While depression is often the worst part of bipolar disorder for the sufferer, the mania is often the most damaging to his relationships. One twitter follower described the mania she experiences as feeling unhinged with overwhelming thoughts and ideas. The racing thoughts often lead to grandiose and unrealistic beliefs. The National Institute of Mental Health describes mania as · A long period of…
People who are depressed often feel like they are drowning, and wonder if they’ll ever be able to breathe again. Several years ago I asked a group of people who were struggling with depression what advice they would give to someone who has a depressed love one. This post is a combination of those responses. Before I share some practical suggestions on how to show…
When someone you love has bipolar disorder, it influences your life as well. I’ve had several people ask me to write about how loved ones can cope with their loved ones excessive mood swings. First let me say that there is no easy answer. Each individual and each situation is unique, but I will share some things I’ve learned along the way. This post is…
This week is National Suicide Prevention Week. Sadly, I woke up this morning to a message from friend who is a military chaplain overseas. She shared that yesterday (which was World Suicide Prevention Day), she conducted a memorial service for a fellow serviceman and friend who died by suicide. It breaks my heart each time I hear of another person who was so overcome with…
I’ve had so many hurting people come to me and tell me that they don’t know what to do. They have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and encouraged to take medication, but their Christian friends and family discourage it, saying, “The Bible says to be anxious about nothing. You don’t need medicine; you just need to trust God.” What do you say to that?…
It’s a long running joke that pastors don’t really work, but two days a week. Being married to a minister, I must say that nothing could be farther from the truth. Most pastors are on call 24/7 and are asked to help in a vast array of circumstances – from holding someone’s hand while they die to rescuing cats from clandestine places. Sadly, many ministers…