experience with mental illness

[Tamarack]

My question is, who out there has or has known anyone with a mental illness. I have been dealing with schizophrenia for the past 7 years and I have had and continue to have experiences that leave me feeling confused and fearful.
I can't believe I have this disorder and that I can't distinguish between what is a real spiritual experience and what is this sickness. Could you please describe to me how God speaks to you, it would help me so much. Perhaps, you could tell me how I'm suppose to feel as a christian? Am I suppose to feel as though there is evil and darkness all around? or am I suppose to feel safe and strong and loved so that the outside world can't touch me. Is God punishing me? Do I have to keep asking forgiveness for all the horrible things that go through my mind when I seem to have no way to control them. If you have any experience with mental illness and you are a christian I would really appreaciate hearing from you

[Joshua]

My sweet child in Christ,
The enemy is robbing you of the freedom and joy that is ours in Christ Jesus. I worked for several years in a psych unit and witnessed the power of God liberating those that were bound by mental illnesses. As Christians we have the authority given to Jesus to loose and bind. Actually the word authority used in Matthew 28 in the KJV is not a correct interpretation, it really mean executive order.

You can be set free from this illness, its not a matter of how you must deal with it. Do you want to be set free? If so you must become a knower of the word. Not just a believer who claims I believe I can be delivered, but a knower who state I know I am delivered according to the promises of His word.

As to knowing what is of God and what is from your illness, again what does the Bible say? To take every thought captive in Christ. Study His word to show yourself approved to rightly divide the Word of God. Then when the thought come in to your mind, pose them against the Word of God. His light shall shine through the darkness.

I saw times in the hospital when patients would have violent outbreak, after two or three shots that would bring down a horse the charge nurse would turn to me and say ok Pastor, maybe you need to call on God for this one, and countless times I would simply lay my hand on their forehead and speak the peace of Jesus over them, and praise be to God, they would calm down right then. Other patients I ministered two and took through the step in Christ to be delivered were set free and to this day no longer suffer from any mental illness., again all praise to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

You need not have a future of mental illness, Jesus will heal you today, He has healed you today and your healing was brought by His stripes, you just need to state it "I know I am delivered and healed.

Joshua

[Roma]

Tamarack,

I am intimately aquainted with the pain of mental suffering and my heart aches for you. Although I do not possess knowledge of schizophrenia, I do know that nothing is to hard for God. I experienced deliverence from drugs at age 16 and major depression in my late thirties.

I promise to carry you in prayer, dear sister.

Roma

[Daniel F.]

Tamarack, I am guessing that is your real name as Daniel is mine. Oh yes I am very familiar with schizophrenia as my mother has been diagnosed with it for most her life. My sister also, but not as extreme as my mother. One thing that I noticed right away about you is your willingness to communicate your fears and doubts. That is the same thing with my mom and sister. They are very open with me about how they feel about things. It makes it much easier to help someone that communicated openly like that. Since my mother is my best friend and she trusts me we are close to each other. I notice that trust is not easily dealt out by people with this diagnoses. It takes time to develop it. I am not a pill pusher though but do not allow that to change your better judgements. I maybe will have a chance to talk with you, but you may be surprised to hear some of the things that I tell you because Ive dealt with this for many years. My moms had her ups and downs yes with much chaos. But she has also taught me many things. One time I remember her taking the last bit of change out of her purse to buy me something to drink. She was so happy to do it and wasnt worrying if she was going to be able to make it. Of course I was there to make sure that she would be alright as I took care of my mom many times in the past. I dont concentrate too much on the negatives in my mother and sister as I do the positives and that is what helps us to grow in love together. We have an unbreakable trust and that is what I see. When you talk about your fears and doubts that in itself will help make you a stronger person Tamarack. I hope someday we will be able to chat. I am on on Sat. and Sunday nights till one in the morning. Jesus Christ is our strength and our confidence that God loves us and desires to keep us under his wings. Amen.

[Veelakhu]

I am reminded of a scripture, 'and except those days should be shortened, there would no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.' God loves you, call out to him and he will hear your plea, and trust in his mercy. He is not punishing you, he died that you might be free. I have struggled with many things, and he is faithful to heal his children. It is easy to feel condemned when dealing with mental illness, often we ask 'am I not spiritual enough?' Submit all thoughts to christ, and ask for a transformed mind, which in Romans 12, leans towards reading his word. His living word is miraculous that way, it will transform, and renew your mind. Remember it is the accuser, the devil, that stands trying to comdemn us. It is Jesus who said "come unto me you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt 11v 28.

[JeffWOSC]

Hi Tamarack,
First of all Tamarack God is not punishing you. We all have crosses to bear and even Paul had a thorn in his side that he wanted God to take it away three times he asked for God to take it away and God didn't and said my grace is sufficient for thee. And it is true God's grace is sufficient for all of mental illnesses, ailment, and sufferings. The bible says we are to hold captive every thought and see if it matches up to God's word. I was a lutheran growing up in Ca and it wasn't until I was in the service that I could find out that I could have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by accepting him as my personal savior and Lord. As I went to church, prayed and studied the Bible I grew as a young christian. I later had a nervous breakdown and like you I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I had similar experiences and feelings and fears that I may not be accepted in the christian community and doubted myself. But God's promise stands so bold that nothing can tear us away from God's hands of love. Not mental illness, public and family rejection, sickness or death. Wow what gracious love. Tamarack I will pray for you that if have'nt asked Jesus into your heart that you will and if you have I know that the Holy Spirit will giveyou understanding of the bible to know and give you the courage and drive to seeking his will first. I went on to get a degree in Psychology and I now work in the mental health field. What a blessing that I have found out through my sufferings I am able to help others with mental illnesses. I many years later found out I was diagnosed wrong and actually suffered from depression and had a psychotic break. This is my first visit to a chat room and I know that God had his hand in it for me to respond to you. What a blessing you are to me. I pray that this has been a help for you and sure has been a help for me to share with you. It has been awhile since cried about something so touching as your sufferings. Thank you for giving me hope and direction on if I am working where God wants me. I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you." Love in Christ, Jeff