Dr. Phil gives sound Biblical counseling on reducing stress.

[lamonte]

How would you categorize the many forms/causes of dementia?

This is a good question. I kind of think dementia comes with old age. It kind of goes with “2 Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish,” We really don’t have a choice in the matter. I am 78 yrs. old, and I am starting to have memory problem. Its just part of the dying process for me. But because I am a believer in Christ Jesus my body will die but my Spirit will never die. I have a few friends that have dementia, and it has got to the point that they don’t even know their family. It’s like a disease eating their brain up. I pray for them, and I am there to help if I can, soon this life will be over for them, and they will be with Christ forever.

I just want to be positive as long as I am able, that's why 2Co 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

[lamonte]

"Please explain to me how a 9-year-old child CHOOSES to worry and stress because she is self-centered…and while we’re at it…let’s also throw depression into that mix…"

I cannot explain how a 9-year-old child thinks or do they have a mental problem. But I can tell you how I thought from 7 to 14 years old. At the age of 14 my dad died at the age 49 on the job. From that point on I didn’t care about life much, what’s the use in caring I am going to die anyway. Just before I turn 19, I received a draft notice to go into the army, so I join the navy instead, my first tour of duty was in Vietnam, it was terrible. After getting out of the Navy at the age of 23 I last my hope in mankind. Up to this point in my life I had very little knowledge of God or Christ, I had never been to any Church.

I went to Church for the first time in my life, after hearing the Gospel for the first time in my life. I was a new man in Christ, first my sins have been forgiven. Up to this point in my life there was none as sinful as me, I felt like the Apostle Paul I was the chief of sinners. He had given me a heart of forgiveness to those who have sin against me no matter what the sin was.

Every day I must make a choice am I a victim or am I thankful through Faith. For me “it is Gods “goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance Rom 2:4?” I do believe you can have a mental problem that’s not your choice, but most of the time we choose our behavior.

 

[Jan51]

So why do people expect those with mental problems to be able to pray away their sickness?? Or have a little more faith and they will be better? It makes no sense to me. The brain is an organ. It can get sick. It's just harder to understand because it doesn't have physical sores or scars to cut open and look at.

The brain is an organ but is the source of our thoughts and feelings. The Bible has MUCH to say about managing our thoughts and feelings: God's psychology. I kind of doubt He would give us so many directions about them if we were not able to make choices about them. Thoughts and feelings do not have to control us. The Bible says so.

 

[Wally]

This body [ bone, muscle, organs brains et al] It's not the source, it is a vessel for our spirit.

It breaks and that effects our ability to use it. From walking to expressing our thoughts. How spirit and body interrelate is a vast science - study of how God made things - and precious little is understood of the connection from body to spirit. Most of us have only our own experiences and memories and that is often faulty. Those with some study or higher learning may disagree - but it seems we are constantly re-learning and having to update what we thought we knew in this science.

While disciplining our spirit leads to growth, the body can break and effect our ability to grow.

Those of us who can, have been tasked to learn and make wise choices and grow in Christ. We are also called to be compassionate to others who cannot, find it difficult,
or struggle with day to day living, thinking, and feeling.

I am an aspie [Asperger's] and I understand the inability to feel, to be simpatico, to share the feelings of many. It doesn't mean I don't feel, it means I relate to feelings in a very different way than HSP's, empaths, and others who are deeply connected with emotions and are effected by others in ways I do not understand. These are sometimes fellow believers who battle depression daily - hourly. These are people effected by family feuds, by facebook tirades, by suicides of loved ones, by wacko ultra liberal, and bizarre conservative views. I don't claim to be immune from depression, but for myself it is a battle of choice or an oppressing spirit.
For others even the wrong dessert can trigger a meltdown.

I see kids with cruel natures as well as kind ones. Kids who worry and one who take life in stride. They are born that way.
I see kids affects by parents, playmates, schools, and Christmas gifts. A lot of influence to the positive or negative.
Some make choices same have choices made for them.
However, we are what we are and that is broken.

And with God and satan active in this world, each person has their own story to tell whether by grace & mercy , bootstrap, or miracle.
Of course its God's hand that quickens us no matter what we think.

Some envy me that my give-a-dam is busted. I struggle with the notion that I don't care enough, that I don't love, and yet I wonder why can't people just let it go.

God made the Church body with many different parts. I really understand how different that can be, and that helps me to have great compassion on those struggling.
I don't know the why, but it is so clear THAT it exist.

Perhaps some of us have mustard seed faith, while others have a railcar full. I've yet to see any mountains moved.

Some of us have choices we can make. Others for many reasons are inhibited in making those choices - worry being the chief of them.
It's not their faithlessness, its their brokenness.

The rest of us, blessed with the gift of faith, are to come alongside and encourage, suffer long, and love them.
And God moves when Christians gather and pray in faith.

 

[Andy C]

This body [ bone, muscle, organs brains et al] It's not the source, it is a vessel for our spirit.

It breaks and that effects our ability to use it. From walking to expressing our thoughts. How spirit and body interrelate is a vast science - study of how God made things - and precious little is understood of the connection from body to spirit. Most of us have only our own experiences and memories and that is often faulty. Those with some study or higher learning may disagree - but it seems we are constantly re-learning and having to update what we thought we knew in this science.

While disciplining our spirit leads to growth, the body can break and effect our ability to grow.

Those of us who can, have been tasked to learn and make wise choices and grow in Christ. We are also called to be compassionate to others who cannot, find it difficult,
or struggle with day to day living, thinking, and feeling.

I am an aspie [Asperger's] and I understand the inability to feel, to be simpatico, to share the feelings of many. It doesn't mean I don't feel, it means I relate to feelings in a very different way than HSP's, empaths, and others who are deeply connected with emotions and are effected by others in ways I do not understand. These are sometimes fellow believers who battle depression daily - hourly. These are people effected by family feuds, by facebook tirades, by suicides of loved ones, by wacko ultra liberal, and bizarre conservative views. I don't claim to be immune from depression, but for myself it is a battle of choice or an oppressing spirit.
For others even the wrong dessert can trigger a meltdown.

I see kids with cruel natures as well as kind ones. Kids who worry and one who take life in stride. They are born that way.
I see kids affects by parents, playmates, schools, and Christmas gifts. A lot of influence to the positive or negative.
Some make choices same have choices made for them.
However, we are what we are and that is broken.

And with God and satan active in this world, each person has their own story to tell whether by grace & mercy , bootstrap, or miracle.
Of course its God's hand that quickens us no matter what we think.

Some envy me that my give-a-dam is busted. I struggle with the notion that I don't care enough, that I don't love, and yet I wonder why can't people just let it go.

God made the Church body with many different parts. I really understand how different that can be, and that helps me to have great compassion on those struggling.
I don't know the why, but it is so clear THAT it exist.

Perhaps some of us have mustard seed faith, while others have a railcar full. I've yet to see any mountains moved.

Some of us have choices we can make. Others for many reasons are inhibited in making those choices - worry being the chief of them.
It's not their faithlessness, its their brokenness.

The rest of us, blessed with the gift of faith, are to come alongside and encourage, suffer long, and love them.
And God moves when Christians gather and pray in faith.

Wise and insightful words Wally.

 

[Jaybird]

Wise and insightful words Wally.

Agree with Andy C here.

 

[GoldenEagle]

I feel I need to say something here - I don’t want to because I’m not eloquent or good at joining in discussions or debates and I like my privacy. But, on the other hand, I’m 47 (female) have been a Christian since I was 18 and a member of these forums on and off for a few years…my point being I feel I need to speak up because there will be others reading this thread who have less miles under their belt who may be struggling.

I’ve struggled, like others here with mental health problems my whole life. Only before my 20’s I didn’t have the words for it. I’m actually, as of the last couple of months, the most well I’ve ever been. And yet this thread reduced me to a state of wanting to scream and feeling without a voice. It’s taken me a couple of days to get my balance back. At some point, I shall read through the whole thread again in a calm manner - but not yet.

I’ve tried to understand why it has so triggered me - I thought I was stronger than this now. But apparently not. The main thing I’ve come up with, is there’s a difference between being ill and dealing with our old nature. We ALL have to deal with our old nature - unfortunately there’s no pill for that and it hurts!! And it can be tough when God is dealing with us over something as we walk with Him and look to Him. It’s not nice when you’re shown a glimpse of your old nature as God works to grow the fruit of the Spirit in us. We ALL have to deal with this and will have to till we leave this mortal frame. And, as has been mentioned, selfishness, self focus, worry, unbelief are just some aspects of our old nature we ALL have to deal with at one level or another, at one time or another - or daily as the case may be.

BUT. And here’s the thing. Mental illness is not ‘that’. It is NOT our old nature which needs to be crucified. It’s something which needs care, love, understanding, compassion, help, support - sometimes medication - often listening to and often equipping the person with skills they don’t have. To treat genuine mental illness as the flesh which needs crucifying…well it literally feels crucifying. It is precisely this thinking and teaching which was the final straw for me when I tried to take my own life when I had 2 small children. This is how serious it can be.

I actually didn’t get the full help I needed to begin rebuilding my life until my late 30’s. For me, and it’s different for everyone, it came in the form of a fantastic and perceptive psychiatrist, correct diagnosis and effective medication which took a while to get right. Medication isn’t the answer for everyone and the mental health system is a whole other story.

I also think, unless you yourself have been afflicted with mental illness - whatever the causes and roots are, it’s not something you can understand. It is complex, and can have a deeply profound effect on every area of a persons life in ways you could never imagine. So, please, don’t be so quick to judge, to have all the answers or think you’d deal with it better. I wouldn’t wish the struggles I’ve had, and others here have had on my worst enemy. More than anything, people with such struggles need kindness and compassion. Their struggles don’t automatically mean they don’t love the Lord or that they’re not seeking Him with their whole heart.

 

[seated with Christ]

I know what you are talking about, I was troubled all my life beginning in my sixth year of living because I lived a sheltered life and emotionally and socially Ill-prepared for the first grade.

I’ll come back and finish this in another post later, I can do this now.

 

[Jaybird]

I feel I need to say something here - I don’t want to because I’m not eloquent or good at joining in discussions or debates and I like my privacy. But, on the other hand, I’m 47 (female) have been a Christian since I was 18 and a member of these forums on and off for a few years…my point being I feel I need to speak up because there will be others reading this thread who have less miles under their belt who may be struggling.

I’ve struggled, like others here with mental health problems my whole life. Only before my 20’s I didn’t have the words for it. I’m actually, as of the last couple of months, the most well I’ve ever been. And yet this thread reduced me to a state of wanting to scream and feeling without a voice. It’s taken me a couple of days to get my balance back. At some point, I shall read through the whole thread again in a calm manner - but not yet.

I’ve tried to understand why it has so triggered me - I thought I was stronger than this now. But apparently not. The main thing I’ve come up with, is there’s a difference between being ill and dealing with our old nature. We ALL have to deal with our old nature - unfortunately there’s no pill for that and it hurts!! And it can be tough when God is dealing with us over something as we walk with Him and look to Him. It’s not nice when you’re shown a glimpse of your old nature as God works to grow the fruit of the Spirit in us. We ALL have to deal with this and will have to till we leave this mortal frame. And, as has been mentioned, selfishness, self focus, worry, unbelief are just some aspects of our old nature we ALL have to deal with at one level or another, at one time or another - or daily as the case may be.

BUT. And here’s the thing. Mental illness is not ‘that’. It is NOT our old nature which needs to be crucified. It’s something which needs care, love, understanding, compassion, help, support - sometimes medication - often listening to and often equipping the person with skills they don’t have. To treat genuine mental illness as the flesh which needs crucifying…well it literally feels crucifying. It is precisely this thinking and teaching which was the final straw for me when I tried to take my own life when I had 2 small children. This is how serious it can be.

I actually didn’t get the full help I needed to begin rebuilding my life until my late 30’s. For me, and it’s different for everyone, it came in the form of a fantastic and perceptive psychiatrist, correct diagnosis and effective medication which took a while to get right. Medication isn’t the answer for everyone and the mental health system is a whole other story.

I also think, unless you yourself have been afflicted with mental illness - whatever the causes and roots are, it’s not something you can understand. It is complex, and can have a deeply profound effect on every area of a persons life in ways you could never imagine. So, please, don’t be so quick to judge, to have all the answers or think you’d deal with it better. I wouldn’t wish the struggles I’ve had, and others here have had on my worst enemy. More than anything, people with such struggles need kindness and compassion. Their struggles don’t automatically mean they don’t love the Lord or that they’re not seeking Him with their whole heart.

I totally agree with what you are saying. Depression in my family is rampant and I'm not talking about waking up one day and feeling down and blue. This is full blown "I want to end my life" type stuff. Unless you have been through this yourself no one understands it. My uncle was hospitalized due to depression and is on a ton of medication to control his depression and he is a devout Christian. Personally, I have experienced this in my own life. I thank God that he healed me from the destructive side of this malady. It is a darkness that no one can understand unless you have lived through it. It's not something you choose.

 

[Wally]

..... It is a darkness that no one can understand unless you have lived through it. It's not something you choose.

Praise God for your healing!

In the few times I have experienced depression,
I have described this as a spiritual oppression, like a sopping wet blanket thrown over you, the weight of which you cannot lift.
There are moments when the only thing you can do is pierce the blanket with the Truth and get a breathing hole...

Yes Jesus Loves me... The Bible tells me so.

My DBW has said this is exactly how she feels when struggling. The Truth does not lift it sometimes, but it does empower us to endure the onslaught.

I fear some of us do not fully fathom the power of prayer, Or we simply forget and try to BE strong in us .... not Christ.
But don't worry, its a learning thing and the Spirit will help us.

 

[yeshua'sbride]

I feel I need to say something here - I don’t want to because I’m not eloquent or good at joining in discussions or debates and I like my privacy. But, on the other hand, I’m 47 (female) have been a Christian since I was 18 and a member of these forums on and off for a few years…my point being I feel I need to speak up because there will be others reading this thread who have less miles under their belt who may be struggling.

I’ve struggled, like others here with mental health problems my whole life. Only before my 20’s I didn’t have the words for it. I’m actually, as of the last couple of months, the most well I’ve ever been. And yet this thread reduced me to a state of wanting to scream and feeling without a voice. It’s taken me a couple of days to get my balance back. At some point, I shall read through the whole thread again in a calm manner - but not yet.

I’ve tried to understand why it has so triggered me - I thought I was stronger than this now. But apparently not. The main thing I’ve come up with, is there’s a difference between being ill and dealing with our old nature. We ALL have to deal with our old nature - unfortunately there’s no pill for that and it hurts!! And it can be tough when God is dealing with us over something as we walk with Him and look to Him. It’s not nice when you’re shown a glimpse of your old nature as God works to grow the fruit of the Spirit in us. We ALL have to deal with this and will have to till we leave this mortal frame. And, as has been mentioned, selfishness, self focus, worry, unbelief are just some aspects of our old nature we ALL have to deal with at one level or another, at one time or another - or daily as the case may be.

BUT. And here’s the thing. Mental illness is not ‘that’. It is NOT our old nature which needs to be crucified. It’s something which needs care, love, understanding, compassion, help, support - sometimes medication - often listening to and often equipping the person with skills they don’t have. To treat genuine mental illness as the flesh which needs crucifying…well it literally feels crucifying. It is precisely this thinking and teaching which was the final straw for me when I tried to take my own life when I had 2 small children. This is how serious it can be.

I actually didn’t get the full help I needed to begin rebuilding my life until my late 30’s. For me, and it’s different for everyone, it came in the form of a fantastic and perceptive psychiatrist, correct diagnosis and effective medication which took a while to get right. Medication isn’t the answer for everyone and the mental health system is a whole other story.

I also think, unless you yourself have been afflicted with mental illness - whatever the causes and roots are, it’s not something you can understand. It is complex, and can have a deeply profound effect on every area of a persons life in ways you could never imagine. So, please, don’t be so quick to judge, to have all the answers or think you’d deal with it better. I wouldn’t wish the struggles I’ve had, and others here have had on my worst enemy. More than anything, people with such struggles need kindness and compassion. Their struggles don’t automatically mean they don’t love the Lord or that they’re not seeking Him with their whole heart.

I'm glad you spoke up, dear sister. Thank you! ♥

The unkindness and judgementalism surrounding the topic of mental illness is the reason there's always been such a stigma surrounding the subject. The brain is subject to organic disorders and illnesses, whether people like to acknowledge it or not. There are some who understand, and fortunately for them, some who never will.

May the Lord be praised for bringing us up out of the pit.

 

[Amethyst]

Been a very interesting thread.

 

[seated with Christ]

Always is when I’m in it, your welcome.

 

[Jan51]

I hope no one thinks it is unkind or judgmental to mention being cautious about making the choice to take psychotropic drugs. I would never suggest that Christians shouldn't take drugs for mental issues, because many testify that the right drug can help, but we also know Big Pharma is all about creating customers. I think there are two sources of potential healing that should be explored before trying drugs that affect your mind, since most/all have side effects and many of those are even similar to or worse than the malady.

The first source has already been mentioned: God's Word. Another source that I am surprised has not been mentioned is physical--adding to or deleting from one's diet or lifestyle. I have always been a firm believer in nutrition and natural health as a first option in any situation. I have been surprised at how few people I talk to are open to making changes to diet or lifestyle, such as deleting sugar or taking organic apple cider vinegar or even getting more regular sleep or exercise, but go straight to pharmaceuticals. Most realize additives are bad but won't give them up. High fructose corn syrup and trans-fats are awful. Many think nothing of eating fast food that is deep-fried in that bad fat. No one wants to give up fries or chicken strips!

I have read many people's health stories but will just share a couple of my own. Three years ago my husband passed away from dementia. His last several years were difficult and sometimes scary for me. His general dementia was gradually worsening, but took a sudden downward turn at one point. Almost daily he changed into a vicious monster, kind of Jekyl and Hyde. It would last for several hours. His eyes changed, his voice and demeanor changed, he cussed at me. He tried to hurt me and destroy stuff. I had to hide my purse, laptop and camera, keep the pickup locked and the keys in my pocket. He would chase me and try to corner me in the house. I often slept on the very edge of the bed with my clothes on, getting very little sleep.

I was committed to keeping him at home, but began to wonder if he was ready for not just a nursing home but perhaps an asylum. Two different times the doctor gave him a prescription to try that might calm him, but both times, we read all the warnings and side effects and decided it wasn't worth it; even in his state, when he was saner, he could understand, having also been against prescriptions all his life.

After about four months I began to wonder if it had to do with food. I had already been keeping a daily journal and food log; I did research on the internet, and experimented with deleting different foods. Over the next four months, I became more convinced of the food connection but couldn't get consistent improvement. Finally the culprit came to light: MSG. He had taken an antibiotic for an extended period eight months prior, and apparently it caused permanent digestive changes. Things started to slowly improve, but it took me a long time to find out that MSG hides under many names and is in almost everything packaged. I also removed sugar from his diet. With his new limited diet, all fresh and homemade, he was back to his regular dementia, his usual paranoia and delusions, but no more psychotic episodes.

Through my research, I also added more supplements to what he already took. Two in particular made immediate observable improvements--high doses of turmeric and niacinamide/B3.

My young grandson had behavior and self-control issues that instantly changed after he happened to mention to his mom that bread gave him a tummy ache; he was taken off gluten (and eventually dairy also), settled down, and within a week had become a different child. Food dyes and artificial additives are in so much food; sensitivities/allergies are rampant. Some people have little to no trouble with them, but others have strong physical or mental reactions.

Here is a story about drugs causing mental problems. My friend's husband (they were both Christians) was taking Chantix to stop smoking. After some time, he told her that he was being plagued by thoughts of killing her. He went off the drug and the obsession left him. My town has had a rash of suicides the past year--I always wonder if people were taking drugs that put suicidal thoughts in their minds, because many do.

Again, I hope no one sees these comments as unkind or judgmental; they are simply suggestions that it might be helpful to consider how physical aspects affect mental issues and to be cautious about drugs.

 

[ItIsFinished!]

I hope no one thinks it is unkind or judgmental to mention being cautious about making the choice to take psychotropic drugs. I would never suggest that Christians shouldn't take drugs for mental issues, because many testify that the right drug can help, but we also know Big Pharma is all about creating customers. I think there are two sources of potential healing that should be explored before trying drugs that affect your mind, since most/all have side effects and many of those are even similar to or worse than the malady.

The first source has already been mentioned: God's Word. Another source that I am surprised has not been mentioned is physical--adding to or deleting from one's diet or lifestyle. I have always been a firm believer in nutrition and natural health as a first option in any situation. I have been surprised at how few people I talk to are open to making changes to diet or lifestyle, such as deleting sugar or taking organic apple cider vinegar or even getting more regular sleep or exercise, but go straight to pharmaceuticals. Most realize additives are bad but won't give them up. High fructose corn syrup and trans-fats are awful. Many think nothing of eating fast food that is deep-fried in that bad fat. No one wants to give up fries or chicken strips!

I have read many people's health stories but will just share a couple of my own. Three years ago my husband passed away from dementia. His last several years were difficult and sometimes scary for me. His general dementia was gradually worsening, but took a sudden downward turn at one point. Almost daily he changed into a vicious monster, kind of Jekyl and Hyde. It would last for several hours. His eyes changed, his voice and demeanor changed, he cussed at me. He tried to hurt me and destroy stuff. I had to hide my purse, laptop and camera, keep the pickup locked and the keys in my pocket. He would chase me and try to corner me in the house. I often slept on the very edge of the bed with my clothes on, getting very little sleep.

I was committed to keeping him at home, but began to wonder if he was ready for not just a nursing home but perhaps an asylum. Two different times the doctor gave him a prescription to try that might calm him, but both times, we read all the warnings and side effects and decided it wasn't worth it; even in his state, when he was saner, he could understand, having also been against prescriptions all his life.

After about four months I began to wonder if it had to do with food. I had already been keeping a daily journal and food log; I did research on the internet, and experimented with deleting different foods. Over the next four months, I became more convinced of the food connection but couldn't get consistent improvement. Finally the culprit came to light: MSG. He had taken an antibiotic for an extended period eight months prior, and apparently it caused permanent digestive changes. Things started to slowly improve, but it took me a long time to find out that MSG hides under many names and is in almost everything packaged. I also removed sugar from his diet. With his new limited diet, all fresh and homemade, he was back to his regular dementia, his usual paranoia and delusions, but no more psychotic episodes.

Through my research, I also added more supplements to what he already took. Two in particular made immediate observable improvements--high doses of turmeric and niacinamide/B3.

My young grandson had behavior and self-control issues that instantly changed after he happened to mention to his mom that bread gave him a tummy ache; he was taken off gluten (and eventually dairy also), settled down, and within a week had become a different child. Food dyes and artificial additives are in so much food; sensitivities/allergies are rampant. Some people have little to no trouble with them, but others have strong physical or mental reactions.

Here is a story about drugs causing mental problems. My friend's husband (they were both Christians) was taking Chantix to stop smoking. After some time, he told her that he was being plagued by thoughts of killing her. He went off the drug and the obsession left him. My town has had a rash of suicides the past year--I always wonder if people were taking drugs that put suicidal thoughts in their minds, because many do.

Again, I hope no one sees these comments as unkind or judgmental; they are simply suggestions that it might be helpful to consider how physical aspects affect mental issues and to be cautious about drugs.

These are good thoughts and suggestions from a wise sister in Christ.
I see no judgment nor unkindness.

 

[daygo]

Imo there's a lot of rubbish around where mental health is concerned.

 

[GoldenEagle]

I hope no one thinks it is unkind or judgmental to mention being cautious about making the choice to take psychotropic drugs. I would never suggest that Christians shouldn't take drugs for mental issues, because many testify that the right drug can help, but we also know Big Pharma is all about creating customers. I think there are two sources of potential healing that should be explored before trying drugs that affect your mind, since most/all have side effects and many of those are even similar to or worse than the malady.

The first source has already been mentioned: God's Word. Another source that I am surprised has not been mentioned is physical--adding to or deleting from one's diet or lifestyle. I have always been a firm believer in nutrition and natural health as a first option in any situation. I have been surprised at how few people I talk to are open to making changes to diet or lifestyle, such as deleting sugar or taking organic apple cider vinegar or even getting more regular sleep or exercise, but go straight to pharmaceuticals. Most realize additives are bad but won't give them up. High fructose corn syrup and trans-fats are awful. Many think nothing of eating fast food that is deep-fried in that bad fat. No one wants to give up fries or chicken strips!

I have read many people's health stories but will just share a couple of my own. Three years ago my husband passed away from dementia. His last several years were difficult and sometimes scary for me. His general dementia was gradually worsening, but took a sudden downward turn at one point. Almost daily he changed into a vicious monster, kind of Jekyl and Hyde. It would last for several hours. His eyes changed, his voice and demeanor changed, he cussed at me. He tried to hurt me and destroy stuff. I had to hide my purse, laptop and camera, keep the pickup locked and the keys in my pocket. He would chase me and try to corner me in the house. I often slept on the very edge of the bed with my clothes on, getting very little sleep.

I was committed to keeping him at home, but began to wonder if he was ready for not just a nursing home but perhaps an asylum. Two different times the doctor gave him a prescription to try that might calm him, but both times, we read all the warnings and side effects and decided it wasn't worth it; even in his state, when he was saner, he could understand, having also been against prescriptions all his life.

After about four months I began to wonder if it had to do with food. I had already been keeping a daily journal and food log; I did research on the internet, and experimented with deleting different foods. Over the next four months, I became more convinced of the food connection but couldn't get consistent improvement. Finally the culprit came to light: MSG. He had taken an antibiotic for an extended period eight months prior, and apparently it caused permanent digestive changes. Things started to slowly improve, but it took me a long time to find out that MSG hides under many names and is in almost everything packaged. I also removed sugar from his diet. With his new limited diet, all fresh and homemade, he was back to his regular dementia, his usual paranoia and delusions, but no more psychotic episodes.

Through my research, I also added more supplements to what he already took. Two in particular made immediate observable improvements--high doses of turmeric and niacinamide/B3.

My young grandson had behavior and self-control issues that instantly changed after he happened to mention to his mom that bread gave him a tummy ache; he was taken off gluten (and eventually dairy also), settled down, and within a week had become a different child. Food dyes and artificial additives are in so much food; sensitivities/allergies are rampant. Some people have little to no trouble with them, but others have strong physical or mental reactions.

Here is a story about drugs causing mental problems. My friend's husband (they were both Christians) was taking Chantix to stop smoking. After some time, he told her that he was being plagued by thoughts of killing her. He went off the drug and the obsession left him. My town has had a rash of suicides the past year--I always wonder if people were taking drugs that put suicidal thoughts in their minds, because many do.

Again, I hope no one sees these comments as unkind or judgmental; they are simply suggestions that it might be helpful to consider how physical aspects affect mental issues and to be cautious about drugs.

I absolutely agree with you. On a site such as this my assumption of putting God’s Word and His will first is a given.

But doing everything we can to look after our health…as you say healthy food, deleting harmful foods, quality supplements - prioritising good sleep patterns and exercise are imperative. It’s too easy to look for medical help when you’re not doing all you can - and not just for mental health problems. Some peoples lifestyles would make anyone ill.

 

[daygo]

I absolutely agree with you. On a site such as this my assumption of putting God’s Word and His will first is a given.

But doing everything we can to look after our health…as you say healthy food, deleting harmful foods, quality supplements - prioritising good sleep patterns and exercise are imperative. It’s too easy to look for medical help when you’re not doing all you can - and not just for mental health problems. Some peoples lifestyles would make anyone ill.

Spot on.

 

[yeshua'sbride]

I hope no one thinks it is unkind or judgmental to mention being cautious about making the choice to take psychotropic drugs. I would never suggest that Christians shouldn't take drugs for mental issues, because many testify that the right drug can help, but we also know Big Pharma is all about creating customers. I think there are two sources of potential healing that should be explored before trying drugs that affect your mind, since most/all have side effects and many of those are even similar to or worse than the malady.

The first source has already been mentioned: God's Word. Another source that I am surprised has not been mentioned is physical--adding to or deleting from one's diet or lifestyle. I have always been a firm believer in nutrition and natural health as a first option in any situation. I have been surprised at how few people I talk to are open to making changes to diet or lifestyle, such as deleting sugar or taking organic apple cider vinegar or even getting more regular sleep or exercise, but go straight to pharmaceuticals. Most realize additives are bad but won't give them up. High fructose corn syrup and trans-fats are awful. Many think nothing of eating fast food that is deep-fried in that bad fat. No one wants to give up fries or chicken strips!

I have read many people's health stories but will just share a couple of my own. Three years ago my husband passed away from dementia. His last several years were difficult and sometimes scary for me. His general dementia was gradually worsening, but took a sudden downward turn at one point. Almost daily he changed into a vicious monster, kind of Jekyl and Hyde. It would last for several hours. His eyes changed, his voice and demeanor changed, he cussed at me. He tried to hurt me and destroy stuff. I had to hide my purse, laptop and camera, keep the pickup locked and the keys in my pocket. He would chase me and try to corner me in the house. I often slept on the very edge of the bed with my clothes on, getting very little sleep.

I was committed to keeping him at home, but began to wonder if he was ready for not just a nursing home but perhaps an asylum. Two different times the doctor gave him a prescription to try that might calm him, but both times, we read all the warnings and side effects and decided it wasn't worth it; even in his state, when he was saner, he could understand, having also been against prescriptions all his life.

After about four months I began to wonder if it had to do with food. I had already been keeping a daily journal and food log; I did research on the internet, and experimented with deleting different foods. Over the next four months, I became more convinced of the food connection but couldn't get consistent improvement. Finally the culprit came to light: MSG. He had taken an antibiotic for an extended period eight months prior, and apparently it caused permanent digestive changes. Things started to slowly improve, but it took me a long time to find out that MSG hides under many names and is in almost everything packaged. I also removed sugar from his diet. With his new limited diet, all fresh and homemade, he was back to his regular dementia, his usual paranoia and delusions, but no more psychotic episodes.

Through my research, I also added more supplements to what he already took. Two in particular made immediate observable improvements--high doses of turmeric and niacinamide/B3.

My young grandson had behavior and self-control issues that instantly changed after he happened to mention to his mom that bread gave him a tummy ache; he was taken off gluten (and eventually dairy also), settled down, and within a week had become a different child. Food dyes and artificial additives are in so much food; sensitivities/allergies are rampant. Some people have little to no trouble with them, but others have strong physical or mental reactions.

Here is a story about drugs causing mental problems. My friend's husband (they were both Christians) was taking Chantix to stop smoking. After some time, he told her that he was being plagued by thoughts of killing her. He went off the drug and the obsession left him. My town has had a rash of suicides the past year--I always wonder if people were taking drugs that put suicidal thoughts in their minds, because many do.

Again, I hope no one sees these comments as unkind or judgmental; they are simply suggestions that it might be helpful to consider how physical aspects affect mental issues and to be cautious about drugs.

Jan, I found this very helpful! Thank you!

I have an inherent distrust of Big Pharma and bad doctors, which has only gotten worse since Covid. I don’t like taking medications of any kind, never have, but there are some, for my lungs especially, that I have no choice but to take.

Many times I have tried to stop taking my medication for the panic/anxiety disorders, and the experience was too terrible for me to try it again. Your post has given me much to take to the Lord in prayer, as I never tried making any dietary changes which could help. It would be wonderful if the Lord would lead me in that area.

I agree with you about the dangers of Chantix. I watched two of my relatives go berserk on that stuff! I’m glad it’s been taken off the market.

 

[fl2007rn]

I do believe when it comes to areas of the brain, our mind, and all mental/cognitive issues, they should be viewed in the same manner as broken bones, or other physical ailments. Nobody bats an eye if one seeks medical assistance for visible physical problems, but some question others strength of faith for seeking treatment to deal with brain/mind issues.

I agree. The mind can get sick just like our physical bodies do.

Reading this thread has made me very sad. Some are saying that lack of faith is the reason that caused mental problems. Often times, mental issues can be a life long illness that must be managed by a variety of interventions that could include medications, counseling, diet, exercise, and most importantly faith in Jesus. Honestly, some of the comments on this thread have been judgemental and hurtful to those with mental illness.