I know despair is a sin but

[Bubbas_Dad]

…I am having a difficult time staying optimistic. I have been trying to change jobs with little success for a couple of years now. I obtained my MBA this past November in an effort to open up more doors… none yet opened. Student loans will come due soon, and we are living paycheck to paycheck now… worried about paying those back… this among all the other responsibilites of being a husband, father, etc. I throw up every morning before work, and don’t sleep well… my health is becoming a concern due to job related stress… I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning… any good advice or prayers to say?
Thanks,
Bubbas Dad

 

[Brenda_V]

You sound depressed. Depression and despair are two different things. Seek a Doctors care for this. It may be only temporary but getting some help is most important.

Brenda V.

P.S. I will be praying for you.

 

[Bubbas_Dad]

Thanks Brenda. I appreciate the prayer. I have seen a doctor and am depressed. What I am feeling now is different than what I felt when depressed. I suppose the hopeless feelings are part of the bigger picture of depression.
Thanks again,
Bubbas Dad

 

[Brenda_V]

Bubbas Dad:

I suppose the hopeless feelings are part of the bigger picture of depression.
Thanks again,
Bubbas Dad

That’s it. Continue with the care of your Dr., pray and pray some more. It is this and a Drs. care that got me out of the deepest depression! I still suffer occassional bouts but now recognize them for what they are and I will tell my husband and he will hug me and take care of me until it is over - my depression though is related to my womanly cycle but it had gotten out of hand.

I will pray for you. I will pray that God find you that job that you are looking for and also that your depression come into submission.

Oh, and talk to your dr. about that morning thing going on, maybe you have something physical that you just aren’t recognizing because of the depression (I would have said you are probably pregnant but since you are someones Daddy, that couldn’t be )

God Bless you for doing what you can to take care of yourself and your family.

Brenda V.

 

[NiceFundamental]

Jeremiah 17:5-9 [5] This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. [6] He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. [7] “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. [8] He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” [9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? [NIV]

We say: “It’s impossible”
God says: "all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23 KJV)

We say: “I’m too tired”
God says: “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love” (John 15:9, John 3:16, John 4:19, John 13:34 KJV)

We say: “I can’t go on”
God says: “My Grace is sufficient for thee” (II Cor. 12:9 KJV)

We say: “I can’t do it”
God says: “[You] can do all things through Christ” (Phil. 4:13 KJV)

Words from a fellow Brother In Christ:

"I don’t believe in psychotropic drugs and I will tell you why and in the process explain my thoughts about chemical imbalances. The reason I am against these drugs is two fold; first is that they have been proven to actually make the condition they are suppose to treat worse in many people. Secondly is that they are prescribed using quack science.

I won’t deny that it is possible for the human brain to be out of balance in regard to certain chemicals. That would make it an organic disease, not a mental illness. The brain is a physical organ and if it does not have the right chemicals in the right balance that would be no different than a person who does not have enough insulin. The problem comes to this, there is no medical way to diagnose this so called imbalance. If a person has too little insulin it is easy to diagnose and even to tell how much too little insulin they have. But with these ‘brain’ chemicals it is not science it is guess work. There is no test to tell if a person has a chemical imbalance, other than asking them questions. That isn’t science it is quackery. But let’s say that just by asking questions a doctor could tell that the person had a chemical imbalance, what chemical is it that they have too little of, or which chemical do they have too much of? Secondly, how much too little or too much too much do they have of whatever chemical it is that they have too little or too much of?

Do you see the problem with the drugs? They are changing the chemical makeup of the person’s brain when the doctor has no idea whether there is a chemical imbalance in the first place and even if there is, what that imbalance is, much less how drastic that imbalance is. That is quackery. I get letters from people all the time telling me that they have been on 5 or 10 sometimes 20 different drugs to treat their imbalance. I guess the doctor can’t figure out which chemical to hinder or to promote!! Again that is quackery!!

Do some people benefit from these drugs? Yes, but you know what, many people benefit from the sugar pills they give in the trials too. I would encourage you to read a couple of books on the subject:

Psychology Debunked Revealing The Overcoming Life Author: Lisa and Ryan Bazler

The Anti-Depressant Fact Book Author: Dr. Peter R. Breggin

Manufacturing Victims Author: Dr. Tana Dineen

These books will open your eyes to the total failure of this so called science, which is not a science at all. Only the first book was written by a Christian, the other two were non-believers, but they see what is wrong with this kind of treatment too.

The worst part is that these drugs make changes to the person’s brain, often these changes are permanent. I hope that is not part of your problem, but it certainly could be. God is the great Physician and I believe He can cure you no matter whether the problem is a true organic disease or an emotional disorder."

This is posted with love, charity and prayer. Jesus Christ is the best healer…look unto Jesus.

 

[coyote]

NiceFundamental:

Jeremiah 17:5-9 [5] This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. [6] He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. [7] “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. [8] He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” [9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? [NIV]

We say: “It’s impossible”
God says: "all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23 KJV)

We say: “I’m too tired”
God says: “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love” (John 15:9, John 3:16, John 4:19, John 13:34 KJV)

We say: “I can’t go on”
God says: “My Grace is sufficient for thee” (II Cor. 12:9 KJV)

We say: “I can’t do it”
God says: “[You] can do all things through Christ” (Phil. 4:13 KJV)

The implications of this post are simplistic. True depression is a true illness. It can’t be made to go away by trying to think “positive”.

"Nice"Fundamental, can you offer anything said in YOUR OWN WORDS? Extensive cut and paste references and quotes are cumbersome to read.

 

[NiceFundamental]

coyote:

The implications of this post are simplistic. True depression is a true illness. It can’t be made to go away by trying to think “positive”.

I agree, it cannot be made to go away by trying to think “positive”. I never said that. Jesus can “make it go away” and I used the Word of God to illustrate that.

"Nice"Fundamental, can you offer anything said in YOUR OWN WORDS? Extensive cut and paste references and quotes are cumbersome to read.

I do not believe I can say anything that usurps the Word of God, sorry. My opinion isn’t worth anything. One cannot improve on perfection.

 

[NiceFundamental]

“There is one Physician, who is flesh and spirit, born and not born, who is God in man… Jesus Christ, our Lord”
-Ignatius of Antioch

 

[Aesq]

Bubbas Dad:

…I am having a difficult time staying optimistic. I have been trying to change jobs with little success for a couple of years now. I obtained my MBA this past November in an effort to open up more doors… none yet opened. Student loans will come due soon, and we are living paycheck to paycheck now… worried about paying those back… this among all the other responsibilites of being a husband, father, etc. I throw up every morning before work, and don’t sleep well… my health is becoming a concern due to job related stress… I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning… any good advice or prayers to say?
Thanks,
Bubbas Dad

Please seek the help of a doctor. What you are describing are classic symptoms of clinical depression. Much depression is bio-chemical in nature. There are a great many treatments and there is nothing wrong with seeking help. You should seek help. Depression is a disease not a state of mind.

Seek God as well. However, do not fail to seek medical care for the disease you are suffering. It is no different than going only to God when you have a broken arm. You would not do that. You would go get someone to set the bone. I am sure you would pray for healing as well but not to the exclusion of getting the bone set.

Depression is no different. Get some medical help and seek out God’s help. They are not mutually exclusive.

 

[coyote]

Jesus did not make my depression go away or heal me of it. I am alive because I asked for help from a physician.

 

[dulcissima]

It sounds like you are experiencing anxiety on top of your depression. I think the advice to talk to your doctor is good, even if you feel like the depression is under control.

 

[NiceFundamental]

coyote:

Jesus did not make my depression go away or heal me of it. I am alive because I asked for help from a physician.

I find your comment very disturbing, nontheless your right to make. Are you a Christian? You are alive because it is God’s will and in his plan. To elevate your physician to the power of Almighty God? I will pray for you coyote.

Perhaps you should have asked Jesus to heal you instead of your physician. However your failure not to shows your lack of faith, so asking would have been fruitless (not being presumptious on if God would or would have not healed you though) as one needs to believe and have faith.

If you did ask him, you laked faith evidenced by you going to a physician.

 

[Jocelyn]

Hi Bubbas Dad!

All I can say is “been there, done that”.

Depression is not fun!! When I was 25 years old, I went through 3 weeks of insomnia and negative thoughts, and loss of interest in everything. I lost 25 pounds. I remember praying, “Oh my Lord. Just let me sleep. Everything would be better if I could just sleep!” I was suffering from primary depression with secondary anxiety. Major things were going on in my life. I was under a lot of pressure. I did not know what was wrong until a person told me I was depressed. (God works through people!) I made a phone call and met with my doc. He placed me on Elavil 25mgs. He told me it would take at least 2 weeks to see a difference, because the blood levels have to rise. It did take at least 2 weeks before I started to see a difference. Eventually, about 6-9 months later, I was able to wean myself off the medication. I haven’t been on medication since, and that was 8 years ago. Sure, there are times when I feel minorly depressed. I believe everyone goes through this. I, however, never ever want to go back to that dark space again. By the grace of God, I hope I never do. If depression hits again, I will know I need to seek the advice of a physician.

I also prayed and went to daily mass. I went to cursillo (recommended by my dear dad). This is where I learned to “Let go and let God.” This is where I learned to turn things over. Offer it up. He will take care of you!! Someday, you may look back on this as a turning point in your life. It sucks right now, but there is a reason for it. Just trust in HIM!!

NiceFundamental, I just have to say that you sound like Tom Cruise. Are you a scientoligist? If you had cancer would you seek the help of drugs to help combat the cancer or would you ask Jesus to heal you not take chemo? I think you would do the first.

Bubbas Dad, do what is right for you! Just know that there are people out there who have been in your shoes and who understand. Peace be with you!!

Jocelyn

 

[Jocelyn]

coyote:

Jesus did not make my depression go away or heal me of it. I am alive because I asked for help from a physician.

Amen coyote! A physician helped me to. God helps those who help themselves. Depression is a case where one has to help themselves and seek the advice of a physician. Jesus works through doctors to help cure people. Jesus has blessed us with medication to help heal us (or help us control) high blood pressure, yeast infections, diabetes, cancer, and depression.

 

[NiceFundamental]

Jocelyn:

NiceFundamental, I just have to say that you sound like Tom Cruise. Are you a scientoligist? If you had cancer would you seek the help of drugs to help combat the cancer or would you ask Jesus to heal you not take chemo? I think you would do the first.

Hello Jocelyn. I understand your position, but do not accept it. If I had cancer I believe I would not take anything for it. Nothing. If it is the Lord’s will, so be it. You see, once someone is truly “Born Again”, they see the world differently. The see it from an “eternal” perspective. Not a “worldly” perspective. I used the words “I believe” because by the Grace of God(thank you Heavenly Father), I have not been in this position and I do not dare pretend I know what I would do if in it - and I do not judge those who would, that is their right and I am not saying it is wrong. However those are my thoughts. I am not saying it is for everyone.

As for me, years before I was saved I was “diagnosed” Bipolar. Years of 16 pills a day. So please don’t presuppose or judge. Doses changed all the time. Types of medicines changed all the time. This, that and the other thing. Once I was “saved”, truly “Born Again”…I quit taking them, nothing. Zippo. Notta. Cold Turkey stopped. God’s grace is a wonderful, powerful thing.

You sound like you are afraid to die. We all die. Being “Born Again” takes away that fear. Faith is what one needs. And I do not say that without Charity, I say it with Charity. Because realization is a powerful tool. Salvation through Jesus Christ is a wonderful thing. No, I am not a scientoligist, but a Born Again Believer and I thank Jesus Christ our Savior for his strength and power and for giving me life everafter.

If he calls me home, when he calls me home, how he calls me home…is all up to him and I pray I have the strength to accept it. II Cor. 5:8:"…to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." Oh, what a beautiful day that will be.

Didn’t someone say, “Dieing is easy, living is hard”? If not, I just did. If so, they must have been a Born Again Christian.

The posts I posted are not to mock, show weakness or to be thoughtless to Bubbas Dad, but to show him there is a way and not from “quack medicine”. Always, always, always, LOOK UNTO THE LORD.

 

[NiceFundamental]

Jocelyn:

NiceFundamental, I just have to say that you sound like Tom Cruise. Are you a scientoligist? If you had cancer would you seek the help of drugs to help combat the cancer or would you ask Jesus to heal you not take chemo? I think you would do the first.

If you were 101 years old and diagnosed, would you seek radiation? Perhaps if unsaved. If unsaved and the answer is no, why not? Does it make a difference? 40 or 101? 15? … Faith.

 

[Jocelyn]

NiceFundamental:

Hello Jocelyn. I understand your position, but do not accept it. If I had cancer I believe I would not take anything for it. Nothing. If it is the Lord’s will, so be it. You see, once someone is truly “Born Again”, they see the world differently. The see it from an “eternal” perspective. Not a “worldly” perspective. I used the words “I believe” because by the Grace of God(thank you Heavenly Father), I have not been in this position and I do not dare pretend I know what I would do if in it - and I do not judge those who would, that is their right and I am not saying it is wrong. However those are my thoughts. I am not saying it is for everyone.

As for me, years before I was saved I was “diagnosed” Bipolar. Years of 16 pills a day. So please don’t presuppose or judge. Doses changed all the time. Types of medicines changed all the time. This, that and the other thing. Once I was “saved”, truly “Born Again”…I quit taking them, nothing. Zippo. Notta. Cold Turkey stopped. God’s grace is a wonderful, powerful thing.

You sound like you are afraid to die. We all die. Being “Born Again” takes away that fear. Faith is what one needs. And I do not say that without Charity, I say it with Charity. Because realization is a powerful tool. Salvation through Jesus Christ is a wonderful thing. No, I am not a scientoligist, but a Born Again Believer and I thank Jesus Christ our Savior for his strength and power and for giving me life everafter.

If he calls me home, when he calls me home, how he calls me home…is all up to him and I pray I have the strength to accept it. II Cor. 5:8:"…to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." Oh, what a beautiful day that will be.

Didn’t someone say, “Dieing is easy, living is hard”? If not, I just did. If so, they must have been a Born Again Christian.

The posts I posted are not to mock, show weakness or to be thoughtless to Bubbas Dad, but to show him there is a way and not from “quack medicine”. Always, always, always, LOOK UNTO THE LORD.

No, I am not afraid of dying. When I was depressed, I was afraid of not living life. God gave me life to honor and love him. I want to honor and love him until the day I die. Life is good! Why do you think living is hard? Yes, we are thrown obstacles but if we offer them up and let go life is good. We know we are taken care of. The statement of “Dieing is easy, living is hard” is a statement I would have said when I was in the darkness of depression. Sounds to me like you are combating depression. You have stated you were (are?) bipolar. I will pray for you.

I have to ask, why are you on this board if you are a bible Christian. Do you think you are going to convert us Catholics? I doubt it. I, for one, would not trade gold for sand. The Catholic church is beautiful. I suspect you see it’s beauty and it is calling you. That is why you navigate this board. I pray that you find your way to the truth and the church Christ founded. There is really no sense in throwing the saved and unsaved business at me. To be honest, it’s a turn off!! (Sorry, I am trying to be charitable, but there is no other way to say it.)

You mean to tell me that if your child had cancer you wouldn’t seek treatment for your child? I don’t buy that.

Peace!

Jocelyn

Bubba’s Dad,
How are you doing. I pray things are looking up!

 

[NiceFundamental]

Jocelyn:

The statement of “Dieing is easy, living is hard” is a statement I would have said when I was in the darkness of depression.

Living worldly…easy. Living as a Born Again Christian…hard. I don’t expect you to understand it. Paul understood it. Philippians 1:23: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” You need to be SAVED. Perhaps you should diagnose Paul as well. Opps, I mean misdiagnose.

I think your problem may be that you lack Faith. Do you not think that God can keep you healthy if he wishes? If he chooses? Perhaps you fight death because you know you are not SAVED. Perhaps you put your faith in man, fighting every chance you can get. I put my Faith in God…all of it.

I live my life to the fullest every day. You are confussing your depression, your not wanting to live and equating that to others. My Bible tells me Christians had a hard life. Didn’t some get crucified, beheaded?

Again, I do not necessarily expect you to understand. Thank you for your prayers. I pray God hears them.

 

[NiceFundamental]

Jocelyn:

I have to ask, why are you on this board if you are a bible Christian.

I take this as admission you are not a Bible Christian.

Do you think you are going to convert us Catholics?

You would be surprised what God does.

 

[LittleRose]

NiceFundamental:

I heard a pastor tell the followiing story in his message one day about a man who discovered just how surprising God’s works can be:

There was a man who had a deep faith in God. One year, there was a severe rainstorm where he lived, and the entire town was beginning to flood. Believing Jesus would save him from drowning, he prayed.

Later on, a neighbor drove by on a tractor and offered to give him a ride. The man told his neighbor that it wasn’t necessary, because God would save him.

As the flood waters rose, the man was forced to move to the seconds story of his house. While their, another neighbor passed by, this time rowing in a boat. This second neighbor offered him a ride out. The man said, no, thank you, God would save him.

The flood waters continued to rise. Eventually, the man was on his roof, clinging to his chimney. A rescue team in a helicopter came and told him he needed to leave right away. He told them God would save him.

The flood eventually rose so high, the man found himself facing God that very day. He asked, “Lord, I have always believed in you and I prayed for you to save me. Why didn’t you answer?”

And God replied, “My son, I did answer. I sent the tractor, the the canoe, and the helicopter.”

God sometimes sends a neighbor if we need rescuing. If we are ill, sometimes he sends a doctor. He gives each person gifts and talents that they may use to do his work on earth. If I recall scriptures correctly, he did a great deal of healing, and allowed his disciples to do some as well.