings4all]

I'd really appreciate any insight you can provide.
Why do you participate in a faith based Internet Support Group?
Do you think your participation in an Internet Support Group provides alternative therapy for your condition/mood disorder symptoms?
Have you avoided traditional counseling or medication? If so, why?
Do you think your participation in an Internet Support Group is an adjunct to traditional therapy or medication? If so, how?

 

[drstevej]

CF's rules state:

Do not give professional legal, financial, medical, or other counseling. Do not direct, imply, or suggest that others should disregard doctors' orders regarding medical diagnosis and/or treatment.

As I read this, the owner does not see this site as either alternative therapy nor a replacement for medical advise and treatment.

That said, sharing one's experiences can be a source of encouragement. And as a Christian site many who post here pray for those sharing spiritual and physical needs.

I am glad you found us.

 

[Wings4all]

Thanks. I hope nothing indicates that I'm trying to imply anything. I just wanted to hear (read) the perspectives of others. I personally find great comfort in chatting with people who can understand and empathize.

 

[drstevej]

Thanks. I hope nothing indicates that I'm trying to imply anything. I just wanted to hear (read) the perspectives of others. I personally find great comfort in chatting with people who can understand and empathize.

Nothing wrong at all with your post at all. You are here for the right reasons. BTW, I have a bipolar daughter, so over the past few years I have gained some insight as she has shared with me her experiences and journey. Currently, with medication and supportive family and friends she is doing much better. She just finished her Master's degree.

 

[SinkingShip]

I come to this board because so much of my illness is tied into my religious beliefs (thanks to a host of delusions) that I can't fully tackle one without tackling the other as well. As for picking an internet support group, thats mostly because I don't have the ability to join a local support group. I've just started psychotherapy and still go to a psychiatrist, but I'll take whatever help I can get wherever I can get it.

 

[drstevej]

Glad you are here.

 

[FollowingTheShepherd]

There's one thing all of us who have bi-polar and people who know others with this disorder must stop doing....I am not bi-polar...I have bi-polar. People with cancer aren't called cancer...those with heart disease aren't called heart disease...we have these things... we're not them. My name is Aaron and I'm a blood bought child of the living God! No one should ever be reduced to the name of an illness.

 

[Goodbook]

i came here because I have suffered manic depression. I don't call it bipolar although that is the diagnoisis because I don't like the label. Bipolar affective disorder (BAD for short) can affect me in both good and bad ways - it is both blessing and sometimes curse.
I found faith in Jesus really helps me get through those times (I call them episodes) when I'm confused/annoyed/up and down. I can call him for help and He is always there.

I come here because I like to share what He has done for me and shown me how to live a life even with this affliction, which can lead you to the darkest places that no person who does not suffer from this can ever really understand. There are elements of spiritual warfare that I have learned from reading the Bible and prayer really helps in those times. The medical world does not really like to invesigate the causes of manic depression because it is secular and so only looks at the symptoms. I've found that a lot of that treatment can make things worse (for me AND my family) and also I have suffered abuse under the mental health system. I say these things not to condemn but to help others know the reality of it is not simply 'acting up' or 'being crazy' or a simple case of rebellion, although that IS part of it. Realise that only 1% of the population according to statistics suffers from this so in some ways it is rare and also special. Realise that the Holy Spirit IS working in your life and wants to draw you closer to Him. Also realise that Satan (who does exist) will do everything he can to destroy you. If you ignore this fact and don't know what to do - then you get caught up in his system and it's hard to get out and break free. Jesus came to set the captives free, release us from bondage. I have learned to put on the whole armour of God each morning in prayer time when I feel the devil is on my back.

I also ask God for wisdom and he has led me to scriptures that help and also the right medicines to take. I know we are not supposed to recommend non-prescription or alternative treatments BUT what really worked for me was lithium orotate, that you can get non-prescription, also omega 3 fish oil (or include lots of seafood in your diet), iodine, (get iodised salt or sea salt) plenty of sleep when you need it, regular exercise (bicycling is good) and also hot water in the mornings to flush toxins away. Have a good bath time to calm yourself at the end of the day, and also spend time with God - I find the bathroom is a good place to be with Him, and when I'm angsty and have insomnia I read the Bible. Fellowship with other christians is also important and I've found finding a church and other believers really good because I used to be very shy and lonely and I've found many christians who have been through mental illness and can share their experiences and advice when I need it rather than constantly going and relying on doctors/psychiatrists who know all about the illness but actually haven't been trhough it themselves. Also many don't have faith, so I found I was going round in circles trying to get better by going to them.

 

[Wings4all]

Thanks for responding. You have chosen an unusual alternative regimen but if it works for you, thats wonderful! It sounds like you have very strong faith, probably the most effective medicine. Thanks again for sharing.

 

[Live In Stereo]

Nothing wrong at all with your post at all. You are here for the right reasons. BTW, I have a bipolar daughter, so over the past few years I have gained some insight as she has shared with me her experiences and journey. Currently, with medication and supportive family and friends she is doing much better. She just finished her Master's degree.

drstevej, I am glad your daughter is doing a lot better. I am thanking God for that.

 

[Live In Stereo]

There's one thing all of us who have bi-polar and people who know others with this disorder must stop doing....I am not bi-polar...I have bi-polar. People with cancer aren't called cancer...those with heart disease aren't called heart disease...we have these things... we're not them. My name is Aaron and I'm a blood bought child of the living God! No one should ever be reduced to the name of an illness.

That is right:

 

[Live In Stereo]

I come to this board because so much of my illness is tied into my religious beliefs (thanks to a host of delusions) that I can't fully tackle one without tackling the other as well. As for picking an internet support group, thats mostly because I don't have the ability to join a local support group. I've just started psychotherapy and still go to a psychiatrist, but I'll take whatever help I can get wherever I can get it.

Amen and prayers for you sinking Ship.

 

[Live In Stereo]

Goodbook, Very encouraging.Really helped me tonight.

 

[Live In Stereo]

I'd really appreciate any insight you can provide.
Why do you participate in a faith based Internet Support Group?
Do you think your participation in an Internet Support Group provides alternative therapy for your condition/mood disorder symptoms?
Have you avoided traditional counseling or medication? If so, why?
Do you think your participation in an Internet Support Group is an adjunct to traditional therapy or medication? If so, how?

Thanks for starting this thread. I would like to myself give you more of an answer to your question, but I am running late and need to get to bed fro church tomorrow. Maybe I will get back to it.