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This blog is a repeat but it received the most views ever on my blog so I wantted to repost it for others to read. Feel free to leave comments.
Thanks for stopping by and joining my series on "The Secret Life of Christian Women." This topic is really sensitive but it is one the church avoids while wives suffer in silence. Less than a week ago, my life changed when I came face to face with my husband's mental struggles. Please know that I am not a psychologist or Psychiatrist but a wife who spent over a year suffering in secret. After reading this post, please leave comments and any suggestions you may have.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "about one in
four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year."
This means that most of you reading this blog have suffered in the past or
currently live with someone suffering from mental illness. There are many forms
of mental illness but most of us know about depression, Bipolar disorder and
Schizophrenia. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:33) and David (Psalms 43:5), the man
after God's own heart also suffered with mental illness but God stayed faithful
to them. The rest of this post will be dedicated to signs of mental illness and
tips on coping with mental illness. I hope this blog provides you with some
spiritual guidance but most of all, let's you know that you are not alone. 1. Withdrawal from friends and activities
2. Problems Sleeping
3. Alcohol and drug abuse
4. Excessive anger, hostility or violence
5. Suicidal thinking
If your spouse is experiencing these signs it is time for an intervention which can sometimes be difficult because another sign of mental illness is denial. If your spouse is denying that something is wrong the only thing you can do is pray for them until they are ready to seek help. Below are the scriptures I prayed for my husband until he came to terms with mental illness. Now I encourage him to quote these 3 scriptures on a daily basis
Luke 1:37 "For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Ephesians 6:10-18 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
Additional tips:
1. Keep a positive outlook on a daily basis.
2. Pray over your husband's things (shoes, clothes, vehicle, pillow etc.). Pray for God's healing power and protection.
3. Seek professional help
4. Be patient and understanding.
5. Remember your marriage vows (sickness and health etc.)
Please share any other tips you may have or even your stories. I look forward to linking up with you this week!
