Mental Illness Revisited...

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

I PMed you the information you once gave me.

I got it, thanks. I offered a slight clarification about his condition, which is probably so close, at least in appearance to bi-polar, that there may not be enough difference to count.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Sweet Pea

EB - I have done a lot of research regarding the meds that have been prescribed. Frankly, the side effects from medications for high blood pressure and high trigylcerides scare me more. This individual is not getting any help from the state. In fact, all payment has been out of pocket - This person is not a "street person" - but, a well respected member of the community and local church.

"Encourage your friend to seek Jesus Christ..." - your words brought tears of frustration to my eyes. If you could only understand - seeking Jesus for 18 months - fasting and prayer - this has been done not only by my friend but all the family as well. By prayer warriors at the church. The day we realized that suicide was just around the corner because there was no miraculous healing, was the day we found a CHRISTIAN - BORN AGAIN doctor who could help. Meds are closely monitored by the doctor and the basis for the counseling at each visit is scripture based.

All I ask - is please don't judge Christians who face these issues. That only compounds their problems.

Listen, I'll stick to issues that I'm dealing with and I pray you will be strengthened in the ones you are dealing with. I don't know your situation, ad at this point think it imprudent to guess.

Yet, how could anyone be frustrated with hearing the blessing of encouragement? Jesus will take care of your friend and also get him off the drugs. High blood pressure? High blood pressure might be one side effect, but Suicidal ideation can be another. What is the list of your friends meds?

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Sweet Pea

EB - I have done a lot of research regarding the meds that have been prescribed. Frankly, the side effects from medications for high blood pressure and high trigylcerides scare me more. This individual is not getting any help from the state. In fact, all payment has been out of pocket - This person is not a "street person" - but, a well respected member of the community and local church.

"Encourage your friend to seek Jesus Christ..." - your words brought tears of frustration to my eyes. If you could only understand - seeking Jesus for 18 months - fasting and prayer - this has been done not only by my friend but all the family as well. By prayer warriors at the church. The day we realized that suicide was just around the corner because there was no miraculous healing, was the day we found a CHRISTIAN - BORN AGAIN doctor who could help. Meds are closely monitored by the doctor and the basis for the counseling at each visit is scripture based.

All I ask - is please don't judge Christians who face these issues. That only compounds their problems.

My wifes pharmacy is right next to a hospital so she gets a ton of psych patients a day. These drugs ARE incredibly strong but most of her patients need them. And need them bad. At least 2-3 times a week, the cops are called to remove someone who starts raging in line.

[Evang.Benincasa]

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Why? Why saddle someone with the least, instead of giving them the hope that they can break free?

Because in your intention to help them break free, you saddle them with more weight. You are doing the opposite of what they need. You THINK you are encouraging them to stay a victim if you validate their depression but you are making them a victim, sadly.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

You are talking about bipolar, that is what my wife suffered with her entire life. She had a really bad situation which had her go to a UPCI church which was pastored by Brother Wayne Rooks, and Brother Bobby Stewart. When she received the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in other tongues she was healed and never had another episode. Never, we have two beautiful girls and my wife has been through a lot since she as (an evangelist's wife) has been in the church, but NEVER has had an episode with the issues of bipolar. I will be praying for your friend, keep praying with him, and telling him he can do it through the power of Jesus Christ.

So your wife was healed so everyone who isn't is wrong with God?

[ILG]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

If she did complain about "feeling down" or depression, would you listen? Or slap her on the forehead with a loud "In JESUS name!" rebuke and shove her on her merry way? MANY won't admit to depression because of the latter response from people they know.

Very true.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

We all know that the pharma company is making a killing with drugs. That doesn't mean depression doesn't exist.

[Aquila]

I can't believe we still have Christian elders who don't believe in clinical depression or PTSD...

I was in the Army for 8 years and I know this stuff is real. No wonder 22 vets shoot themselves every day... those commissioned to carry a message of healing are denying the very existence of the conditions that need to be healed.

Absolutely pathetic.

[llambert]

This is all very interesting. I want to encourage us to agree to disagree AGREEABLY since this forum is public and whether we want to admit it or not, every single word we type here is a witnessing tool (even if we delete our post).

Has anyone googled "apostolic friends forum"? What comes up in the search box as an anticipated query is "apostolic friends forum a wrecked church" and "apostolic friends forum terry black"

Truth is, that Satan is the prince of the power of the air, so it's good for fellowship to post on here and share our thoughts, but ultimately we need to be intimate in prayer with Christ.