Bipolar or spiritually awoken.

Hi my name is Simon I am 38 and was diagnosed 8 years ago with bipolar 1 disorder. I have spent 2years in hospital with it and 6 years in crippling depression. 2 suicide attempts and lost 3 children to abortions then my mrs left me, lost my job and sold everything I own when I was manic. I've tried everything to be well again but it seems I will never achieve this. I am now wondering if this is meant to be, if this is somehow a spiritual transformation. I've turned to Jesus and much of what the bible says sums my condition up and gives me a reason to live. Would you consider turning to God when all other roads have failed and what are your thoughts? Love you all, Simon xx

[ThemysciraDrive]

Hi Simon. Welcome to the community.

First off, with my Mod hat on - please be careful posting about religion. It's a blue touch paper subject that a lot of people feel strongly about. I'm not going to edit or delete your post as in my opinion it isn't offensive, but I will keep an eye on the thread as religion related posts can derail very quickly...basically sharing experience is fine, but I would stop short of recommending religion as therapeutic for anyone else. That might cause problems.

In answer to your question, I think if something helps you deal with your bipolar disorder then that is good and you should keep it up. Personally I would be wary of thinking that any one thing alone could solve all my problems, so maybe be careful of putting too much into it. Whilst there isnt any one size fits all solution to depression, spirituality in some form - Christian or otherwise - is something that I think comes up fairly regularly as an element of how people deal with their individual cases.

Take care,

Themys

[Hidden in reply to ThemysciraDrive]

I'm not sure you needed to warn him about that. It is a topic that

brings people closer. If it upsets people, they need to learn to deal with that.

We are here to learn.

[Hidden]

Hey Simon

I'm almost the same as you, been ill for 8 years now, was sacked for being sick after 12 years in the job, I sold everything so I could live, two children and a wife.

I used to believe in God, I still do I think, but what I ask is, I have worked hard my whole life, never drank or smoked, helped everyone who needed help, never be in trouble with the police, never did anything wrong, so why have I been given this illness, why what ever I try to get out of this hell, I keep getting kicked down again and again.

If God works for you that is amazing, but I'm not sure it's about God. Not sure what the answer is. But good luck

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I suppose it's that same old delusion lots of us have about religion...that we ought to be rewarded in this life for being good and doing good deeds.

Without going into a sermon, take a look at that poor old chap Job. It reads like a black comedy. But the point is you can't blame God for your bad luck or thank him/her for giving you a great life.

Leave blame out of it.

(If you're interested in the story, Google 'Job, Old Testament'

[KHaynes]

If you can tell me how to send a private message rather than upset any other users I am happy to post my view to you such as it is.

However I would say that over the last ten years the professionals I have met encourage a healthy belief system as it can give hope and this in itself is positive

Also interaction with others is a bonus

I don't like to be clandestine but probably it is something better discussed privately.

Of course what you go on to decide is up to you. I won't be stalking you.

This forum is a wonderful safe place.

I think perhaps there is a fear of fanatics targeting the vulnerable.

Hope you or someone can direct me to private messages

K

[LaceyTiel in reply to KHaynes]

Hi Khaynes! to post a private message click on the users same and see their profile page. And you'll see an option there near the top left to message someone. It is a button in a grey box

[Findingme]

Hi Simon,

I think that faith is a very personal thing and no-one but you can decide. All I would say is that if you put your faith in god, remember that even those who are the most religious are human, and you should bear that in mind when dealing with them. Be careful not to trust too quickly, and also don't expect too much from them.

Best of luck with your future,

Maddy

[Obriens3]

I'm not sure about turning to God. Maybe embracing the universe. Maybe that is God !

[KHaynes]

Would be happy to chat if you still want to but can't send a private message as you have not put your name (I think)

So if you click on my name you can message me (just say hi or something) then we can talk

There are a few threads on here anyway and you have loads of replies as well

K

[Olderal]

Simon,you've had a very tough time , far tougher than anything I've experienced as a bipolar 2 but you must have a remarkable strength to have survived and to be posting.

At 38 you have plenty of time for your life to turn around. True you're always likely to have Bipolar 1 as there is no cure but with the right medication ,and other treatments and maybe a bit of luck you should be able to rebuild and maintain a useful and mostly happy life. Progress in treating bipolar disorder, together with support, has been very slow to develop but is now accelerating and in the next 10 years hopefully will be much more effective and you will be young enough to benefit.

It sounds incredible that it was necessary to spend that long in hospital and IMO does n't say much for the doctors treating you. Six years of unremitting depression since then also suggests to me you are not getting good medical help either because your NHS support is poor ,or because you are not communicating well to them.

Unfortunately I have no religious faith myself but if you are lucky enough to have faith then turning to God I would think would be a tremendous support , possibly the best anyone could have. I would say given the problems you have experienced , it would be alright and helpful to find help in religion although I think you should limit it to being a personal thing as evangelising is likely to bring additional problems as has been hinted in other posts.J

I certainly wish you well and feel sure that things will improve, I certainly hope so and wish you all the best and salute the courage you have already shown.

Olderal

[Hidden]

I would take all you can from any kind of spiritual practice. It helps me.

[Hidden]

Hi Simon,

I'm new here and only just read this your post. I'm so sorry that bipolar has had such an effect on your life.

You are very young (i'm 64 and a fellow bi polar). Do you still feel the same now as when you wrote this?

If so, I can chat to you about faith and how important it is. We must have faith in something or somebody. There are many religions out there and we're supposed to be a Christian country (here in the UK, anyway) I understand that bipolar people are prone to get fixated with religion and even think they are Jesus himself (his second coming).

Wherever your mind is taking you, go gently. Read lots....most religions guide you towards love and respect for people around you and for our natural surroundings. Try not to focus on Jesus too much but read what he had to say. Read also some of the Buddah's sayings....in fact anything. Poetry is good...no need to shy away from it.

Basically, keep an open mind and look outside yourself, taking comfort from anything and anyone who have kind words to offer. You will find your own feet and have a solid foundation to build the rest of your life on eventually.

But in the meantime make sure the doctors are getting your medication right so your ups and downs are controlled and keep you safe.

This is advice from an old hand whose mood swings are in control and have been for several years.

I hope you reply to me. I'll look out for you.

Jan (hilohilo)

[cdrewrn]

I feel the same way. I was taking topamax as a mood stabilizer. I felt a manic espisode coming on. I increase my dose myself after finding my labs were good...it made so manic my family almost had me committed. I turned to Jesus as well. I am off the tomapax and besides being hungry and gaining a few pounds, I have never felt better.

[YogiSallyAnnSlight]

God is not religion...

God is G(oo)d, kind thoughts, kind words, kind actions

start with kind thoughts to yourself about yourself...then kind thoughts about others,

kind words to yourself, kind words about others,

kind actions to yourself and kind actions towards others

this then creates more of the same in your life experience....watch the magic unfold!

FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR CREATING THE HORROR YOU EXPERIENCED WITH ALL YOUR HARSH THOUGHTS, WORDS AND ACTIONS TOWARDS YOURSELF AND OTHERS.

Today is a brand new day to start creating a brand new life

with brand new

kind thoughts

kind words

and

kind actions

to yourself and others

life is very simple really....G(oo)d luck and G(oo)d night

in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ....Peace be with you