Well. I'm far from an expert on the topic, except maybe in the field of human experience. I don't know alot about depression, but, I would say that if I were to talk to "someone"., they'd diagnose me as being depresseed, maybe chronically so. Depression, I think, shows up in many different ways. In me, I think its an inferiorty complex. I am never "good" enough. And maybe more, but, as I said, I'm no expert.
But, I do know prayer helps. But...this isn't necessarily enough. Depression, it would seem, is something that builds over time...sometimes for years. And, while I do believe God can heal a person of depression instantly, often it takes along time to work through its affects. And it takes help. Someone told me this once "What is done psychologically can be psychogically undone". But, like any rehabilitation, it take time and effort. And a perscription of "say three Our Fathers" may not be enough to help a person deal with the depression and everything that comes with it.
As far as medication...I don't know. I'm not a doctor. But, I think we live in an "over-medicated" world. The fear I have is that we are becoming chemically dependent. This isn't to say its not needed by some. It is, but only the doctor and the patient can decide that.
But... what do I know? I'm no expert.
Bro OneAccord,
It is so true that we live in an over-medicated world. Chemical dependency is only true of certain drugs. Some drugs, such as penecillin or other anti-biotics loses it's affect with continual use. Your body builds up a tolerance for it and it no longer works.
There are certain natural vitamins and minerals that work better than some prescribed medications for mood stabilization and anxiety. Omega 3-Fish oil is good for most people, and St. Johns Wort is good also. I took St. John's Wort when going through my Bachelor's program because I was a single parent, working, and going to school. My anxiety levels were really high and it helped me stay focused.
It is so true that we live in an over-medicated world. Chemical dependency is only true of certain drugs. Some drugs, such as penecillin or other anti-biotics loses it's affect with continual use. Your body builds up a tolerance for it and it no longer works.
There are certain natural vitamins and minerals that work better than some prescribed medications for mood stabilization and anxiety. Omega 3-Fish oil is good for most people, and St. Johns Wort is good also. I took St. John's Wort when going through my Bachelor's program because I was a single parent, working, and going to school. My anxiety levels were really high and it helped me stay focused.
Blessigns, Rhoni
I tried St. Johns Wort, and it didn't work for me. I've read where it's a good natural remedy for mild depression.
As in mild depression. There are degrees of depression, mild being one of them. The depression I suffered from was considered moderate because it affected my sleeping habits in a bad way. I'd stay in bed sometimes for a week or longer. I felt like I just wanted to sleep my life away and saw no good reason to get out of bed, other than to use the bathroom. I felt like I was living in a bubble and everything that was going on around me was happening in front of me, but I wasn't a part of it. I didn't feel connected to the world around me. I'd go from that state of mind to not being able to control my thoughts. My mind would race, I'd daydream about the most ridiculous things. I had trouble focusing on things like paying bills, reading a book, etc. I'd go a few days in the down mode and then go into the up mode for a few days. Sometimes things would level out and I'd be ok for a few weeks. The problems would always start with a bout of depression though. The diagnosis was actually bi-polar, but the depression part was more dominant than the manic part.
I eventually got on some medication, was on it for just over a year and a half, and haven't had any problems since then. I can not believe I lived all through my 20s and a big part of my 30s dealing with this. I knew something wasn't right, but I didn't know that I could get help. My understanding is that some people end up training their brains to regulate itself, with the use of the medication. I don't know if that's what happened to me or if God healed me of it (lots of people were praying for me at the time). Either way, I thank God I overcame it.
Particularly when they are trying to correct a chemical imbalance that doesn't exist. I personally benefit significantly from a moderate dosage of anti-anxiety medication. It hasn't dulled my emotions to the point that I don't still get anxious during truly stressful situations, but at least I am not edgy all the time for no real reason like I used to be. I thank God for leading me to it.
I take an anti-anxiety med for restless leg syndrome but only prn, it just puts me to sleep so I am not sure if it helps my leg or not! LOL. Seriously though...anxiety is can be controlled by medication and there are techniques you can use to calm yourself down and bring you body back into a state of calm. Have you ever tried any?
As in mild depression. There are degrees of depression, mild being one of them. The depression I suffered from was considered moderate because it affected my sleeping habits in a bad way. I'd stay in bed sometimes for a week or longer. I felt like I just wanted to sleep my life away and saw no good reason to get out of bed, other than to use the bathroom. I felt like I was living in a bubble and everything that was going on around me was happening in front of me, but I wasn't a part of it. I didn't feel connected to the world around me. I'd go from that state of mind to not being able to control my thoughts. My mind would race, I'd daydream about the most ridiculous things. I had trouble focusing on things like paying bills, reading a book, etc. I'd go a few days in the down mode and then go into the up mode for a few days. Sometimes things would level out and I'd be ok for a few weeks. The problems would always start with a bout of depression though. The diagnosis was actually bi-polar, but the depression part was more dominant than the manic part.
I eventually got on some medication, was on it for just over a year and a half, and haven't had any problems since then. I can not believe I lived all through my 20s and a big part of my 30s dealing with this. I knew something wasn't right, but I didn't know that I could get help. My understanding is that some people end up training their brains to regulate itself, with the use of the medication. I don't know if that's what happened to me or if God healed me of it (lots of people were praying for me at the time). Either way, I thank God I overcame it.
Rico,
Sounds like a true chemical imbalance. The neurotransmitters in your brain connect the right side of the brain to the left...when they are out of alignment communication is interrupted. Medication brings the ability for your thoughts to process again so that you can focus/function. This is a temporary state as you describe it. I am glad you got the help you needed. Many people refuse to get help because of the stigma attached to it.
Sounds like a true chemical imbalance. The neurotransmitters in your brain connect the right side of the brain to the left...when they are out of alignment communication is interrupted. Medication brings the ability for your thoughts to process again so that you can focus/function. This is a temporary state as you describe it. I am glad you got the help you needed. Many people refuse to get help because of the stigma attached to it.
Blessings,
Rhoni
Ya. When are you going to take a leap of faith, so I can agree with you in prayer about this office thing? I've been waiting for just the right opportunity. The last few days have opened up a door for me to tell you about this. Are you still stuck on the other thing, or are you ready to start praying about this practice thing? No rush from me. I just want to let you know I am willing to put my prayers behind my *ahme* advice, whether you solicit that advice or not. Just lemme know when you get there. We'll bombard Heaven and one day you will send me a picture of that sign I keep seeing when I've prayed for you.
I think it's shameful to us as Christians that we have brothers and sisters committing suicide within our ranks because they see no other way out of their misery.
There was a woman locally here who was having problems with depression and missing a lot of church. I won't guess as to what kind of spiritual help she was getting, but one Sunday night, her family went to church and came home to her having blown her head off.
I think the church needs to pay more attention to these people and quit writing them off as 'needing more prayer' and such nonsense.
__________________
I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
Ya. When are you going to take a leap of faith, so I can agree with you in prayer about this office thing? I've been waiting for just the right opportunity. The last few days have opened up a door for me to tell you about this. Are you still stuck on the other thing, or are you ready to start praying about this practice thing? No rush from me. I just want to let you know I am willing to put my prayers behind my *ahme* advice, whether you solicit that advice or not. Just lemme know when you get there. We'll bombard Heaven and one day you will send me a picture of that sign I keep seeing when I've prayed for you.
Rico,
I am closer than you think...I am desperate for God to give me that office so I can begin to do what he has called me to do. Thank you for agreeing with me in prayer...it sure beats you me on threads!