SHAME! That's what it felt like.
When necessary to take a pre-employment drug test, you are required to list your medications. Your employer is made aware that there is probably a mental disorder and immediately assumptions are made. I worked in the medical field 20 years out of my adult life. A look at my list of medications and they know.
The community of believers and the medical community are two places that should be the most supportive yet are often the most judgmental.
I'm glad that there are now resources to help us deal with the questions. Below is a resource that I have found helpful.
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http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-christian.html#.U44cQZPD_IV
Bipolar Christian questions
It is natural to be confused about how, when we have a serious mental health challenge, we can still be made in the image God, or, as Psalm 139 says:
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
We can just as easily ask "Why did You make me diabetic?", and then of course there is the classic "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?"
We have free will and are fallen and so there is much imperfection in the world. God does not "make" anyone mentally or physically ill, anymore than he is responsible for any of life's other misfortunes or ugliness.
What He has done is provided us with doctors and medicine that make it possible to live a healthy life.
Reminder
God never leaves us. Even in the most acute bouts of mania or depression, God stays with us.For me as a bipolar Christian, I believe staying well depends on both faith and works. I cannot do it alone, but I also have an obligation to do what I can.
You know..doctors have no common sense, jmo. What kind of dr. would say such a thing? As for the Christians..well..you already know my thought on that one..just makes me sad..Christians are not suppose to judge one another..they are suppose to help with no strings attached..sorry..just rambling..I am sorry Bonnie..I certaintly understand where your coming from..depression is a terrible thing..both are real conditions that require a understanding --a open no strings attached-no judgement-no shame understanding.
ReplyDeleteI agree - there is far too much judgement and misunderstanding. I really think its improved though. From what I see the healthcare community is more understanding and it's treated as a disease, as it should be. As that improves, I think people in general understand better, and that includes the Christian community.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insight, Bonnie. Especially like what you said about the more your relationship deepens with the Lord between relapses the easier it is to find your way to Him when one hits.
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