Life as a mom is a busy one with days full of demanding timetables
and sometimes difficult trials.
My mother struggled with severe up & down mood swings all of her life. It wasn’t until her later years that they diagnosed her bouts with depression as Bipolar Disorder.
More women struggle with this then we realize. It’s a common thread in women we meet on a daily basis.
Bipolar Disorder is a ‘silent secret’ in churches.
Whether it is a disease within ourselves or in someone we know & love; how should we look at and help those from a biblical perspective?
Believers should treat a person with bipolar disorder with the same compassion they would show toward everyone else with a difficult medical diagnosis.
James 2:1 – My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ
must not show favoritism.
Christian women can offer people with bipolar disorder something they desperately need in their lives — TRUTH
John 17:17 – Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Bipolar disorder/manic depression is a serious mental illness characterized by severe mood swings. These fluctuations go far beyond simply being “happy” or “sad.” The “manic” phase can include feelings of extreme euphoria, rapid thoughts, forced speech, and increased energy. The “depressive” phase can include feelings of extreme sadness/hopelessness, fatigue/lethargy, inability to concentrate, and suicidal/morbid thoughts.
A Christian who suffers from bipolar disorder/manic depression should treat it like any other physiological disease. While God certainly has the ability to work miracles and cure any disease, He often lets us continue our journey to remind us that He is sufficient.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
In order to do what is right, we must know what is true. Bipolar disorder alters a person’s perceptions of reality and affects the way a person thinks. A strong foundation in truth, godly counsel and reading God’s Word along with regimented medical counsel is a necessity when dealing with its symptoms.
Proverbs 1:5 – let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the
discerning get guidance
2 Timothy 3:16–17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
One thing people with bipolar disorder need more than anything else is the hope that is in Jesus Christ. Even though the illness tries to “rob” their lives away, they can have an abundant life in Christ.
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10
Do not be afraid to seek help – medical, psychological and spiritual when these mood swings occur on a continuing basis.
You do NOT have to walk this road alone.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18
Beth Bergren, founder of At Mom’s Table and Home Keepers Academy is a TMI Mentor Mom, speaker, teacher, writer and friend. Her passion is to mentor women in the areas of Practical Living (Homemaking Skills) and Intentional Life (Biblical Womanhood). Beth is a culinary instructor and educator teaching in community, school and church programs helping busy moms, parents, working women, and seniors the benefits of mealtime & home management. As a lover of God’s Word (the Bible) she delights in helping women discover the value of becoming a godly woman by digging into scripture for daily guidance and wisdom. Check out her website: www.bethbergren.com and sign up for her weekly homemaking blog www.bethbergren.blogspot.com to connect with Beth.
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