Advice about depression, please

myself | May 29 2013 | myself

[proud American in Canada]

Hi Freepers,

I have a question for you. It is late, so if anyone answers me, I’ll probably have to answer most posts tomorrow. I have this weird dichotomy going on. I go to church and pray a lot—but there is a part of me that just wants to die, although I don’t really want to. I was just listening to the Stone Temple Pilots—“I Got You”—about heroin. For a few moments I thought about how I might procure some, because tomorrow I have to go to the American Embassy in Ottawa to fix my papers so I can go see my family in Chicago; the embassy is near the Byward Market, where there are many drug dealers. Why is it that a person could be so divided. I feel so sad, and yet, so full of faith. Anyway… take care, Julie

[proud American in Canada]

Any advice? :)

[ansel12]

You already have faith but that doesn’t fix all human sickness, you just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other, until, in time, this will pass.

Where there is life, there is hope.

[Beowulf9]

Exercise helps depression.

[Kevmo]

Try Depression Anonymous.

Also Celebrate Recovery.

private freepmail

[Moonman62]

A book called Feeling Good by David Burns is a good place to start. Depressed people have a distorted perception of reality. The book goes into ways a person can cure that on their own.

[woofie]

do not take chances ...talk to people (one on one) about your thoughts and feelings. (counselors therapists pastors etc.) Be honest with yourself and others

[blondee123]

Having faith is good, but realize God has given us means to deal with illness & depression. Doctors & therapists who can help you understand what you're feeling.

I won't say therapists are the total answer because I've witnessed some pretty crazy therapists out there who tell you to go to your "happy place"! If you had one, I guess you'd have figured that out already on your own. There are good therapists too, but could take time to find the right one.

I'd suggest you talk to a family doctor & maybe get on something for depression & see if that helps. Is this something that has gone on a long time, or just recent? Sometimes when you get overloaded with things, you just shut down or if you've recently gone thru a life trauma.

[melsec]

While I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on these things - I am just a Christian trying to get by too. But here are a few suggestions.

Realize that the Christian life is not an easy one and we are very often torn between the world of man and the kingdom of God between the flesh and the body of Christ.

Realize that maybe listening to Stone Temple Pilots is not what you need to be doing atm. Now I still listen to some of fav bands Pink Floyd, Deep Purple etc. if I found that encouraging incorrect feelings/thoughts I hope I would drop them like a hot potato. It’s like being double minded - not a good state for you.

Keep praying and don’t give up - my wife’s name is Julie- if you are half the wonderful woman she is then try valuing what God has done in you and don’t look at your lack.

Bless ya

Mel

[laplata]

Don’t let the thoughts of heroine get hold of your mind. Push those thoughts away as soon as they pop up.

Your prayers are a fierce weapon and it sounds like you know how to use them.

God bless you. Stay strong.

[proud American in Canada]

“Where there is life, there is hope.”

________________________________________________

That is true. Compounding everything is that my nephew just died and I lost my job.

I listen to Alison Kraus alot. :)

Thanks, ansel. :)

[fieldmarshaldj]

Have you consulted a doctor ?

[presently no screen name]

Keep your eyes on Jesus ALONE. The depression is not of God - dismiss it. Only you can do that and since you want to, you will. This is what God says to do.....

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Phil 4:8

[POWERSBOOTHEFAN]

How long have you felt this way? If it’s something you can’t shake it might be time to see a doctor who can prescribe meds.

I have mixed-state bipolar disorder so I know how hard it can be.

[proud American in Canada]

Thank you, Kevmo! I will check my freepmail. :)

[Marine_Uncle]

RE: "Any advice? :)"

Yes Julie. Trust in the Lord God, God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, and HIS special SON transformed into a human being to come to earth and give not only the final of eternal life to all who believe in what HE did, but as a special conduit to pray to directly.
Time to start to talk one on one with with Jesus and our Heavenly Father, and then trust.
Take it from someone who over many years have done so.
HE will provide the needed care for your soul to in due time experience a joy in the depths of your heart.

HE never turns away from those that call out to HIM, with a contrite and believing heart.
Sometimes it seems so, at first glance. Then perhaps twenty, thirty or more years later, one sees the exact prayers they asked HIM to do, come to past.
Sometimes immediate aid, in a moment of need.
You get the picture. Now Julie. Take this old guy's advice.
In all I wrote above, of course is the understanding, you are ready to yield to HIS Word, as HE provides the strength and desire over time to do so.

If dear lady you already have done these things, time for Faith to kick in. Do remember those verses in the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 11.

Beginning with " Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

I know. I have had to go deeply into that mode a number of times. And in due time HE always came through.

And yes Julie. He filled my heart with real joy.
You take care Julie. George

[proud American in Canada]

Thank you both for your suggestions—I will check out that book. :)

[POWERSBOOTHEFAN]

BTW: stay the hell away from heroin. Please,for your sake.

It’s a VERY bad idea and will only make you feel worse. I have never used it but I know how bad it is.

[proud American in Canada]

” I’ve witnessed some pretty crazy therapists out there who tell you to go to your “happy place”! If you had one, I guess you’d have figured that out already on your own”

________________________________________

So true. :) Thank you for caring. :)

[proud American in Canada]

Thank you, Marine Uncle. And please thank your nephew for his service. :)

I will pray hard tonight. :)

With love and faith,

Julie

[skr]

Don’t let the errand turn into an excuse. Get your papers taken care of and flee temptation, as it recommended in the Bible. Hang tight to your faith, you have it for a reason and have been feeding it by going to church and by talking to our Heavenly Father. God wants you to lean on Him at all times and especially when your spirit is exhausted. Depression can indicate feelings of guilt; if you feel some sort of regret, talk to Him about it. He’s waiting to hear from you.

BTW, I have failed many times when fleeing temptation, but have also had some successes. Succeeding is such a relief once you get past that moment of decision. I’m praying for you, Julie. By His stripes, you are healed, both spiritually and physically.