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Original poster

Any depressed Christians out there?

34 replies

NotaStrongWoman · 12/01/2006 22:38

I'm not sure if I am or not (depressed that is, I'm definitely a Christian). I'm beginning to think that the reason I am not sure if I'm depressed is becuase I have a strong faith. Or maybe I am just kidding myself. What do others think? I know this is a strange post!

OP posts:
2dds · 12/01/2006 23:04

I'm also a Christian and have suffered from depression since my teens. How are you feeling, exactly?

Tommy · 12/01/2006 23:07

I am a Christian and have suffered with depression - do you not think the two are compatible?

poppiesinaline · 13/01/2006 11:05

I am also a Christian and have suffered from depression in the past. It took my ages to 'recognise' that I was actually depressed. We live in a 'fallen world' and depression is just another illness. Maybe you ought to pop along to your GP and have a chat.

poppiesinaline · 13/01/2006 11:10

PS there is nothing 'wrong' about suffering with depression. It is not your fault. I think often as Christians we feel like we should be full of 'joy' etc and shouldn't allow these things to affect us. Life is not like that. Depression is a chemical inbalance in the brain. I believe that God has placed 'medicine' here to help us. (Also believe that God does miracles too btw!)

prairiemuffin · 13/01/2006 12:20

helpful to remember that joy isn't always 'being happy'. Plenty of Christians throughout history have struggled with darkness in their spirits.
Being depressed is a horrid thing, but it happens to Christians the same as anyone, just like measles and broken legs. I second the recommendation to chat with GP.

Original poster
NotaStrongWoman · 13/01/2006 19:15

I wish I knew how to do this. This is the second time I've typed a long message only to see it disappear when I sign in..

What I said was, thanks for your messages. I am coming round to the idea that maybe I am depressed. For a long time I thought I was just overwhelmed and at some point I woudl not be.

I beieve that God would not let me deal with more than I am strong enough to cope with - so how could I become depressed? But I do recognise that deparession is an illness, and as poppies says, we llive in a fallen world.

So, what to do about it? I really dont want to see my GP. He is very good and knows about the other issues in my life, but I'm not sure I could.

I think I'd like to try counselling. (No idea how much it costs. Might be difficult because I don't want to tell DH). I know Christian counsellors exist but I've no idea how to access one. any tips?

Thanks for your support everyone. I'm not a regular on here. I read the threads when I can, but always feel too embarassed to post messages. Afraid I'd be identified as well. Maybe this is the start?

OP posts:
MrsMiggins · 13/01/2006 19:24

This is an interesting thread cos I have been questioning my faith too as I have PND

however I have come to the conclusion that God has been helping me - understanding HV & GP who believed me and helped with ADs and counselling; friends too who have been supportive and kind; wonderful people at my church who have been helping me.

could you not speak to your minister/vicar etc?
mine was very helpful and supportive and didnt preach or quote bible - just listened and talked to me and then finished our conversation with a prayer asking God to help me

poppiesinaline · 13/01/2006 19:28

Counselling would be good. Do you go to church? Maybe your church leader would be able to recommend someone. Where are you NotaStrongWoman? I could ask my church office if they know of anyone in your area. I would recommend counselling along with antidepressants. But I def think a visit to your GP would be a good idea. Could you maybe ask to see another GP in the practice if you are not comfortable with your own. Antidepressants would speed up your recovery and give you a little boost to be able to deal with stuff thats going on for you. Why could you not tell your DH? Is he a Christian too? (not that makes any difference - just nosey!) PS I would use a recommended Christian counsellor just to be sure you don't get any cranks!

Original poster
NotaStrongWoman · 13/01/2006 19:34

Thanks you two. I live in SE London and am a regular at a biggish C of E. I've got one of the ministry team coming round for coffee next week so could speak to her. I don't know about the vicar. Ditto my DH. Think I need to sort it out for myself before speaking to them.

Oops friends just turned up early. Mush go, will be back later!

OP posts:
poppiesinaline · 13/01/2006 19:42

You are sort of near me. I live near Epsom in Surrey. If you are interested in Christian counsellors I could investigate for you. CAT me if you want.

Original poster
NotaStrongWoman · 13/01/2006 23:53

Thanks Poppies that would be very kind. Sorry I rushed off earlier. No idea how to CAT. Far too tired to investigate now. Will get back to this tomorrow. Thanks

OP posts:
poppiesinaline · 14/01/2006 15:25

How are you today Notastrongwoman? Hope you are ok. Just click on 'contact another talker' and fill in details. The MN team will send your email to my email for you.

Original poster
NotaStrongWoman · 14/01/2006 19:48

Hi Poppies I am getting myself in a mess with this. I tried to CAT you but it says you cant receive messages. Obviously I am doing something wrong. Can you try to cat me please and I'll reply. thanks. NB I am now NotAStrongWomanMe. I had to change my name slightly as I set up a new email account. Thanks

PS Had very good day today

OP posts:
NotaStrongWomanMe · 16/01/2006 23:23

Hi poppies thanks for your CAT. I have replied but have got a 'delayed sending' message. I do hope it gets to you.

Overall been quite strong today. Although there have been moments when I have definitely not been. Tomorrow is set to be a tough day though because of circumstances so hope I can hold it together.

poppiesinaline · 18/01/2006 18:49

We are not being very successful at this are we!? Haven't got your CAT. I hear rumours that they are now charging a 5 pound a year subscription if you want to CAT. Don't know if that is causing problems.

poppiesinaline · 18/01/2006 19:20

PS. Did I give you my email when I CAT you? If so, you can email me directly rather than CAT me IYSWIM. Can't remember whether or not I did.

NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 19:45

Hi Poppies I'm sure this shouldn't be so difficult!

I received your CAT as an email via the MN team on 15th. I then cut and pasted your personal email address and sent you an email direct from my personal email account that same day. I got a msge back saying it had been delayed sending but that I didn't need to resend it. I've double checked I got your email right as well. I think I'll send it again now and we'll see what happens. I don't want to give my email on here as it is my name.

I dont think the problem has got anything to do with MN or the new charge to CAT as that part of it seems to have gone well - and we got in before the charge cam in! The problem seems to be when I emailed you.

I hope this works.

poppiesinaline · 18/01/2006 20:11

Hello! Cool, looks like we snuck in just in time! Will check my emails now.

poppiesinaline · 18/01/2006 20:34

sorry, Notastrongwomanme. Nothing has come through yet! I will keep checking my emails though so keep trying.

NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 20:35

Any sign Poppies??

NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 20:36

Messages crossed.

I know what I'll do, I'll email you from my other email account and give you my new one. But please don't click reply!

NotaStrongWomanMe · 18/01/2006 21:30

Giving up on this tonight Poppies, sorry

I've sent two messages from my new personal email, and one from my old shared email account. Nothing seems to be getting through. Let's hope something will have appeared before tomorrow.

I've got my curate (female) coming round tomorrow morning. Not sure if I'm going to be brave enough to tell her anything. Think I'll go to bed and pray about it.

poppiesinaline · 19/01/2006 09:20

Ah. Have received an email from you but have not replied as requested. If you could email me the area in which you live that would be great, then I can get that information for you.

Hope you are OK. Am thinking of you. X

NASWM · 19/01/2006 09:46

Thanks Poppies

Problem must be with my new account - although other stuff is getting through. How frustrating.

Perhaps if you sent a message to my new email (I gave it in my message) it would work if I replied to you??? (Thanks for not sending to my old email!!!) Sorry for making this complicated.

CaptainDippy · 19/01/2006 10:27

Am praying for all here - Keep your eyes focussed on what is right and true. [[hugs]]

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