The Bible's Keys to Mental Health

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The Bible's Keys to Mental Health

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Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, director-general of the World Health Organization, reported in 2000 that "five of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide ... are mental conditions" (Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2000, 78).

The five conditions she listed are major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, alcohol abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorders. In addition, significant mental-health disorders plaguing humanity include phobias, generalized anxiety and panic disorder. Any of these maladies can be disabling.

Worldwide, mental-health afflictions are increasing. The total share of disability caused by them increased from 10.5 percent in 1990 to 12 percent in 1998 and is expected to increase to 15 percent in 2020—almost a 50 percent increase in only three decades. Depression, currently the fifth-leading cause of disability, is projected to jump to second place by 2020.

While treatment options—including medication and counseling—are available, prevention is the better choice.

Why is prevention preferable rather than treating a problem after it arises? Although treatment often works, it usually is much more costly. The costs often include financial losses, physical-health deterioration and trauma to family members—sometimes resulting in family disintegration.

Many mental illnesses can be prevented, and the Bible provides helpful information to that end. After all, it is a handbook from God on what we should think and how our minds should work. Among other things, the Bible tells us how to relieve stress and the kind of stimuli we should allow into our minds. Here are some crucial biblical keys to mental health.

The power of a positive attitude

We start with the obvious merits of simple positive thinking. In Philippians 4:8 the Bible instructs us in proper thinking: "And now, my friends, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is just and pure, all that is lovable and gracious, whatever is excellent and admirable—fill all your thoughts with these things" (New English Bible, emphasis added throughout).

Those who consistently apply these positive words will practice positive thinking, a habit crucial to mental health. "A positive outlook is known to improve recovery from surgery and the immune system's ability to fight off disease as well as aid in cancer recovery, to reduce the fight-or-flight response and hence stress disease [and can] ... restore our tranquillity and turn our unhappy, anxiety-producing hormones into happy ones" (Archibald Hart, M.D., The Anxiety Cure, 1999, p. 217).

The characteristics of an optimistic mind-set include the ability to focus on the positive when the negative seems overwhelming. The key lies in turning a problem into a challenge and then working to meet it.

We also must avoid filling our minds with the negative and degrading aspects of the world around us. The apostle Paul wrote that some things are so shameful we should not even speak of them (Ephesians 5:12). Yet many of the degrading things to which Paul referred fill our print and electronic media.

If we want good mental health, we should discipline our minds to avoid a degrading mental diet. The principle of "garbage in, garbage out" certainly applies with respect to our minds. The net effect of what occupies our minds—and often comes out of our mouths—will be as pure or as corrupt as whatever we let enter our minds. We jeopardize our mental health when we subject our thinking to mental trash. To remain psychologically stable, we must discipline our minds to avoid thinking in the gutter.

Paul practiced the advice he gave to the Christians at Philippi and exhorted them to follow his example (Philippians 4:9), telling them that if they did so the "God of peace" would be with them. Peace of mind and a clear conscience (Acts 23:1; 24:16; 1 Timothy 1:5) are essential characteristics of sound mental health.

Reining in feelings and emotions

Where do feelings and emotions come from? When God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27), He included the human personality, which can express godly feelings.

The primary characteristic that summarizes God's very being is love (1 John 4:8, 16). But Paul describes a greater range of godly characteristics and emotions as aspects of the fruit of His Spirit. They include "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23, New International Version). The Bible exhorts us to be full of this Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

If these traits are dominant in our personality, we are less likely to suffer from mental aberrations. Such a mind will be self-controlled; it will be stable and able to endure the difficulties of life. It will be optimistic, and optimism is a vital part of a healthy mind. "Optimistic people are more able to roll with life's punches and slough off stress—and they live longer" (Bradley Wilcox, M.D., Craig Wilcox, Ph.D., and Makoto Suzuki, M.D., The Okinawa Program, 2001, p. 273).

Conversely, "a person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls" (Proverbs 25:28, New Living Translation). This person will be vulnerable and driven frequently by negative emotions. His outcome is described in Galatians 5:19-21. His accompanying problems can include adultery, sexual immorality, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, envy and drunkenness. Living this way exacts an automatic penalty that makes one a candidate for instability, unhappiness and mental problems.

We choose our emotions, and we live with the consequences. The types of emotions that prevail in our minds are a major determining factor in whether we succeed at life itself. "Emotions are a mixed blessing. They are responsible for many of man's finest and greatest achievements. They are also responsible for some of the greatest tragedies in our world" (Norman Wright, The Christian Use of Emotional Power, 1974, p. 13). If we choose healthy emotions, we can be happy and achieve success in life.

Take time out

We live in such a fast-paced world that it is essential to schedule breaks from our routine. "Taking time to rest is not an option in today's world; it is a necessity. Yet more people struggle here than in almost any other area of their lives. It is perilous not to take time to rest" (Hart, p. 118).

Even Jesus and His apostles felt this need. Notice one such occasion in Mark 6:31: "Then Jesus said, 'Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest.' There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat" (NLT).

For mental rejuvenation and avoiding stress overload, we need daily rest. Especially as we get older, an afternoon nap can rejuvenate us. We also need regular vacations if our financial circumstances and work situations permit. Even if one does nothing but stay at home on holidays, breaks from our routines can be beneficial.

In addition, God tells us we need to schedule one day in the week for rest. After completing His work of creation, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). The Hebrew word for "rested" is shabath, the verb form of the noun translated as "Sabbath" in Exodus 20:10-11, where God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel and commanded the Israelites to keep His Sabbath holy by resting on the seventh day of every week.

Too much change

Some mental-health practitioners recognize the value of this weekly practice. "One of the most powerful arguments in favor of pushing for a greater emphasis on rest comes from the Bible ... God rested on the seventh day ... From the outset, the Bible presents us with the idea that rest is important, and furthermore, that a specific time has to be set aside for rest ...

"I happen to believe (and a lot of scientific evidence is accumulating to support this belief) that we were designed for camel travel, not supersonic jet behavior ... Today, however, we are exceeding these limits, not just barely, but by a huge margin. The penalty is an epidemic of stress disease and anxiety disorders, especially panic anxiety" (Hart, pp. 118-119).

About 40 years ago a French doctor who taught at Harvard observed: "If psychiatric illnesses are truly increasing in the Western world, the reason is not to be found in the complex and competitive character of our society but rather in the accelerated rate at which old habits and conventions disappear. Even the marginal man can generally achieve some form of equilibrium with his environment if the social order is stable, but he is likely to break down when the extent and rate of change exceed his adaptive potentialities. For this reason mental diseases are likely to become more apparent in areas undergoing rapid cultural transitions" (Rene Dubos, Mirage of Health, 1959, pp. 208-209).

The Sabbath provides a time to take a break from the world of stress and tension. "... We live in a culture that is constantly feeding us stress-producing messages ... With today's round-the-clock access to news we now can receive a twenty-four-hour-a-day parade of mostly negative information ... The news, in fact, has become so stressful that some health experts ... recommend periodic 'news fasts' to improve psychological health" (Wilcox, Wilcox and Suzuki, pp. 237-238).

(To learn more about the biblical Sabbath, please read our free booklet Sunset to Sunset: God's Sabbath Rest.)

Confront your fears

Everyone is afraid of something. Some fears are healthy, but some are not. When a fear becomes persistent and irrational, it is a phobia. "Specific phobias strike more than one in ten people" (Hart, p. 180). Some major fears are agoraphobia, fear of being in public places, and claustrophobia, fear of confinement or crowded places.

When one has a phobia, he will often anticipate encountering the circumstance that is apt to trigger it, which can set up persistent anxiety. God does not want us to be controlled by such fears. The Bible says, "Do not be afraid of sudden terror ..." (Proverbs 3:25).

How can we overcome phobias? "They must be confronted, but not in a way that reinforces them. It is possible to overcome almost every phobia. It just takes time and effort. Real-life exposure to whatever situation you might fear is the most effective way to overcome that fear" (Hart, p. 179).

It is often beneficial to seek professional counsel when confronting a phobia that seriously impacts your life, but developing a relationship with God is even more important. In doing so, you can grow in His love, and "love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).

Confront anxiety with confidence

Although most people are not phobic, almost everyone has to struggle against worry, which is a form of fear. Our age is the era of anxiety. Everyone experiences some anxiety, and it can be a useful emotion when it triggers us to act to avoid danger. But, if it impacts our life seriously, we must take action to overcome it. "Every anxiety sufferer must learn new ways of thinking and develop methods for changing their former thinking patterns" (Hart, p. 111).

The Bible verifies that this kind of thinking is essential, telling us to "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:23).

How do we do this? One anxiety-reducing technique is to cleanse your mind at day's end. Evening is "a good time to do a 'mental wash' when you review anxieties that are cluttering your thinking and dump those that are not important" (Hart, p. 204).

The Bible confirms that this is sound advice in a passage that tells us what to do at day's end. "Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still" (Psalm 4:4).

Sometimes anxieties relate to meeting our basic needs. Jesus said, "Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?'" Jesus also recommended a cure for these worries: "... Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:31, 33, New American Standard Bible). The point is that, when our priorities conform to God's will, we can live in confidence that He will help us meet our other needs.

A relationship with God is fundamental to overcoming our fears. The Bible exhorts: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5), and, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (4:13). The only way we can develop the mind of Christ is to first repent of ignoring God's biblical instructions, then be baptized and receive God's Spirit (Acts 2:38). In doing so we can cleanse our minds and develop new mental habits. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

The healing power of humor

As simple as it sounds, the ability to laugh is an aid to mental health. Joy is akin to laughter, and it, too, is part of the fruit of God's Spirit (Galatians 5:22). "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance" (Proverbs 15:13), and "a merry heart does good, like medicine" (17:22).

Humor triggers literal physiological and mental changes in your body. Laughter "touches us at a deep emotional and physical level ... By its very nature it changes our perception and invites us to look at things in a different light. It shows us that life can be silly, even crazy at times, but it still can be enjoyable" (Wilcox, Wilcox and Suzuki, pp. 272-273). One doctor notes that "humor, smiles, and laughter are the very best stress-busters" (Herbert Benson, M.D., Timeless Healing, 1996, p. 277).

A relationship with God provides the deepest and most-abiding joy. "The Bible has much to say about the joy, the sheer happiness, of the redeemed ..." (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1982, "Humor in the Bible"). In one study of more than 500 men, "significant associations emerged between the participants' religious involvement and their health ... such as less depression" (Kenneth Cooper, M.D., It's Better to Believe, p. 5).

Physical activity such as gardening, walking and other regular exercise can also benefit your mental health.

Avoid dangerous addictions

People suffering from mental problems—including undue stress—often rely on ingestible substances to help them get through the day. But this kind of crutch can easily lead to a collapse and fall. "Many people who suffer from emotional disorders or mental illness turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, as a way of tolerating feelings that are intolerable. Yet, ironically, this method of self-treating seldom works in the long run and frequently makes matters worse" (Johns Hopkins Family Health Book, 1999, p. 1225).

Besides addictions to mood-altering substances, sometimes people become addicted to things that are normally proper and healthy. Some, for example, develop addictions to food, sex or work. Though not a problem in moderation and within God's laws, losing control in any of these areas will often lead to greater problems.

The Bible addresses the need for balance and control. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" (1 Corinthians 6:12). We should have but one addiction—and that is a devotion to love God and our fellow man. The supreme power that should rule over us is God through the Holy Spirit.

A social support system

"... Woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up," says Ecclesiastes 4:10. The 17th-century poet John Donne had a related thought: "No man is an island." Good mental health requires contact with other people. One of the first revelations of the Bible is that God designed us to need other people: "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18).

The need for emotionally supporting family and friends is scientifically established. "What happens if we have no close relationships? The message that emerges loud and clear from scientific evidence accumulated since the mid 1970's is that having a reasonable quantity and quality of social relationships is essential for mental and physical wellbeing" (Paul Martin, M.D., The Healing Mind, 1997, p. 157).

Human interaction spawns growth and is essential mentally and physically. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (NIV).

Perhaps the chief benefit of uplifting social contact is that it provides us the opportunity to learn how to love and serve. This is vital to mental health. "I have never met a person who is genuinely focused on helping others who is unhappy or dissatisfied with life ... I can assure you that they are happy because they are directing their attention away from themselves" (Hart, p. 223).

Jesus recognized this and demonstrated that love and service are keys to happiness and mental health. He performed the menial task of washing His disciples' feet to demonstrate that His disciples were to serve one another as He had served them. After washing their feet Jesus said, "Now that you know these things, happy are you if you do them" (John 13:17, Twentieth Century New Testament). Later in the same chapter He told them, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (verse 34).

Jesus earlier said, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). One of the two great commandments in the Bible (verses 37-40), this is a message that is consistent throughout Scripture: We should all be friends. The book of Proverbs extols the benefits of friendliness and neighborliness. "The neighbourly qualities which Proverbs urges on the reader add up to nothing less than love" (Derek Kidner, Proverbs, an Introduction and Commentary, 1964, p. 44).

Obedience to the commands of the Bible and nurturing a relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ form the foundation to completeness and mental well-being. "This is the end of the matter: you have heard it all. Fear God and obey his commandments; this sums up the duty of mankind" (Ecclesiastes 12:13, Revised English Bible).

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Comments

  • donnyb

    Just yesterday the Lord brought to me a person who is struggling with anxiety and fear, along with other serious mental health issues. I praise God for the wisdom of his word. We were able to address many of the issues in a brief discussion and many of the issues needed further discussion. This article has filled in most all the gaps and provided perfect timing to share this information with them. Thank you UCG for making this information readily available to share with friends and family and for the many other works that you do.

  • kachiben

    I'M DR ONWUEGBUCHULAM ONYEKACHI! I WAS SURFING THE NET AND FINALLY LANDED ON YOUR WEBSITE WHAT I SAW WAS AMAZING AND THIS MADE ME REGISTER IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR WEBSITE.
    I REALLY WANT TO SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS WEBSITE THE UNITED CHURCH OF GOD FOR WORK WELL DONE
    I SAY KEEP IT UP AND THE LORD SHALL BE YOUR STRENGTH

  • United Church of God
    The article was not intended to be a “self-help” dissertation, but rather a discussion of practical, helpful advice and God-inspired instructions to help people in general live happier lives with improvements in their physical and mental health. As John wrote, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).
  • United Church of God
    Our hearts need not remain prone to sin, although we remain human. In Peter’s first sermon, he showed us how we can change. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39). What does God do for people who sincerely repent and turn to Him? “Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God” (Ezekiel 11:19-20). You took exception to our use of Ephesians 5:12, saying “this verse is not talking about things we fill our mind with” but it is “comparing children of the light with children of the darkness.” However, it is clear that God wants us to control what we allow to come into our minds. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ …
  • United Church of God
    But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). In Ephesians chapter five, Paul was talking about things Christians should avoid such as “fornication and all uncleanness” (verse three) and “filthiness, nor foolish talking” (verse four). Sometimes Christians can sin by doing “shameful things in secret.” Paul said we should be “...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). As you said, the seventh day was set aside as a Holy day upon which man should worship God. However, God makes it plain that it is also a day of physical rest. Paul wrote about this Sabbath rest in Hebrews. “There remains therefore a rest [Sabbath rest] for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). As an example for us, even God rested on the first Sabbath day (Genesis 2:2). There is much benefit from human beings resting one day of the week, especially if it is on the day God created as Holy time (verse three). You took exception to our use of Ephesians 5:12, saying “this verse is not talking about things we fill our mind with” but it is “comparing children of the light with children of t
  • United Church of God
    PsycheX - I was a little surprised to read that you believe we should not use biblical principles in helping us cope with mental illnesses. I would think that as someone who reads the Bible and is a “practitioner in psychiatry” you would not only recognize but welcome the Bible’s God-inspired advice about what we humans can do to improve both our physical and mental well-being. For example, the author quoted a doctor when extolling the benefits of a positive mental attitude. The doctor stated that having a positive outlook improves recovery from surgery, the immune system, reduces stress, and generally helps us feel better. I think Jesus would certainly approve of that. We agree that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and salvation is by the grace of God, not our works. However, the purpose of the article was to point out the good advice that our loving Father has given mankind in the pages of our Bible to help us lead happier and healthier physical lives. We should not ignore or belittle such advice, because God inspired it to be written in the Bible.
  • PsycheX
    also.. This article uses scripture out of context such as Ephesians 5: 12 "for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” This verse is not talking about things we fill our mind with, it is comparing children of the light with children of the darkness; Believers vs. unbelievers; clearly seen when seeing the text in its context. Also, the article talked about a day of rest and referenced Genesis and Exodus. #1- Believers “REST” on the work that was done on the cross by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and not of works or ourselves. #2 The idea of “rest” in the Old Testament on the 7th day was to consecrate that day as Holy, set apart to worship God the creator, not personal relaxation for mental clarity, but to worship the Lord/God. The article completely misuses the Holy Scripture and that is very disappointing. I have a sincere affection for mental illness as I am a practitioner in psychiatry, but I also recognize the effects of sin. Christians need to do more, not with self help ideas that basically put a bandaid on a bleeding wound, but pointing people to the cross. There is no greater power than that of God.
  • PsycheX
    I think we must be careful when using biblical verses outside of its context. To use biblical principles as a technique or means of coping for those suffering with mental illnesses that are not regenerated by God is very misleading at best. The article gives techniques towards maintaining or establishing mental stability yet fails to explain to man that he, man, is fallen and is incapable of changing who they are at the core which is a sinner (as we all are before God changes the heart). Man can change behaviors, even change thought pattern; yet, the heart is still the same. Romans 6:6 “Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” The apostle Paul clearly expressed man’s state without Christ is a slave to sin. To even suggest man can do anything but continue to sin is ridiculous, again he can change behaviors and patterns however his heart remains the same.
  • totemynote
    Thank you for this article.
  • raj55
    Thanks Mr.Hornor for this amazingly vibrant article. As a new reader, may I thank you all who are behind this work. Prayers.
  • Jadensgrandma
    I also found Churchianity very hypocritical, and went on to become one of Jehovas witnesses, but there I constantly felt on the fringe, not good enough to Socialise with the other members. I have had many bouts of depression so this situation lead me to fall away from the JWs. However after reading Herbert Armstrong's book, 'The Mystery of the Ages' I started to find out as much as I could about the churches coming out of the WWCG. Only the UCG has invited me to attend your Church out of the three and I already feel an affiliation even before attending. This has given me confidence and a feeling that I am wanted and can contribute. I am sure that God has lead me to your church and as such has been a healing force in my mental illness (depression). Thank you Eternal God for your love and support.
  • B. H. Baskin

    I hope and pray you are still with us!

  • dziwczyna
    @heavens The problem with a lot of Eastern religions is that it is a mixture of 'good and evil'. A lot of us Westerners are really ignorant of what some of their practises are really all about. Eastern Meditation is actually a dangerous activity that can invite demons into our lives. When people are chanting the word 'Om' they are chanting a demon (pagan god's) name and invoking that spirit into their life. Christ also tells us not to be like the heathens in reciting vain repetitions. Yoga is also another dangerous practise. Kundalini yoga is a practise whereby you are trying to release a 'serpent' at the base of your spine. Who in the Bible is described as a serpent other than the Devil? The mainstream yoga that has become popular is really practised in a religious sense by people of the Hindu religion as a way to become a god. Every shape is one of a deity. The higher you get in yoga, the more godlike you become. Their gods are all demons, as the Bible says. I'm sorry that you have experienced hypocrites in your church, BUT God sometimes allows 'tares' to test the 'wheat'. We still have to stand with God even when others fall away.
  • Sherrie_Giddens
    I appreciate this article very much! I also want to thank Rex Sexton for the link to his sermons, I plan on listening.
  • KARS
    My thanks to Mr. Sexon for his sermon suggestion. To Pamela for her understanding of the mentally ill, Heavenz for telling us how they cope with their illness, and Sabrina for reminding us of the forum rules. There are many ways to cope with mentall illness and like Mr. Ford said; those with servere mental illness (like people of history: Hilter for one)and their love for death;can be a dangerous person to be around. This article was to help us with suggestions on how to cope and make life a little more durable while suffering with depression and soforth. It is here to lift us up from the woes we find ourselves in. Sometimes we are in this "pit of dispare" and can"t find our way out. Thank you Mr. Hornor for your suggestive help with a Christian point of view. Sincerely, KARS
  • heavenz
    I would like to chime in as someone with a mental illness. I have had my issues lately with the church. Too much noise and propaganda so I've been searching for my own way to have peace of mind. I pretty much rejected Christianity because a lot of the Christian people I knew were not good people. So I took a "religious break" and really just tried to seek my own answers directly from God, not from a book or a preacher. I have found for me personally and having "Borderline Personality Disorder" that a happy medium between positive Buddhist prayers and a mix of Biblical "morals of the story" help me to stay peaceful. For instance, this morning I meditated on "The mind is everything, what you think you become." So I concentrated on being a more peaceful loving person and it helped. I sought out this website to see what the Bible also says about mental health. It's a weird combination but I think everyone should find what works for them to make them a better person. If it's the Bible, yay! If it's not they're still a better person dealing with what I know from experience is a personal kind of hell. Good luck out there and I hope this article or comment helps you!
  • adrian Maasdorp
    For years struggled with Phil 4;8 till just now realized thoughts are also in the heart
  • crazyzoarhaina
    Someone essentially help to make significantly articles I would state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual publish incredible. Great job!
  • Pamela Joan Bartholomew
    I have a psychology four year degree. Depression has a lot of causes. It can run in families. It can be managed at times, but cannot be wished away easily and sometimes it can't be healed except by God. I did overcome out of control grief at one point in my life by going back to college. I had so much reading homework, I did not have time for negative thoughts. Eventually I was no longer depressed, however, some depression is caused by missing enzymes or deficiencies of B complex or food allergies, sensitivities, etc.,etc. Please don't judge someone who is depressed. It is not easy to overcome and sometimes can't be unless certain things are known and done. It doesn't help the depressed person to say negative things about them such as Satan causes depression and a person can self heal if they just tried or there must be something wrong with their spiritual life, etc.,etc. The depressed person does not feel good at all. Do not make them feel worse. Give them information if they can accept it, but don't force them to use it as they already feel overwhelmed. Pray for them, be their friend, be supportive, include them. Love them. Help them overcome if possible.
  • Pamela Joan Bartholomew
    Years ago I felt I had to do four hours of Bible study and prayer a day to cope with my life. I also would get irritable with my children at times. I found that I needed B complex for stress. After taking 50 mg for a while a day, I didn't need four hours a day of Bible study and I stopped yelling at my kids. I also was able to relax at night to go to sleep right away instead of having my mind in a whirl for hours before I could sleep. Be careful because B6 can build up and can be harmful. There are blood tests for B vitamins. B vitamins are in whole grains, beef, etc., but if we get deficiencies we sometimes need more of the things in B complex like folic acid. Too much folic acid can mask a B12 deficiency. A B12 deficiency is very dangerous. The elderly especially should be tested for it. An online article on B12 said that in Europe they have found that getting below 500 on the normal American scale of B12 can lead to memory loss and possible dementia symptoms. A losenge of methylcobalamin B12 is best to conteract a low B12. Cyanocobalamin B12 is only 5% absorbed by the body. The first B12 is available at good health food stores, 1000mcg a day, no known side affects.
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