Loved post #324. I would like to believe some tortured souls I know were welcomed to his kingdom.
A friend of mine growing up lost his dad to suicide after he had left for college. His dad had several heart attacks and at least one stroke. He stayed somewhat depressed. This was in the mid to late 1970's. One time he wrecked his pick up. We went and looked and said No Way so we figured he had tried it then. He went through with it one night.
After I got out of the Navy and my friend who had joined by the time I got out came in on leave we talked. He was concerned about his dads salvation. We talked a few minutes and he told me that his dad had received Christ a few months earlier. His son in law was a preacher and had talked to him. The preacher also at one point before his salvation was considering taking his life I'm told.
I asked my friend a few simple questions we both knew the answer too. Was his dad depressed? Was he having cognitive issues? That and a few more pointed to serious mental issues. Is the man with The Lord? No one knows that of another's salvation although we have assurances from scripture to say with reasonable likelihood yes. Someone had told my friend suicide was unforgiveable. The Bible is clear in that only the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is an unforgivable sin if we die in that rejection.
I think we should make all effort we can to stay here till GOD's appointed time for our life to end. Despite some not so good experiences with psychiatrist {I fired a few trying to treat me and two nearly killed my wife} I still thing getting help is wise. If a person doesn't feel comfortable with a Shrink or Therapist seek another one. Also very important both patient and family should educate themselves about the medications used and possible adverse reactions. For example Paxil. Watch your bladder function men. If the flow no go then get to an emergency room ASAP. If not you will likely go into shock. The medication is causing that not the disorder.
One thing I remember early on in my treatment. Doctors were insisting I take antidepressants. I was also on Xanax thank GOD. One evening I caught myself with my finger pointed at my head like a gun. I can't take any type of antidepressants whatsoever because the neurological issues that trigger me are made worse by them. I do not need my sensory system enhanced IOW.
Many also forget this. Many mental health issues such as Panic Attacks are a secondary condition caused by a primary one that is usually not being treated or has been diagnosed. Same for depression as well.