Connie's Battle With Religion & Psychiatry
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It's Been Said That Hindsight is 20/20....
When you've been given the news that you are suffering from bi-polar disorder, the best medicine is the ability to talk to someone who has been there; done that!
As with most instances in life, the story of someone else's experience with the same issue can provide you with some valuable insight about your impending journey... not to mention some much needed comfort, and relief when you realize that you're not crazy; you're just chemically deficient!
Join me on a stroll down memory lane as I share with you a little of the story about how I learned about the neuro-chemical deficiency within my brain chemistry, and what it took to calm the cycle of never ending, self-defeating behaviors.
Not to fear... the story has a happy ending! If you or a loved one are suffering from a brain-based illness; read on, and discover hope for your medical dilemma!
Photo: What Should We Do With Our Wounded Spirits?
Connie Walcott (c) 2010 All Rights Reserved
As with most instances in life, the story of someone else's experience with the same issue can provide you with some valuable insight about your impending journey... not to mention some much needed comfort, and relief when you realize that you're not crazy; you're just chemically deficient!
Join me on a stroll down memory lane as I share with you a little of the story about how I learned about the neuro-chemical deficiency within my brain chemistry, and what it took to calm the cycle of never ending, self-defeating behaviors.
Not to fear... the story has a happy ending! If you or a loved one are suffering from a brain-based illness; read on, and discover hope for your medical dilemma!
Photo: What Should We Do With Our Wounded Spirits?
Connie Walcott (c) 2010 All Rights Reserved
The Oasis Club Peer Center
Friends in Low Places...
A group of my friends from home are meeting today in celebration of a milestone...and I am homesick to see them!
What's the occasion? I'm glad you asked!
It's the 10-year anniversary of the opening of a drop in center that this particular group of friends are responsible for building. No, they didn't do the actual construction of the building, but they did do all of the legwork, and the myriad of details that go into seeking and attaining a government grant for a designated purpose.
I was there at the time this project was being undertaken, but I was too ill to do much but show up at sporadic intervals of time; and lend what moral support I could muster.
It is Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at the time of this writing.
Last Updated: April 30, 2011
Bi-Polar Disorder Generates Low Self Esteem and Decreased Physical Capabilities
Drop-In Centers Provide a Place of Respite... They Are Places That Are Filled With People Who Truly Understand!
It seems impossible that it's been more than 10 years, yet in many ways it seems like only yesterday.That period of time was a very dark time in my life...some of these friends were enduring their own hard times as well. The alternating mania and depression of bi-polar disorder hover like an incredibly dark storm cloud.
So...just what is a drop-in center, and why do we need them?
This particular one is a place for consumers of mental health services.
It's a place to find peer support for people who have been diagnosed with brain-based disorders...also known as mental illness.
It's a place where friends gather to lend support, comfort and encouragement in the daily battle to manage the signs and symptoms mental illnesses.
The Harsh Realities of Mental Illness
Mental illness is a home-wrecker...
Mental illness is debilitating and filled with sorrow...
Mental illness is a medical problem that manifests itself in emotions...
Mental illness places people into a category that is defined as "psycho"-somatic...
The label of mental illness adds insult to the injury of those who are already enduring the haunting illnesses that affect the brain.
Mental illness is debilitating and filled with sorrow...
Mental illness is a medical problem that manifests itself in emotions...
Mental illness places people into a category that is defined as "psycho"-somatic...
The label of mental illness adds insult to the injury of those who are already enduring the haunting illnesses that affect the brain.
Mental Illness is a Dark Reality That Often Creates Overwhelming Depression and Hopelessness
It's an all pervading heaviness that is so devastating in nature that it creates the very real danger of contemplating suicide. The dark nature of depression often prevents people from crying out for help.
As I reflect back about my state of mind before I was diagnosed, I am thankful to be one of those whose suicide attempts were unsuccessful.
God had a better plan in mind for my life, and I believe He has a great plan for you as well.
Our nation is inundated with people who are struggling through many dark nights of weeping, aloneness, fear, and in many cases; poverty that is a repercussion of the inability to work due to health concerns.
Poverty is only one of the by-products of the deep emotional states that are an inherent part of mental illness.
Isolation, seclusion and frequent hospitalizations are often a part of the overall process that is part of coping with brain-based illnesses.
As I reflect back about my state of mind before I was diagnosed, I am thankful to be one of those whose suicide attempts were unsuccessful.
God had a better plan in mind for my life, and I believe He has a great plan for you as well.
Our nation is inundated with people who are struggling through many dark nights of weeping, aloneness, fear, and in many cases; poverty that is a repercussion of the inability to work due to health concerns.
Poverty is only one of the by-products of the deep emotional states that are an inherent part of mental illness.
Isolation, seclusion and frequent hospitalizations are often a part of the overall process that is part of coping with brain-based illnesses.
Oh, Ye of Little Faith, Just Give it to Jesus...
Since I was a child, I have tried to live my life according to the dictates of the Bible.
When mental illness reared it's ugly head in my life; I ran head on into the confusion that comes from the realities of a brain-based illness; and the lack of understanding on the part of those who admonished me to "just give it to Jesus."
After all, I was a "Church Lady"... I wasn't supposed to be dealing with sustained depression. I was often told that I was being a "bad testimony of the power of Jesus in my life!"
When mental illness reared it's ugly head in my life; I ran head on into the confusion that comes from the realities of a brain-based illness; and the lack of understanding on the part of those who admonished me to "just give it to Jesus."
After all, I was a "Church Lady"... I wasn't supposed to be dealing with sustained depression. I was often told that I was being a "bad testimony of the power of Jesus in my life!"
Religion and Psychiatry
In many cases, the roles of religion and psychiatry can create even more confusion for the person wrestling with an illness that is defined by symptoms that are expressed through emotions and behavior.
My religious foundation wasn't equipped to deal with the realities of my mental health.
I wasn't equipped to face the reality of needing to seek psychiatric treatment.
The lack of knowledge and understanding about how to find help drove the course of my life for many years.
My religious foundation wasn't equipped to deal with the realities of my mental health.
I wasn't equipped to face the reality of needing to seek psychiatric treatment.
The lack of knowledge and understanding about how to find help drove the course of my life for many years.
The Need For Change
There was more than one night when I stood underneath a dark night sky and cried out to Jesus...I didn't understand what was happening to me, and I was consumed with feelings of guilt, shame and failure.
Out of the Frying Pan & Into the Fire!
I grew up in a Pentecostal environment...so I was well acquainted with the "fire" of deep emotional experiences!
Church services were lively and packed with emotion.
The mania that accompanies bi-polar disorder was unrecognizable for many years due to the highly charged nature of my religious tenets.
Church services were lively and packed with emotion.
The mania that accompanies bi-polar disorder was unrecognizable for many years due to the highly charged nature of my religious tenets.
The other side of that coin is the depression that invariably comes after a period of mania.
For many years I cycled up and down, never realizing that there was a health issue taking place.
I always felt that I was just "falling short" of living the "victorious Christian life."
The debilitating cycles of depression would wax and wane, continually coming and going; no matter how many times I "gave it all to Jesus."
Religious rules and expectations can bombard you with condemnation that DOES NOT come from the heart of God! If you are being bombarded with railing accusations, let me challenge you to learn to turn a deaf ear to those harmful thoughts and dark beliefs. The accuser of the brethern will do everything he can to condemn you, and convince you that God is mad at you and has prepared a lightning bolt that's got your name written all over it. Darkness will try to fill your heart with those lies, but don't you buy it!
For many years I cycled up and down, never realizing that there was a health issue taking place.
I always felt that I was just "falling short" of living the "victorious Christian life."
The debilitating cycles of depression would wax and wane, continually coming and going; no matter how many times I "gave it all to Jesus."
Religious rules and expectations can bombard you with condemnation that DOES NOT come from the heart of God! If you are being bombarded with railing accusations, let me challenge you to learn to turn a deaf ear to those harmful thoughts and dark beliefs. The accuser of the brethern will do everything he can to condemn you, and convince you that God is mad at you and has prepared a lightning bolt that's got your name written all over it. Darkness will try to fill your heart with those lies, but don't you buy it!
The Road to Recovery
The road to recovery was a terrifying path!
When the illness became completely incapacitating, I found myself hospitalized; and on the path to Social Security Disability.
It was a harsh journey, but it was also the path that led me to drop-in centers like the Oasis Club.
When the illness became completely incapacitating, I found myself hospitalized; and on the path to Social Security Disability.
It was a harsh journey, but it was also the path that led me to drop-in centers like the Oasis Club.
- Social Security Online
- Official website of the US Social Security Administration.
- Benefits for People with Disabilities
- The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the ... Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain ...
- Social Security (United States) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Social Security, in the United States, currently refers to the federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program. ...
I Found People Who Not Only Understood Me....
My new found friends at The Oasis Club accepted, encouraged and celebrated me!
It's been many yearts since I've seen them; but even though I may not see them for extended intervals; we have a connection that overcomes the long periods of time when I am unable to communicate.
We bonded during a time when I was working my way through a process I didn't understand, and they were there to love me as I endured a healing process that felt as if it would never come to an end.
Seeing myself through the eyes of others taught me to value, respect and appreciate myself. By learning to gain control of and manage the medical condition that was ruining my life; I learned to see myself as a successful overcomer rather than feeling like a never ending failure.
It's been many yearts since I've seen them; but even though I may not see them for extended intervals; we have a connection that overcomes the long periods of time when I am unable to communicate.
We bonded during a time when I was working my way through a process I didn't understand, and they were there to love me as I endured a healing process that felt as if it would never come to an end.
Seeing myself through the eyes of others taught me to value, respect and appreciate myself. By learning to gain control of and manage the medical condition that was ruining my life; I learned to see myself as a successful overcomer rather than feeling like a never ending failure.
I Learned a New Way of Expressing Myself
I learned to value and appreciate my artistic nature!I spent most of my life putting out the fires that come from the extremes of bi-polar disorder.
Because I didn't recognize the fact that I was suffering from an illness; I lived in the whirlwind of chaos that is generated by the ups and downs of mania and depression.
I'm what's known as a "rapid cycler", so the force of the chaos was tremendous!
When hospitalization led me to "Recreation Therapy", I found myself navigating completely unknown waters.
As I journeyed through art projects, journaling, and
worksheets that dealt with how I thought about things; I discovered how much joy I experienced in the process of creating; no matter what medium I used to express myself!
I had always loved to craft, but I didn't realize the healing nature of engaging in those arts.
National Alliance For the Mentally Ill
- National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
- NAMI ...aka the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization.
They are dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness, as well as the family members who are affected by the challenges of mental health issues.
Writing is My One True Passion
I really do love to play with words! I was reading the encyclopedia when I started school; which earned me the nickname of "Egghead"...very early in my school years!
I spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book of some sort. I wrote my first story when I was 8 years old.
As I began to participate in the activities that were part of my "treatment plan", I began to see myself from a very different perspective.
I began to see myself through the eyes of people who understood why I was always crying, and why I was always bouncing around like a super ball!
I was up and down more than an Olympic yo-yo team!
It was wonderful to come to the realization that the insanity of constant instability could be changed! It was equally wonderful to be spoken to with kindness, understanding and encouragement during the process.
I spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book of some sort. I wrote my first story when I was 8 years old.
As I began to participate in the activities that were part of my "treatment plan", I began to see myself from a very different perspective.
I began to see myself through the eyes of people who understood why I was always crying, and why I was always bouncing around like a super ball!
I was up and down more than an Olympic yo-yo team!
It was wonderful to come to the realization that the insanity of constant instability could be changed! It was equally wonderful to be spoken to with kindness, understanding and encouragement during the process.
Journaling: The Journey to My Future
Journaling began as a recovery tool. I wrote endlessly about the overwhelming emotions that were wreaking havoc on my life.
In the beginning, it was an avalanche of emotion. Tears, sorrow, exclamations of grief; loss, confusion and despair.
But, over the course of the years, and sharing those thoughts with behavioral health specialists who would challenge some of my thinking lines; the journaling began to take on a completely different nature.
Writing became a problem-solving process!
Writing brought healing and much needed change for the good.
In the beginning, it was an avalanche of emotion. Tears, sorrow, exclamations of grief; loss, confusion and despair.
But, over the course of the years, and sharing those thoughts with behavioral health specialists who would challenge some of my thinking lines; the journaling began to take on a completely different nature.
Writing became a problem-solving process!
Writing brought healing and much needed change for the good.
Change is Good!
Constant change and upheaval are one of the harsh challenges of bi-polar disorder, but changing the WAY you change is change for the good!The road to change led me to blogging...writing; in living color! What a thrill that was!
I worked my way through the learning curve of online journals, blogs, and social networks.
I discovered how to convert my drawings to graphics, and upload them to my blog... I discovered a joy in creating! I was overcoming my workaholic tendencies, and learning to play!
I was learning to manage my activities; which helped me manage the sometimes rapidly swaying pendulum of mood swings.
God's Grace Notes Blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byOnline Journaling Led Me to Online Bibles
- Crosswalk... Bible Study Resources
- Crosswalk
- BibleGateway.com
- Bible Gateway
A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages. - eBible
- eBible
- Blue Letter Bible
- Blue Letter Bible
- Bible Study Tools
- Bible Study Tools - free searchable online Bible - verses, versions including NIV, KJV, commentaries, concordances, parallel, reading plans.
Taming the Whirlwind Led to Increased Creative Productivity
My Dream Of Becoming A Published Author Came True
Albert Einstein
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
~Albert Einstein~
The roller coaster of mania and depression is a never ending cycle that eventually generates a breakdown.
The day finally comes when you have to stop the engines so someone can do an oil change and a tune-up!
I'm thankful to have landed in a place where people recognized the signs and symptoms, and helped me learn how to use the tools of thinking, reasoning, and taking action based on my own thoughts and perceptions!
~Albert Einstein~
The roller coaster of mania and depression is a never ending cycle that eventually generates a breakdown.
The day finally comes when you have to stop the engines so someone can do an oil change and a tune-up!
I'm thankful to have landed in a place where people recognized the signs and symptoms, and helped me learn how to use the tools of thinking, reasoning, and taking action based on my own thoughts and perceptions!
I Know the Thoughts I Think Toward You...
Infamous words!Those are part of one of the verses of the Bible that spoke hope to me when I was enduring some of the darkest times of my life.
They are the words that are the foundation of God's Grace Notes...
That scripture was shared with me during a very difficult time in my life. It was 1987, I was far from home, and even further from a peaceful relationship with God. The gift of that verse would help sustain me through many dark days that were still on the brink of my horizon.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
The pictures in my logo are of Jesus, with Luke, the physician; and John the Baptist.
Jesus mediates between a gentle, soft spoken physician, and a fiery, wilderness prophet!
Overcoming the chasm between the calm and the storm of bi-polar is exemplified in the relationship I see between Jesus and the completely opposing natures of the men he chose to be his disciples!
Hope For a Bright Future
"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:6
I Have Never Been Alone
The Good News Is... Neither Are YOU!
During the stabilization process of my recovery, there were many nights when I felt as if God had completely abandoned and forsaken me.
I felt as if I had messed up so bad, that even He had decided I wasn't worth the effort...
What a horrible, dreadful emptiness that was!
Even in the face of feeling like He didn't care; He was still the place that I ran to...looking for comfort, solace and peace.
Those were the times that He proved his love to me. I felt anger, confusion, resentment, bitterness...the worst of the worst when it comes to human emotion.
I yelled, and raged, and cried... I vented all of the pent up rage and despair that was causing the roller coaster of emotional turmoil.
I shouted at Him, blamed him for the things I didn't understand...
I vented until I felt so ashamed...I poured out my agony, expecting him to tell me how "bad" I was. I expected him to chastise me for being so emotional.
But, that's not how he handled the situation!
I felt as if I had messed up so bad, that even He had decided I wasn't worth the effort...
What a horrible, dreadful emptiness that was!
Even in the face of feeling like He didn't care; He was still the place that I ran to...looking for comfort, solace and peace.
Those were the times that He proved his love to me. I felt anger, confusion, resentment, bitterness...the worst of the worst when it comes to human emotion.
I yelled, and raged, and cried... I vented all of the pent up rage and despair that was causing the roller coaster of emotional turmoil.
I shouted at Him, blamed him for the things I didn't understand...
I vented until I felt so ashamed...I poured out my agony, expecting him to tell me how "bad" I was. I expected him to chastise me for being so emotional.
But, that's not how he handled the situation!
Voices of Healing
- Trinity Broadcasting Network
- Trinity Broadcasting Network was my constant companion during the darkest days of my journey.
The many voices of TBN ministers, musicians, and daily Bible studies spoke to me with words of love, hope, encouragement, celebration and acceptance.
TBN was a veritable lifeline in my darkest hours. The message was ALWAYS the same...
Dear Connie...Jesus LOVES You!
Do you know that the same message is for you, too?
Jesus loves you,too!
In the midst of the WORST of your turmoil, confusion, doubt and despair...just as you are right now;
JESUS LOVES YOU...and so do I!
My Peace I Give Unto You
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27
I found peace and comfort in the God of the Bible...even when I was at my worst; he showed up with words of hope and encouragement...
He sent people who helped me learn to live one moment at a time, and learn to love myself in the process!
Jesus is the Master who knows how to deal with Religion AND Psychiatry!
John 14:27
I found peace and comfort in the God of the Bible...even when I was at my worst; he showed up with words of hope and encouragement...
He sent people who helped me learn to live one moment at a time, and learn to love myself in the process!
Jesus is the Master who knows how to deal with Religion AND Psychiatry!
A Work in Progress
So, does that mean that I no longer struggle with the emotional ups and downs of the brain-based illness of bi-polar disorder?Not completely! It means that I take inventory of myself...every single day. It means I monitor my thoughts, feelings, and general state of mind. It means I pay attention to ME, making certain I receive the care I need, so that my service to others remains in good balance. I'm not always successful at good self-care, but at least I am aware of my need to continually monitor my mood and state of being.
It's a daily challenge to manage the ups and downs of emotion that can all too easily run rampant.
There are numerous factors that are part of maintaining the balance that prevents relapses into the extreme mood swings of mania or depression.
Taking care to maintain proper rest, nutrition and daily self care help to ensure the successful treatment of the person with bi-polar disorder.
The challenge is real, and is a daily battle; but emotional stability CAN be achieved and maintained.
The answer lies in the effective combination of faith and good medicine. I have discovered the truth of God's Word. When Jesus said that he came so we could have an abundant life; he meant it!
The Word of God changes your mind like the proper medicine changes your body chemistry!
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." III John 1:2
Self-Care is a Tremendous Tool
Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 22:36-40
Connie's Thought Train (c) All Rights Reserved
I Found a New Way of Living
It's important to learn to value your own need for care. Extreme moods and a faulty self-image can wreak havoc on your life.There are some practical steps that can be a tremendous help in bringing peace to the storm of whirling emotions.
If you cope with the chaos and confusion that comes from the mental turmoil caused by bi-polar disorder; I encourage you to consider the fact that you take steps to help lessen the frequency and severity of manic-depressive episodes.
I've found the tools I needed to begin to heal; and I strive to remember to take good care of ME... every single day of my life.
After all, if you don't love and care for yourself, you can't offer hope and encouragement to your neighbor!
So, Learn To Take Care of Yourself, Please!
* Eat meals at regular intervals...keeping your blood sugar balanced helps to maintain your mood
* Avoid excessive caffeine!
* Sleep! Create a schedule, an alarm clock, a "go to bed" call from a friend...anything it takes to remind you to maintain a good schedule of rest
* Take time for play... and time to pray!
* Take notice of your mood when you are in an environment that has the potential to over-stimulate you.
* Be aware of your feelings...when you find yourself irritable and edgy, take some time to yourself!
Go swimming, take a hike, do something that gets you out of your current mindset
* Be gentle with yourself!
* Find someone you can talk to
* Take advantage of a drop-in center...you will find people there who understand how you feel; and will help you through the hard times!
* Don't be ashamed to cry, laugh, talk, or express yourself
* Journal!
* Be gentle with yourself!
You are lovable, and deserve to be treated as such.
* Don't forget to breathe!
Holding your breath is a typical reaction to rapid thinking!
*Take your meds! Every single day; be sure to take your medication.
*One of the most important components of my healing has been the restoration of my relationship with God. It took a long time and a lot of suffering, but He finally convinced me that He loves me, and is not mad at me! I encourage you to take a look at your relationship with Him... Your relationship with church is important as well, but you can't achieve good balance at church until you first solidify your relationship with God!
I do believe that Jesus can heal instantaneously, but in my case, he chose to use medical professionals to relieve my suffering. The years I spent in recovery taught me more about the love of God than I will ever be able to express. I now KNOW that I am loved by God, and that has been the best part of my healing!
* Avoid excessive caffeine!
* Sleep! Create a schedule, an alarm clock, a "go to bed" call from a friend...anything it takes to remind you to maintain a good schedule of rest
* Take time for play... and time to pray!
* Take notice of your mood when you are in an environment that has the potential to over-stimulate you.
* Be aware of your feelings...when you find yourself irritable and edgy, take some time to yourself!
Go swimming, take a hike, do something that gets you out of your current mindset
* Be gentle with yourself!
* Find someone you can talk to
* Take advantage of a drop-in center...you will find people there who understand how you feel; and will help you through the hard times!
* Don't be ashamed to cry, laugh, talk, or express yourself
* Journal!
* Be gentle with yourself!
You are lovable, and deserve to be treated as such.
* Don't forget to breathe!
Holding your breath is a typical reaction to rapid thinking!
*Take your meds! Every single day; be sure to take your medication.
*One of the most important components of my healing has been the restoration of my relationship with God. It took a long time and a lot of suffering, but He finally convinced me that He loves me, and is not mad at me! I encourage you to take a look at your relationship with Him... Your relationship with church is important as well, but you can't achieve good balance at church until you first solidify your relationship with God!
I do believe that Jesus can heal instantaneously, but in my case, he chose to use medical professionals to relieve my suffering. The years I spent in recovery taught me more about the love of God than I will ever be able to express. I now KNOW that I am loved by God, and that has been the best part of my healing!
Now, Doesn't That Feel Good?
You can experience a good life, and learn to overcome the challenges that are part of bi-polar disorder.Learn to manage your "Self"...be gentle with yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
I was hospitalized in January of '08 for a med stabilization. The good news is that it had been 7 years since the last time that I had needed to seek in-patient care!
THAT is a major celebration for one who deals with chemically based illness on a daily basis.
The turning point in my life was due to acquiring the knowledge that I needed to seek medical care, and learn how to modify my behavior.
My solution came in the form of answered prayer.. I cried out for help, and I received it! My miracles came in the form of psychiatrists, counselors and fellow consumers of mental health services.
"He sent His word to heal them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:20
It's a journey I'm thankful for, because it has changed my life, and given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams without the constant interference of roller coaster mood swings!
The roller coaster is still running... but now, it's most often more like the mini-coaster that's made for children.
I encourage you to cry out to Jesus for the help you need. You don't even have to pick up the phone; just cry out! Trust me, he's always listening for the sound of YOUR voice.
He will lead you to the people who can help you find the services you need to stabilize your life, and bring you your much needed change for good.
I believe that God has a good plan for all of us...with a little help and encouragement from others, it could finally be time for you to find yours!
I bid you peace and joy on the journey to your own healing,
Connie
"He sent His word to heal them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:20
It's a journey I'm thankful for, because it has changed my life, and given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams without the constant interference of roller coaster mood swings!
The roller coaster is still running... but now, it's most often more like the mini-coaster that's made for children.
I encourage you to cry out to Jesus for the help you need. You don't even have to pick up the phone; just cry out! Trust me, he's always listening for the sound of YOUR voice.
He will lead you to the people who can help you find the services you need to stabilize your life, and bring you your much needed change for good.
I believe that God has a good plan for all of us...with a little help and encouragement from others, it could finally be time for you to find yours!
I bid you peace and joy on the journey to your own healing,
Connie
I'm glad that the education about bi-polar disorder is behind me, and I can discuss it from the vantage point of my history.
I want to encourage you, as well. Though it may feel as if you are alone, you are most definitely not! My thoughts and prayers are with you each night before I go to sleep, I pray that you will find the comfort of Christ...
"I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." John 14:18
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Continuing Stability Is Bringing Continuing Productivity
As you can see, my love for writing and crafting is never ending!
Would You Like To Know How It "Feels" To Cope With Religion & Psychiatry?
God's Grace Notes... aka His Invisible Child
Squidoo Provides The Platform For Me To Let My Voice Be Heard
Healing Brings Hope For A Brighter, & More Productive Future!
My Experience With Bi-Polar Has Put Me On The Fast Track to Advocacy
- Connie's Bible Crafts 4 Kids Website
- Connie's Bible Crafts 4 Kids is filled with great crafty projects that make it fun to study God's word! Includes lesson plans for teachers, ideas for room decor, crafty Bible gear and much, much more.
- Connie's Bible Crafts 4 Kids Blog- Study To Show Thyself Approved Unto God & Have Fun While You're Doing It!
- Training up a child in the way he should go just got a whole lot easier... Grab the kids, and join me for some crafty Bible study time!
- Connie's Crafts 4 Kids - Crafty Fun For Kids... and The Folks Who Love 'Em!
- Connie's Crafts 4 Kids will keep your kids busy crafting so you can enjoy some creative time of your own! Visit often for crafty updates.
Unless otherwise noted, all artwork on this lens belongs to Connie Walcott and may not be used without written permission (c) 2010 All Rights Reserved
How Do You Feel About Bi-Polar Disorder?
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Kylyssa
Nov 30, 2011 @ 11:27 am | delete
- Bi-Polar Disorder is an illness just as lupus or cancer or diabetes are illnesses. If society could get over the idea that mental illnesses are not illnesses but character flaws or signs of "not being right with God" then the battle against brain-based illnesses would be halfway won.
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DavidDove
Sep 20, 2011 @ 9:05 am | delete
- Both humbling and inspirational, thak you. David
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ERosser
Jul 3, 2011 @ 10:38 pm | delete
- This is an amazing lense! I struggle with MDD (major depressive disorder) and I too have been told around the Christian community that if I just prayed more, had more faith, repented and sinned less that God would heal me. I was made to believe for a long time that it was MY fault that God wouldn't heal me. It wasn't until I wound up in a faith based treatment program where I really began to heal and heal my relationship with God. Since then it is my prayer to be a voice that help lead people with mental illness and other invisible disabilities to a place of healing and NOT condemnation. I am grateful to my core I get to attend and minster at a church that readily embraces all the various forms of brokenness God's people can incur. This is an amazing article!
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darciefrench
Jun 4, 2011 @ 4:56 pm | delete
- It seems I have the opportunity to bless this lens again - hope that's the case - and that it's not a matter of it not sticking. I recently, after years of unipolar depression have been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and medicated with seroquel. I'm currently on the down swing and every cell in my body hurts - my hands feel like lead. It's hard to lift a frying pan. I am on squidoo because it keeps me going - otherwise I would disappear into my room and meditate through it. It seems I lose contact with the world when I do that though, so am learning to 'work' or push through these times.
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miaponzo
May 3, 2011 @ 8:07 am | delete
- I know someone who has it, and it's tough... hang in there people! Thanks for this amazing lens!
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darciefrench
Nov 2, 2010 @ 9:40 pm | delete
- Awesome lens on my favorite topic- angel blessed and featured in November Blessings.
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gods_grace_notes
Nov 2, 2010 @ 9:58 pm | delete
- Thank-you for visiting, Darcie, and for your kind comments...
Congratulations on your Squid Angel appointment!
I'll fly by for a peep at your November blessings lens.
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Tipi
Oct 6, 2010 @ 10:48 pm | delete
- You will minister to many with your testimony ~ what you've seen, you've heard and your hands have handled. You got me in tears! You've been in the wilderness and come through to the other side with excellent and practical advice. Thank you for exposing yourself for the good of others and the glory of God! So many in the church hide their true suffering but we are learning that God causes all things to work together for good ~ even if that means counseling, psychiatiry, medications, etc. The thing is we live in a fallen world. Be blessed!
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gods_grace_notes
Oct 7, 2010 @ 12:57 am | delete
- It's been a while since I've been by this lens myself, and you have me in tears again as well! Your affirmations make my heart swell with gratitude for the God who watched over me in those darkest of days, and kept promising that good things really were just over my horizon. God really does work all things for our good. I've truly enjoyed following your trek through some of my lenses tonight... All blessings to you!
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gods_grace_notes
Nov 2, 2010 @ 9:55 pm | delete
- Thank you so much, Tipi. I have enjoyed your visits... Yes, I have to agree, there are so many wounded warriors in the church who don't get the help they need because of faulty religious mindsets. I know for a fact that the truth will set you free, and my prayer is for others like myself to finally find their way to healing, wholeness and the abundant life Christ died for. All God's best to you!
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by gods_grace_notes
gods_grace_notes
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The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know
Amazon Price: $5.98 (as of 02/17/2012)
