Kyria

Katie

February 11, 2008  9:03pm

I enjoyed reading about this article because I was one of those Christians that really hesitated when it came to taking medication...I hadn't realized how far off my body chemistry was from being in a stressful situation. Now I am under control and able to deal with the underlying issues of my anxiety and depression. Hours of prayer a day, counseling and not functioning was not enough...I needed medication to help me get under control. God gave us the ability to use medicine when we need it and I wish I was smarter to take it earlier but I am very grateful to be on it now. Thank you for the article and for making me again feel like I am not alone :)

angie

August 11, 2007  11:47am

thank you for showing that Christians can suffer from depression, too! I always felt that I was somewhat less of a Christian because I have had bouts of depression on and off since I was a teenager. But with daily Bible reading and reaching out to my friends at church- every day I'm becoming a little stronger and a little more willing to forgive people for the past hurts in my life, but I find I have the most difficulty forgiving myself for past mistakes I've made. I'm learning depression does not have to be a permanent stumbling block but God can take that stumbling block and turn it into a stepping stone. Tahnk you again for your article. God Bless You.

Gina

August 11, 2007  1:49am

I had never thought about myself having depression. I just though I was having numerous bad days. Days that are just very overwhelming, like a ton a bricks were on my shoulders, and with each new event that happened in my life another brick was placed on my back. Yet, I had to keep going, I had to work, clean, pay bills and function os a daily basis. I just ignored those bricks. But everytime something bad would happen I sure could feel them, they would upset me, make me angry. I am a beliver, so I thougtht taking a medication for my emotions was out of the question. But as I am getting older and life is getting tougher, I feel I need something. Besides being on a medication to put me in pre-menopause for endomitriosis, I already have a hard time handeling my emotions. I am 36, married and would like to have children. Sometimes you may need something for just a short time to get you out of the hole so you can let God change your heart or at least see that He is working in your life.

Amy Martin

August 10, 2007  8:19pm

I've suffered from depression and anxiety for a while now. Recently, a friend suggested that i try to get off the meds. I did that, with bad results. I got myself in worse shape. I finally had to admit to myself that even though I'm a Christian and i pray all the time, some things you can't change. If you have a medical condition, accept it. I still pray about it, and take my meds, plus vitamins, but I know I'll be okay. God's with me, how can I lose? Thank you for this article, and God bless you all.

Jan Lutz

August 10, 2007  4:10pm

As someone who suffers from what doctors call severe major chronic clinical depression and also seasonal affective depressive disorder, I read your article with interest. My experience with depression and the stigma surrounding it have been motivators for my activities as an advocate for mental illness insurance parity and other related issues. It took me many years to accept that what I have is a brain disorder which responds to medication and therapy much as diabetes responds to insulin. I finally stopped listening to subtle messages which implied that depression was religiously incorrect and that I could overcome it by prayer alone if I only prayed harder. I'm emailing your article to others I know who also have a chemical imbalance which causes depression. What we have is treatable but, at this time, not curable. I look forward to your newsletter each week. God's blessings on your ministry.