Difficult times for some of my friends. You might remember a post I did way last summer called "Finding New Friends in Old Ones" regarding a great friend of mine. She was diagnosed in the last few years with a mental disorder that she has worked hard to get on top of and has done so well, it just gives me the shivers. She had a lot to lose if she didn't--job, marriage, family, etc. I count it a privilege to be counted as a friend. Please please pray for her. She is having a set back in her daily maintenance that is cause for concern. When I read a message from her what she is struggling with, it makes me very concerned for her. Pray please! I'll give all of you a very simple update in the future. I keep her identity very confidential mainly because her story is for her to tell, not me. I want to protect her heart.
And then a few weeks ago for JM's birthday party, one of his cute little girl classmates was supposed to come and didn't. Her mom caught up with me that week to explain. She didn't need to but felt an explanation was needed. She has been separated from her husband for eight months because he was diagnosed bipolar. I just sighed and looked at her and said, "You have no idea how many friends of mine just in the last year have been diagnosed with that. I am so sorry!" Then, this normally very even tempered woman got a little fierce and said very firmly, "Yes, but I bet the accept their diagnosis!" I took a step back and said, "Why yes, you are correct. They do accept it, and it sounds like your husband doesn't." Apparently, no he doesn't and was recently hospitalized because of it. Then mild mannered mom came back and she said, "We are used to him acting weird, but we couldn't bring him with us on Sunday because he wasn't doing well. And we also couldn't leave him by himself." What a hard place to be as a parent, mom, person, etc. I want to ask prayers for this man as well. Pray he would submit to the help that God has given him, and that is through all the routes we know work, therapy, medication, support groups, etc. Also pray for his two daughters, they would see beyond this and not be scared or scarred by his erratic behavior.
And to top it all off. Vicki Van Meter. Do you know who she is? She was the cute little girl back in 1993 who flew solo across the continental US and then across the Atlantic. Such an accomplished little girl, and went on to become a very accomplished woman. She committed suicide and had been battling debilitating depression for most of her adult life--and refused medication or treatment. Yet she served in Peace Corps, went to college, applied to graduate school, etc. Her earthly accomplishments were amazing. Click here for the article on that.
We need to pray for all of these people and their families. Mental illness is not just having a blue day, it is serious, and greatly affects the person and all the people close to them. God is present in these people's lives, and I want to continue to pray that His presence brings peace, healing and comfort to all of them.
2 comments:
Hi, I had no idea what depression was like until I battled it about 2 years ago. I suffered from anxiety, insomnia and general depression. Depression is something that many are afraid to speak up about or talk about because of the stigma attached to it. This is especially true in Christian circles. During and after my struggle with depression I became aware of many friends and family around me who were struggling with the same things...anxiety, depression etc. I now take medication to help manage my problem. I had the fortunate experience of having a Christian doctor who understood that depression is a physical problem. Yes, there are life circumstances that can contribute, but many times medication is needed to make it possible to deal with the stresses of life that may be causing the anxiety etc. I will pray for your friends who are struggling with mental illness issues. There are many people who are suffering in silence because they are afraid of being labeled as "crazy". Medication is NOT a crutch! When we have other medical problems we go to the dr and take a pill or follow their Rx in order to get better. Why are antidepressants any different. I think that counseling is also needed and confessing any sin in ones life as well and dealing with ones relationship with the Lord. Anyway, I think there is a lot the us brothers and sisters in Chrsit can do to help eachother with this issue!
Amen! Just as a quick note, I generally don't allow anonymous posts. But I know this topic is very sensitive and needs confidentiality. In the future, even a code name, initials, etc. I agree with all you have said. I also want to add a couple of things. Please take a moment to look back at my blog last summer on this topic: http://candlemom.blogspot.com/2007
/07/finding-new-friends-in-old-ones.html
I want to point out what I said to my friend who was suffering and bucking about medication when I told her that her therapist would probably recommend meds. She said to me, while throwing a fit on the phone with me, "Medication is a bandaid! I want to fix the big problem." I said to her, "Yes, it's a bandaid, but honey, you're bleeding." That spoke volumes to her, and she got the help she needed. I thank God for giving me those words to say to her.
I also can get extremely angry at those Christian groups who have this kind of message--you don't need meds, you need more faith, pray, stop taking your meds, and live by faith!
Ummm....what happened when Satan said to Jesus, jump off that cliff, the Lord your God will save you. Jesus said don't tempt the Lord.
He also didn't jump.
Post a Comment