I applaud your decision to bring up religious faith as a central or adjunct therapy to psychological challenges. Fossil evidence dating back tens of thousands of years (and perhaps further), and accompanying symbols, art, etc., present evidence of the importance of a spiritual component to life. So why would it seem unusual or unacceptable or even surprising that men today find comfort in the practices and inner life of religion? Even atheists seem to "worship" their anti-religion and take it on as a cause and as an impetus for social change and a humanist approach to care of the less fortunate.
In my life I must admit there have been varying degrees of religious fervor and personal faith. It is like a tide -- bringing in joy and peace and relief and strength to live out my beliefs, and going out out again leaving me with times of spiritual dryness and distance from God as I know Him. Like all people who claim to be religious, I have the occasional crisis of faith, but I also have the mountain-top experiences.
God is the central figure in how I try to "figure out" life and why I am here and what I am supposed to be doing. I have to have a Higher Power than myself to look to for inspiration and hope. Some perceive that as weakness, some as strength. But it is something that has always figured prominently in my philosoph of life.
As far as turning to my faith in God to get me through the rough times, yes, He helps. You hear of God being an "anchor" and that's true in my own life. Keeping me steady, keeping me from drifting out to sea, something I can depend on. But He is also central to the good times.
Hi Christina, Leading to your point about people thinking that they are Jesus, at times, especially when I am overly anxious, I am one of them. I actually don't think I am Jesus, but the second coming of the chosen one. My mind doesn't dwell on this thought, but I am still surprised that I have these thoughts even after being on medication and going to therapy and seeing my pdoc on a regular basis. As you know, I am in recovery for drug and alcohol abuse and have worked the first 3 steps of the 12-Step program. The third step states: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him". I am Catholic and attend church every Sunday. Believe it or not, other than when I first get there and pray, my thoughts are racing with others things going on in my life. I don't even pay much attention to what the readings or the sermon are all about.
I am a firm believer in God and think that he took over my body and caused me to hit my mom while I was psychotic. After all, if that didn't happen, I wouldn't be in the position that I am in today.
I'm happy to have my faith. I deeply believe in a New-Age reigion called Eckankar. It sustains me, nourishes me, and gives me all I need to live on a daily basis. The whole idea of it is based on love and I, because of this lonely illness, need that and embrace it fully.
It's interesting about the Jesus-delusion. I had a similar experience until about 15 years ago when my meds finally started working. The religious aspect of schizophrenia is the most-asked question of every talk I do at every school I go to. People want to know because it's important to them.
I really think that a healthy spiritual life is a part of life that deserves attention. Just like our emotional and intellectual and physical lives, it is essential for our overall wellbeing. It makes us complete individuals and defines who we are and our relationships to the people in our world. And of course, for all of us in recovery from a mental illness it is something that we should take care to cultivate and nurture.
Don F.
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Christina,
I have a belief in God and I am part of what you call an "organized religion". I am a leader in said church and do a lot of service work for my fellow church goers and the community as a whole. My pdoc does not subscribe to the religious part of recovery, he's all about meds...much to my dismay. However my therapist is a Christian. Often our meetings are based on her spirituality and my religious beliefs. When I was first got sick I thought I was a prophet so coming to terms with an "organized religion" was hard at first. My core beliefs are centered around the religion I belong to..be kind to others, have charity, respect God and many others..I don't want to start a debate on what is right or wrong or whose church is right..that is not in my belief to force another into believing something, its up to them to decide that. But for me my beliefs have helped me through some rough times. There are keys things in recovery.... enough sleep, exercise, healthy eating, praticing religious beliefs, medications and outside support (therapist, social networks, pdocs, family). Those are what are what's most important to me.
David
Hi David,
It's good to hear from you.
I'm glad you can talk to your therapist about your religion. I regret I don't have anyone I can talk to about this. I suppose for some of us we keep our faith private. To each his own. Faith is the bedrock for a lot of people. So I do wish it could be openly embraced by our providers.
You've given me the hope to talk to my psychiatrist about my faith the next time I see him. I think I will.
Regards,
Christina