Would the Lord heal me?

[Kwil]

Hey everyone, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder last year and I've been having a hard time ever since. It's been a real humbling experience having to surrender myself to relying on medication for the rest of my life, but I'm just sick and tired of it. I'm sick of the side effects, and I'm sick of the whole disorder in general. I just wish I was normal and didn't have to deal with this. I've been thinking about a priesthood blessing for a long time now, but I doubt the Lord will cure me. I keep thinking that this is an affliction He'd want me to have for the rest of my life for the chance to become stronger, or that I agreed to have this as one of life's many trials in the preexistence. I have absolute faith that God has the power to heal me, I just doubt that it's His will for me to be healed. I'm also concerned if I get a priesthood blessing anyways that I'll just become paranoid over whether I was actually healed or not; I feel like I'd need some divine witness letting me know that I've been healed. I am a man of little faith indeed. I'm sorry for whining and ranting about something personal like this. If anyone has any advice or would like to share any experience they've had with healing during their life, please do!

-Kwil

[rampion]

The faith comes in willingness to accept what the Lord blesses you with. When Jesus prayed on the cross, he prayed "not my will, but thine." The answer may not be to take away the affliction, but to strengthen you to be able to manage it, to be given medications that work for you, and to be directed to professionals who can give you effective treatment.

The answer might not come immediately, but maybe in time and with your own best efforts. Whether it is sin, sickness, or mental or emotional unwellness, we are saved by grace after we have done all that we can do for ourselves.

Bipolar disorder is much more manageable with the correct medications. But there is still a lot that you can do to manage the illness yourself. Be aware of your moods, and keep track of ups and downs. Maintain a healthy diet and regular sleep schedule (having 8 hours of dark every night, whether or not you sleep that long, has been shown to control mania - google "Dark Therapy" and "Light Therapy."). Counseling helps with Bipolar Disorder too. Especially if you get manic or depressed, talk to someone - a friend, a therapist, your bishop or home teacher, ....

I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and personality disorders for my whole life. I have had blessings when things were especially dark and hopeless. I never expected to be cured - only to be able to get through the hard times, and to know that Heavenly Father cared about me. It does help.

[Bini]

I have BP too.

Since you were just recently diagnosed BP (last year) it's possible that you may not be on the right MED. It's taken about three or four years before I was able to find a MED that made my quality of life better. Not perfect but better than dealing with BP untreated. So I would suggest consulting your physician regarding a MED change if you're "having a hard time". But I can definitely relate to the ups and downs that come with BP. If I could be cured of it - I'd do it. But I know that BP is just another trial that I must learn to overcome the best I can in this mortal life :]

[Just_A_Guy]

It is never wrong to request a priesthood blessing, so long as you don't expect the priesthood holder to let you dictate the content of the blessing.

[WmLee]

I believe that when we stood before our father in Heaven and raised our hand to the square and said, "yes" when he asked if if we understood the plan, we knew we would each receive an imperfect mortal body. Part of that MAY mean a chemical imbalance. And we said, "yes".

Nothing was done directly to any of use. we just recieved and imperfect body which, can be helped!! we were also given an active mind and some people have found ways to make our lives better when we are faced with problems.

Find the right medication, the right balance of what you need, then BE the best you can with what you have. That is what we said "yes" to.

[Moksha]

Go ahead a get a blessing, but continue taking the medication as your doctor prescribed.

[Traveler]

Hey everyone, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder last year and I've been having a hard time ever since. It's been a real humbling experience having to surrender myself to relying on medication for the rest of my life, but I'm just sick and tired of it. I'm sick of the side effects, and I'm sick of the whole disorder in general. I just wish I was normal and didn't have to deal with this. I've been thinking about a priesthood blessing for a long time now, but I doubt the Lord will cure me. I keep thinking that this is an affliction He'd want me to have for the rest of my life for the chance to become stronger, or that I agreed to have this as one of life's many trials in the preexistence. I have absolute faith that God has the power to heal me, I just doubt that it's His will for me to be healed. I'm also concerned if I get a priesthood blessing anyways that I'll just become paranoid over whether I was actually healed or not; I feel like I'd need some divine witness letting me know that I've been healed. I am a man of little faith indeed. I'm sorry for whining and ranting about something personal like this. If anyone has any advice or would like to share any experience they've had with healing during their life, please do!

-Kwil

I know how you feel - I am sick of mortal life. I do understand I will have to live with the flaws of it all until I die. But I do believe that G-d will heal us all in the resurrection and that which is corrupt will be made glorious and no longer be corrupt. And if I get a blessing to make mortality last longer it will only delay getting out of mortality.

Yah - I know mortality sucks but we might as well make the best of it we can.

The Traveler

Edited September 2, 2009 by Traveler

[Maxel]

Kwil-

I've battled clinical depression since my young teen years. I've found that medication helps if there's a real chemical imbalance in the body. Seek to do the will of the Lord and have faith in His name, but don't expect Him to take away all your challenges. Also, continue to act in accordance with the advice of competent, caring medical professionals- if you think there's a problem with your diagnosis, perhaps getting a second/third opinion would help.

[MsQwerty]

Hi, as one who lives with a spouse who has been diagnosed with bipolar and a borderline personality disorder, I'd like to encourage you to continue with the medical management of your condition as well as counselling. In my husband's case it's been vital to his very survival for without the medication he is a different man, he indulges in self-destructive behaviour, leaves the family and then once he comes down from his manic state he is full of self-loathing and will attempt suicide. I've been through this too many times after he has decided to take himself off medication because he believes he is fine and doesn't need it any more. Another reason he dislikes the medication is because of the sexual side effects. Quite honestly, I've had to convince him none of that matters because what is more important is that he is here on earth, alive and well. After his last 'episode' (I won't go into the distressing details), he has realized that medication has to be a lifelong thing for him. It's vital to his survival as well as that of our family unit.

You don't say if you are married or have children, but if you do, it becomes even more important for you to do what it takes to keep yourself mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. And if you don't have those things in your life, you need to do it for yourself and those who care about you.

Faith without works won't work, is one way of thinking about it. You can have faith in Heavenly Father to help you survive your challenges with mental health, but you also have to do the 'work' of taking care of the medical side of things. If you had a different kind of disease you would seek treatment as well as a priesthood blessing, mental illness is no different.

All the best...sorry I can't help you with any stories of healing from mental illness, all I know is that we have to do what we can and let god do the rest.

[Hemidakota]

Hey everyone, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder last year and I've been having a hard time ever since. It's been a real humbling experience having to surrender myself to relying on medication for the rest of my life, but I'm just sick and tired of it. I'm sick of the side effects, and I'm sick of the whole disorder in general. I just wish I was normal and didn't have to deal with this. I've been thinking about a priesthood blessing for a long time now, but I doubt the Lord will cure me. I keep thinking that this is an affliction He'd want me to have for the rest of my life for the chance to become stronger, or that I agreed to have this as one of life's many trials in the preexistence. I have absolute faith that God has the power to heal me, I just doubt that it's His will for me to be healed. I'm also concerned if I get a priesthood blessing anyways that I'll just become paranoid over whether I was actually healed or not; I feel like I'd need some divine witness letting me know that I've been healed. I am a man of little faith indeed. I'm sorry for whining and ranting about something personal like this. If anyone has any advice or would like to share any experience they've had with healing during their life, please do!

-Kwil

To be healed, you first need the desire and hope, then the necessary faith to do so. There is nothing impossible in this world for GOD or HIS servants, who holds HIS honor to carryout this desire for you.

[ferretrunner]

Talk to your doctor about your current symptoms and meds. It takes awhile to find the right balance that manages the symptoms without troublesome side effects. I understand what you mean about not wanting to have to take meds your whole life. Look at it this way: if you were diabetic and needed insulin, you'd be on it your whole life. Or if you needed heart medication. Bipolar is similiar. It's a medical condition caused by imbalances of neurotransmitters in your brain. With the right meds, you can have a normal, productive life. I have seen people not taking meds lose everything- house, job, spouse, children, freedom (jail), and suicide.

Get the priesthood blessing. Let the Spirit direct the blessing.

[brmecham]

I've seen people cured of "bipolar" as a result of making a dramatic lifestyle change... getting plenty of sunlight each day, drinking lots of water, exercise / physical activity, get enough sleep, a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables. You may have to give up dairy, white sugar, possibly even wheat?

Anyways, I'm not a doctor, I've just seen what works for people... but if I were to recommend a doctor who is educated on both side (medication / natural) it's Hugo Rodier, M.D. : http://www.hugorodier.com/ also Dr. Ann Blake Tracy: Board

[ryanh]

http://www.hugorodier.com/ is a front page, owned by OurHealthCoop.com - another unregistered business in UT, apparently doing business here illegally. When are you going to stop advertising for unregistered/illegal businesses?

Cure? Ha ha! You're funny. Perhaps treat. What proof do you have to claim "cure"? If these quack "cures" had a chance of working, word of mouth alone would have caused many real doctors to adopt the cause. There is a reason these things remain on the fringe of mainstream. They are predatory hoping to lure in desperate people.

Go advertise elsewhere!

[brmecham]

Sorry ryanh, I'm not here to advertise I'm here to help. The OP had a question... most referred back to the right medication/doses and yet I didn't attack them for their opinions (like you have attacked me) I simply offer an alternative solution.

Your attack on me is completely un-christlike.

Edited September 3, 2009 by brmecham

[ferretrunner]

I've seen people cured of "bipolar" as a result of making a dramatic lifestyle change... getting plenty of sunlight each day, drinking lots of water, exercise / physical activity, get enough sleep, a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables. You may have to give up dairy, white sugar, possibly even wheat?

Anyways, I'm not a doctor, I've just seen what works for people... but if I were to recommend a doctor who is educated on both side (medication / natural) it's Hugo Rodier, M.D. : http://www.hugorodier.com/ also Dr. Ann Blake Tracy: Board

Bipolar disorder exists. Please STOP telling people that a diet can cure them. I agree that medication isn't always the answer. But, if his diagnosis is accurate, all the vegetables in the world will not cure the disease.

Yes, excercise, sleep, sunlight, and a healthy diet are all components of a holistic approach to treatment of mental health issues. The other parts are therapy with a qualified, trained, and I would recommend licesned therapist and possibly medication. When I was providing mental health therapy, I worked with my clients to establish healthy living routines as part of their recovery.

One problem I see often is people get on medication and don't necessarily get the therapy part. Or the therapist doesn't match or isn't very good.

What to look for in a good therapist: 1. Training- what level of education does the therapist have? Does the therapist have any speciality training? 2. What type of theoretical approach (es) does the therapist use? (ie Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focus, EMDR, Reality Therapy, etc). 3. What license/ certification does the therapist have? 4. Have there been any complaints? You can check this on your state health department website in most states. 5. Rapport- do you trust this person? Do you feel accepted? Do you "gell." 6. Treatment plans- you should be involved in setting your treatment goals- your therapist can act as a guide. 7. Experience- how many years has the therapist been in practice? This is a rule of thumb. Some less experienced therapists can be very good at what they do but may not be the right match for extremely complex situations. They just don't have the experience base yet. If you are seeing a "younger" therapist, is the therapist receiving supervision or consultation with a more experienced therapist? Sometimes, that can be a very successful "team."

Like everything else in life-- you get out of therapy what you put into therapy. If you have "homework"- do it. Practice the skills. If you run into trouble with it, talk to your therapist about what is hard. Maybe there's another way. Be proactive and involved. The biggest piece- you have to be willing to change and put in the work. Change may take a lot of time. Learning new behaviors and skills can be difficult and breaking old behavioral patterns can be very challenging. Don't give up.

Edited September 4, 2009 by ferretrunner

[brmecham]

Sorry, but my focus is on teaching principles, not exceptions - medication is the exception, medication is the alternative... it's a band-aid to cover up the problem and does not provide a solution.

I don't see why people can't just accept and allow other viewpoints on the forum? I don't tell you to "STOP telling people that medicine will cure them" (even though it's true, that medicine doesn't cure, it only covers up the symptom)... I simply present my viewpoint, which has thousands of years of positive results backing it up.

"We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems.

"We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always by instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious—and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication.

"It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.

"Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out.

"There is great purpose in our struggle in life." (Boyd K. Packer, “Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord’s Own Way,” Ensign, May 1978, 91)

[ryanh]

Hey everyone, I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder last year and I've been having a hard time ever since.

I just became aware of the following article in the January 2009 Ensign. Not sure if you had seen it or not.

Bipolar Disorder: My Lessons in Love, Hope, and Peace

[ferretrunner]

Sorry, but my focus is on teaching principles, not exceptions - medication is the exception, medication is the alternative... it's a band-aid to cover up the problem and does not provide a solution.

I don't see why people can't just accept and allow other viewpoints on the forum? I don't tell you to "STOP telling people that medicine will cure them" (even though it's true, that medicine doesn't cure, it only covers up the symptom)... I simply present my viewpoint, which has thousands of years of positive results backing it up.

"We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems.

"We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always by instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious—and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication.

"It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.

"Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out.

"There is great purpose in our struggle in life." (Boyd K. Packer, “Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord’s Own Way,” Ensign, May 1978, 91)

There is a HUGE difference between a bad day and clinical depression. There is a difference between a string of bad days and clinical depression. There is a difference between having the normal emotion of sadness and clinical depression.

Medication does NOT "cover up" symptoms- it addresses the imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the brain.

I somehow doubt the Elder was referring to medical issues such as depression when he said that. And my guess is that you're taking the quote out of context. If that is truly the Church's position, then the Church is counseling its members to continue to suffer needlessly because it "builds character" and "God wants them to."

I am not saying medication is needed in every situation. However, there are times it is clinically indicated. Statistics are that 1 in 4 adults will suffer from some form of mental illness in their lifetimes. 25% of the population.

I can show you research in peer reviewed, professional journals that support the use of CBT and medication to treat depression. Can you show me the same for your viewpoint? Notice I said "peer reviewed." Meaning the research was properly conducted scientifically.

I don't disagree with some of what you're advocating: diet and healthy lifestyle do improve some mental health symptoms. LOL. I'd love to see you work with someone suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and tell him to just change his diet and he'll be okey dokey. Wait! No, I don't. I don't want to see the individual decompensate....

[Dove]

Why do forums so often degenerate into contention and rudeness amongst the posters? I hope that when we disagree with another's view point we would choose a nonattackative and nonderagotory way to express our disagreement. If debate is our end goal, this can be done in a respectful way. One way would be by stating our points and then backing them up with the evidence we have to support them, rather than just focusing on why the opposing point of view is wrong......

Kwil, thanks so much for sharing what you're going through. I too have a lot of psychiatric illnesses as well as physical illnesses.....thanks to all who shared what their illnesses are.....

I think a blessing would be great right now, kwil, if that's what you want. While you may not be healed in this lifetime of the bipolar disorder, I promise you that if you reach out to God, He will love you through this and that sooner or later will give you understanding as to why you have been called to go through this. I was told in a priesthood blessing years ago that I had agreed in the pre-existence to have diabetes. It makes sense to me that I also agreed to the host of illnesses I also have.

I strongly know that God loves me/us. I struggle with being suicidal, often. I know that the reason I'm still here is because of God's strength and grace in keeping me from taking my own life. One thing I have learned from my many health problems is how weak I am, and that for all my puny efforts, it is truly by God's strength that I can survive and make it through the horrific vicissitude's of life.....

Lately, I've been shown some of my behavioral problems.....it's embarrassing to me and hard to realize how "off" I can be, for lack of better words. Yet, I feel His love/comfort/warmth/strength so strongly in these times.....

Priesthood blessings have helped me a great deal in coping with the health problems I have. If you want them to, I believe they can do the same for you.......

[foreverafter]

I've seen people cured of "bipolar" as a result of making a dramatic lifestyle change... getting plenty of sunlight each day, drinking lots of water, exercise / physical activity, get enough sleep, a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables. You may have to give up dairy, white sugar, possibly even wheat?

Anyways, I'm not a doctor, I've just seen what works for people... but if I were to recommend a doctor who is educated on both side (medication / natural) it's Hugo Rodier, M.D. : http://www.hugorodier.com/ also Dr. Ann Blake Tracy: Board

I second this very much. I know Dr. Tracy & I also recommend her book as a top priority. I would also strongly recommend getting the book "Original Fast Foods" by James Simmons. He is LDS & is so knowledgeable & his book is a life changer for many many people. People with this & many other problems have been helped by his writings. His website is OriginalFastFoods.com

I believe in the power of God's laws of health & happiness. One being, living the Word of Wisdom with exactness & another is, keeping our Marriage Covenants with True Love & exactness & putting our spouse's welfare, happiness, needs & desires before our own or anything else each day. There is great power in living these laws.

[ADoyle90815]

I have an uncle who refuses to get treatment which includes medication, and he's got no friends because he's verbally abused everyone around him, and has been fired from every job. If it wasn't for my grandma, he would be living on the streets. As he's an adult and proving that he's a danger to himself or others is difficult, there's no way anyone can have him treated against his will. Even if this uncle were a vegan who only ate food he grew himself organically, he would still suffer from bipolar disorder without medication.

I have another uncle who has been treated for bipolar, and takes his medication every day and will probably need to do so for the rest of his life. As a result of that, he's had a government job for at least 25 years, and has been able to support his family and pay taxes. The right medication has helped him to deal with his bipolar disorder, much as a diabetic is able to survive with insulin every day.

The way I see it, God has guided scientists in developing medication that helps people with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses to function in society. Unfortunately, a lot has to be done to get rid of the stigma that goes with mental health treatment. In a way, we treat our cars better than we treat our brains when it comes to chemical imbalances.

Edited September 5, 2009 by ADoyle90815

[Kwil]

Thank you all so much for your comments! I deeply appreciate all of your help. I felt stuck, but I'm doing a lot better now. I've been researching medications online lately. It's quite the task figuring out which one will be the best for me while considering the side effects. I guess I won't know if one will work well until I try it though, and it will be trial and error from there on out. Please continue to share your advice; I know there are others following this thread who could use it too. :)

-Kwil

[ferretrunner]

Kwil,

You're going about it the right way. Do the research and discuss it over with your prescriber. Remember, not everyone will get the side effects listed. If the med doesn't work for you after you've given it a trial run, go back to your doctor and try something else. Don't give up.

[ferretrunner]

I have been thinking about this thread recently. First off, I want to apologize for being snippy with that last general reply. As you can tell, I have some strong opinions on the topic of mental health and medications. Just a tad of an understatement.

I have to run out right now and I don't have time for a long post. I just wanted to apologize. I'll post my musings later. Happy Sabbath!

[ryanh]

Kwil, I was about your age when I started on antidepressants. I've tried a lot of them to try to find the best fit since then. It's a long process, and you are right - it is trial error. Someday the science will be good enough to match the medicine to our specific deficiencies, but that day is not here yet.

Don't be afraid to speak up and tell your Dr if you feel that a particular regimen isn't working right, or the side effects are too great. One thing I have learned is to discuss with the Dr how to make dosage adjustments in-between visits. You have to take charge and find the right dosage. Hopefully your Dr will be willing to take calls between visits and make minor adjustments so the process of finding the right dosages doesn't take so long.

Something that almost invariably happens when people begin to feel better with treatment, is they begin to question whether or not they really need the meds. It’s natural, but not always healthy, to want to quit the meds. If you find yourself in that position, and want to see if you can do ok w/o meds, just don’t decide to quit them all together. Taper them back slowly (hopefully with the support of your Dr) and be patient to see if symptoms begin to reappear. Likely they will, but that will provide the evidence you need to realize that, like many of us, you may need to treat this for the remainder of you life.

The reality that you may need to treat it for the rest of your life really is not as bad of a thing as it may seem when in the position you are in now. Just be thankful that Heavenly Father has developed modern medicine to provide for treatment so that your life can be more stable than it otherwise would be.