Any Christians here who also struggle or have struggled with mental illness?

[Ernie]

I'm in my mid 40s and have been dealing with mental health issues since a child, anxiety really took off around 14 and I now see OCD issues starting in elementary school...and im sure there is other stuff I deal with as well.

I'm curious if anyone else on here deals with any mental health issues and if so how has it worked with you being a Christian? I know for myself it's been a struggle and continues to be.

 

[TitusTwoWife]

I have struggled. I just don't like being detailed about that here. People love to have "the answer". People don't really understand it all that well and will stigmatize too.

 

[Ernie]

I have struggled. I just don't like being detailed about that here. People love to have "the answer". People don't really understand it all that well and will stigmatize too.

That is true, and it also carries a stigma that I don't like at all. Trying to be a stoic Christian man while dealing with things that you seemingly can't control. I've never done any kind of narcotics, drinking etc, so it's not brought on that way. I have dealt since a child, it is just something in my wiring/learned.

 

[TitusTwoWife]

That is true, and it also carries a stigma that I don't like at all. Trying to be a stoic Christian man while dealing with things that you seemingly can't control. I've never done any kind of narcotics, drinking etc, so it's not brought on that way. I have dealt since a child, it is just something in my wiring/learned.

I think stigma is worse for men. I think many men with mental illness might face prison and homelessness more than women. For me, I hate some of the stigma but not all of it. Some stigma helps me do what I need to do to avoid negative consequences.

 

[חוכמה]

Yes. There has been a struggle in my mind for a long time, but now that i’m healthier I have become a Christian. What does that tell you? I could tell you a lot more about my walk into Christianity, but i’m sure it would sound alarming in this context, for some people.

I will just have you know that i’m healthier, clearer in mind and steadfast since i’m with Him.

 

[Wick Stick]

Yeah, there was a period of about 3 years where I was very depressed and had continual thoughts of suicide.

It turns out, those were side effects of the allergy/asthma medication the doctor gave me.


Always read up on any medications you take. The pharmaceutical companies are not trustworthy. The doctors are paid to push the drugs.

 

[vivian_beacon]

I'm in my mid 40s and have been dealing with mental health issues since a child, anxiety really took off around 14 and I now see OCD issues starting in elementary school...and im sure there is other stuff I deal with as well.

I'm curious if anyone else on here deals with any mental health issues and if so how has it worked with you being a Christian? I know for myself it's been a struggle and continues to be.

I've had chronic pain and mental illness for 10 years before recovering through God. I came up with a model called the Christ-centred healing (CCH) model of healing (prayer, repentance, righteous living). If you're keen to know more, feel free to (removed link) as there is hope of being free from illness and being set free from the chains of sin.