I just received a great blog comment, so I will answer it here!
Just curious, Julie….I could be wrong as I’m just getting acquainted with you after hearing you speak recently, but in what I’ve read so far in your website/newsletter/blog writing, there’s a conspicuous absence of any sense of spiritual help for your bipolar issues. Is that a purposeful thing? Does faith of some kind have a place in the life of a bipolar person?
WriteWoman
Hi WW.
This is a great question. I’ve done a few newsletters on it. I know that many people find huge comfort, support and information from their spiritual community. I also know that some, like msyelf are not as connected to a group spiritually. I can also say that I’m not super spiritual individually. This is not from choice. I used to be very spiritual – in that I believed that there was a force that watched out for us and wanted good in the world.
My friends tend to have strong faith in this ‘power’ whether they are Christian, Hindu or more new age. I wish I were more like my friends! I think that over 13 years of constant depression have changed me in many ways. I had a few experiences that shook my beliefs! I do find that I’m getting back to my old self. As my bipolar gets better and better, I have more room for some kind of faith.
Having spiritual friends helps me a lot- they tell me I will be more open like I used to be in the past!
There is no question that the people I know with bipolar disorder are much more hopeful if they are spiritual. My friend Gayathri, who has been seriously depressed for most of her life meditates every day as does my friend Janea. My friend John D. regularly talks with what he calls God. He belives in Jesus as well- but doesn’t have a demonation. Others have a very private spirituality! Non of my friends are wiccan!
In the states, it’s so common to hear people say that things happen for a reason. This leads to many questions for those of us who have bipolar! I do have a strong belief, though I am not sure I would call it spiritual- I belive that while things may not happen for a reason, I do feel that we can find meaning in all things that happen. Maybe that is my form of spirituality!
Please feel free to add comments about your spirituality to this blog. I will ask my friends with bipolar disorder their views on spirituality and post them here!
Thanks for your question,
Julie
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Tags: b ipolar religion, biplar, Bipolar, bipolar depression, Bipolar Disorder, bipolar spirituality, Bipolar Treatment Tips, depression treatment, depressoin, depressoin treatment, manic depression, spirituality and bipolar disorder., treatemnt
The point is not whether something happens for a reason, or according to man’s reason.
The point is that we need to get out of ourselves to see that with or without BPD, we have very little power over that which truly matters.
So many of us express religiosity in manic episodes. And all are faithless in depressions.
I often wonder if God is trying to get our attention, and that perhaps this is the BPD gift, if we could only hear Him
Because you have been through so much depression, anxiety and mania you have become “angry” and maybe that is not the right word, but the only word that I can think of, at God and have lost faith.. when in actuality it is with Jesus that we find eternal life. Bipolar is a real disease and in the bible many people had it even though that is not that specific name they used. Also many people have many other extremely disabiling diseases and it is in christ that we can find life. He did die for us on the cross and the more anchored you are in your spirituality, as you call it, the less overwhelming any disease becomes. I am not saying not to not take care of yourself but do not blame any illness on another, especially your higher power. It is often said that God does not give us more than we can handle and with some people it may seem he gives more than you would think is “fair”.. but does anyone really know anyone else’s pain or trauma… There is a God and the more you believe the less overwhelming life and your illness can be… take it from one who was diagnosed with BP 20 years ago, although I still struggle, I am good in God.
Hi Julie,
I am writing my first book regarding the diagnosis of Bipolar and the journey to my spiritual awakening. I feel that if I didn’t have Bipolar, I probably wouldn’t have been a seeker of ancient wisdom. I have found a beautiful way to live and through my spirituality I have found a new peace from my Bipolar. I meditate daily, I spend time outside in the garden and I’m more aware of the “present” and living in the moment. This definitely doesn’t make my bipolar go away or lessen its effects, but it does give me support when I feel the world crashing down around me. I love your blog and your website…I bought your health cards several years ago and found them very helpful. You give me the strength to keep going on my book project. I finally ready to tell my story.
Rebecca
About two years ago, when I was feeling particularly weepy, I talked to a priest. He said, “God loves bipolar people. God loves depressed people.” That made a difference for me. I had felt and believed that I had to be more glad, grateful, happy, less self-focused, etc. but no matter what I tried, I still felt moody and depressed. After I realized that God loves me just the way I am, and that I’m no better or worse than anybody else, I felt better. I’m less worried about pleasing God by imagining that I have to be better or different. Self-respect starts with believing that I am a worthwhile human being, in spite of my faults and imperfections.
About two years ago, when I was feeling particularly weepy, I talked to a priest. He said, “God loves bipolar people. God loves depressed people.” That made a difference for me. I had felt and believed that I had to be more glad, grateful, happy, less self-focused, etc. but no matter what I tried, I still felt moody and depressed–and not good enough or not lovable enough. After I realized/began to believe that God loves me just the way I am, and that I’m no better or worse than anybody else, I felt better. I’m less worried about pleasing God by imagining that I have to be better than I am or different. Having difficult days with less than perfect outcomes is okay. Self-respect starts with believing that I am a worthwhile human being, in spite of my faults and imperfections.
Julie, I’ve read your books and passed them on to all of my crazy friends.(-: We all love them. And we are all Christians; the seriously devoted to Jesus kind. We couldn’t deal as effectively with this monster without knowing Who we know. You have been a great help to all of us and we pray for your very best and the continued ability to pass along your wisdom to those who are hurting. You’re great and we love you! Judie Patterson
Dear Julie:
I converted to Islam about 23 years ago after running around various religions and even studying them at University.
The dilemma between what is a mystical state and what is mania is truly a fascinating question. I think I’ve had both…and i would now say that a good way to discern the difference is by the effect they have on your own life and that of others.
God is always loving, just, beautiful etc etc whereas mania and craziness isn’t and can be very destructive. Depression feels like hell but if we can reach out to a higher power in that state then we can always have hope and that in itself lets a little chink of light into the darkness…
I could go on and on.
Anyways, thanks so much. I know that God is with you and the good work you do.