~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I am a Christian and some Christians say that this is a spirit and that I do not need any medication. I feel like the Holy Spirit has been prompting me to stop taking medications. The secular part of me tells me that this is wrong. I'm further confused because I am a nurse and have been taught differently. Will you please give me some spiritual insight into this matter.Answer: I am truly sorry to hear about your problem with depression. I am not a medical physician, so I cannot explain all the physical problems that can be associated with depression; however, I do know that there is such a thing as a chemical imbalance that can cause severe emotional difficulties. I do know that healthy eating habits can be of great benefit to a depressed person. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and avoiding white sugar and fatty foods can help a person 'feel' better all the way around.
I am not a psychologist either so I cannot speak much to the emotional side of things, other than to say that a person's past can indeed affect one's present. If a person has been abused in any way, whether physically or emotionally, can definitely cause one to harbor feelings of resentment and bitterness, and oftentimes guilt, and these can all lead to depression.
I am a preacher who believes in the Bible, its authority, truth, and ability to meet every need we have in life. I do believe that when we get our spiritual lives in order through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our way of thinking becomes much better. The Bible teaches that one's own personal life of sin can also cause a person to be greatly depressed (Psalm 32). Through genuine repentance and in turn receiving God's forgiveness, one can be set free (John 8:32-36).
It is difficult for me to 'diagnose' your problem and its cause, for what someone has called 'bipolar disorder'. I found this definition of that term:
"What is Bipolar Disorder?"
"Bipolar disorder (which is also known as manic depression) is a mental illness involving episodes of serious mania and depression. These can be severe mood swings accompanied by changes in emotions, thoughts, behaviors, physical health and functioning. The mood swings are more extreme and more prolonged than the everyday ups and downs that we all experience. Emotions may vary from depression and hopelessness through to feeling overly elated ('high') or irritable. People usually go through periods of normal mood in between these times."I would NOT advise that you 'lay down' your medicine until you are 100% sure that God has healed you. However, I do feel that many medicines are an easy way out in dealing with many spiritually related problems.
Your case may be that you have a physical problem that is causing these horrible mood swings; but I don't know without being able to counsel with you. I advise you to find a conservative, fundamental, spirit-filled church in your area who has a godly and compassionate Pastor, who with his wife can help you through this problem.
I want you to know that God cares about you (1 Peter 5:7) and has the answers that you need. I will be praying for you that you get the help you need. Continue to pray that God will help you and others that are helping you through this problem to be able to detect the cause of the depression so that it may be dealt with properly!
An author that I recommend on the subject of spiritual problems and godly counseling is Jay Adams. A good author on the subject of nutrition and its physical as well as spiritual benefits is Mary Ruth Swope. I hope you can read some of their literature.
May the Lord guide you into all truth and heal you by His mighty power!
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