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Positive Effects On Mental Health?

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
For me personally Going up in what I would Call a "Hood" Low income high crime rate area I was subject to a high level of Trama in my life that resulted in alot of Mental Health Issues Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and High level of paranoia which often lead to suicidal thoughts. I wasnt religious at all and had no spiritual understanding. I Can sayin in the last 5 years of learning about the Spiritual Side of life and applying Bible principles I've completely got rid of Anxiety and Paranoia I still Have Clinical Depression based on traumatic past experiences that are out of my control.i Do not have suicidal thoughts any more at all.I'm not on med and i do talk therapy. But my Spirituality has been the biggest component to my mental well-being.

Matthew 5:3 "3 “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need"

that a short summary of my experience I'd love to share more in deeper detail but most importantly I'd love to hear you guys experience 1st. please if you feel comfortable to share I'd love to hear the benefit of your beliefs help your mental health.when I say belief that including belief in science or Evolution or a different philosophy that isn't a traditional "religious belief". any way of thinking that helps your mental health.
 
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LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
Why, it is perfectly obvious that the cause might just as well be mental health in good as in bad, and faith a consequence. Of course I'm not saying it is - just that it could just as well be.


I can understand that but I'm more interested in a postive conversation towards mental and belief systems. and when I say belief that including belief in science or Evolution or a different philosophy that isn't a traditional "religious belief". any way of thinking that helps your mental health.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
For me personally Going up in what I would Call a "Hood" Low income high crime rate area I was subject to a high level of Trama in my life that resulted in alot of Mental Health Issues Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and High level of paranoia which often lead to suicidal thoughts. I wasnt religious at all and had no spiritual understanding. I Can sayin in the last 5 years of learning about the Spiritual Side of life and applying Bible principles I've completely got rid of Anxiety and Paranoia I still Have Clinical Depression based on traumatic past experiences that are out of my control.i Do not have suicidal thoughts any more at all.I'm not on med and i do talk therapy. But my Spirituality has been the biggest component to my mental well-being.

Matthew 5:3 "3 “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need"

that a short summary of my experience I'd love to share more in deeper detail but most importantly I'd love to hear you guys experience 1st. please if you feel comfortable to share I'd love to hear the benefit of your beliefs help your mental health.when I say belief that including belief in science or Evolution or a different philosophy that isn't a traditional "religious belief". any way of thinking that helps your mental health.

That is excellent that you have found healing through your Christian Faith. As you have put this in the interfaith section I would like to share that I had a similar experience through becoming a Baha'i nearly 30 years ago and applying Baha'i principles to my life, many of which would be similar to biblical principles. I later went on to study medicine and practiced psychiatry for seven years where my personal experience really assisted the work I undertook with patients. I suspect that you will find many people in different faiths have had a similar experience.
 

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
That is excellent that you have found healing through your Christian Faith. As you have put this in the interfaith section I would like to share that I had a similar experience through becoming a Baha'i nearly 30 years ago and applying Baha'i principles to my life, many of which would be similar to biblical principles. I later went on to study medicine and practiced psychiatry for seven years where my personal experience really assisted the work I undertook with patients. I suspect that you will find many people in different faiths have had a similar experience.
thank you for sharing I'd love to here which principles help in what areas of mental health and maybe I can share one with you my friend.
 

Jumi

Well-Known Member
That is wonderful to hear!

Years back I had moving meditation that helped me cure crippling level of clinical depression. I recommend it for anyone with depression to try out if they're willing. Another one was having pets or other dependents to take care of. I don't know if you could call it a belief as much as an activity that develops confidence and eases the stress on some neural pathways as well as helping develop acceptance.

Recently I've been trying to cope with pain attacks, thinking of starting the old routines again. I think being a mystic helps me somewhat in this, though I'm unsure why that is since I have quite a minimal amount of beliefs. Nevertheless, I was on the brink some months ago and I got through with some willpower that I got from some hidden reserve I didn't know I had. Still, gotta give credit where it's due.
 

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
That is wonderful to hear!

Years back I had moving meditation that helped me cure crippling level of clinical depression. I recommend it for anyone with depression to try out if they're willing. Another one was having pets or other dependents to take care of. I don't know if you could call it a belief as much as an activity that develops confidence and eases the stress on some neural pathways as well as helping develop acceptance.

Recently I've been trying to cope with pain attacks, thinking of starting the old routines again. I think being a mystic helps me somewhat in this, though I'm unsure why that is since I have quite a minimal amount of beliefs. Nevertheless, I was on the brink some months ago and I got through with some willpower that I got from some hidden reserve I didn't know I had. Still, gotta give credit where it's due.
I really appreciate you sharing that and I've had clinical depression and mental health issues for the past 7 years and only 3 years of taking my spirituality serious. Unfortunately growing up in the environment that I did going to see medical or professional help when it comes to Mental Health is taboo or shunned due to Pride and I definitely had that attitude I recently just mustered up the courage to seek a doctor and I was diagnosed with clinical depression I used talk therapy as a big help. The scripture that help me seek medical help was the principal at

Luke 5:31
"31 In reply Jesus said to them: “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are ill do. "

Although Jesus was speaking an illustration the principle still applies and I'm happy that I put my pride aside to seek medical help.
 

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
That is wonderful to hear!

Years back I had moving meditation that helped me cure crippling level of clinical depression. I recommend it for anyone with depression to try out if they're willing. Another one was having pets or other dependents to take care of. I don't know if you could call it a belief as much as an activity that develops confidence and eases the stress on some neural pathways as well as helping develop acceptance.

Recently I've been trying to cope with pain attacks, thinking of starting the old routines again. I think being a mystic helps me somewhat in this, though I'm unsure why that is since I have quite a minimal amount of beliefs. Nevertheless, I was on the brink some months ago and I got through with some willpower that I got from some hidden reserve I didn't know I had. Still, gotta give credit where it's due.
what are some old routines that helps your pain attacks if you dont mind me asking? and what exactly is a pain attack?
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
thank you for sharing I'd love to here which principles help in what areas of mental health and maybe I can share one with you my friend.

Here's a few:)

See the good in people and not the negative
(Matthew 7:1-4)

Love people regardless and ignore labels (Luke 10:30-36).

Spend less time think about self and considering others (Matthew 22:29)

The use of prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and being conscious of God (Matthew 22:27)

Adhering to truth (John 8:32)

Gaining perspective about the meaning of suffering:
‘Does the soul progress more through sorrow or through the joy in this world?’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.—‘The mind and spirit of man advance when he is tried by suffering. The more the ground is ploughed the better the seed will grow, the better the harvest will be. Just as the plough furrows the earth deeply, purifying it of weeds and thistles, so suffering and tribulation free man from the petty affairs of this worldly life until he arrives at a state of complete detachment. His attitude in this world will be that of divine happiness. Man is, so to speak, unripe: the heat of the fire of suffering will mature him. Look back to the times past and you will find that the greatest men have suffered most.’
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 178)

Avoiding harsh words
A harsh word is like unto a sword, but gentle speech is like unto milk. The children of the world attain to knowledge and better themselves through this.

Practising forgiveness
[Forgiveness] is an essential part of the spiritual growth of a person who has been wronged. To nurse a grievance or hatred against another soul is spiritually poisonous to the soul which nurses it, but to strive to see another person as a child of God and, however heinous his deeds, to attempt to overlook his sins for the sake of God, removes bitterness from the soul and both ennobles and strengthens it.

Avoiding anger
...think ye of hostility and hatred as the torments of hell.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 243-246)

Recognising sometimes we need to be angry
If he exercises his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who are like ferocious beasts, it is very praiseworthy; but if he does not use these qualities in a right way, they are blameworthy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 215)
 

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
Here's a few:)

See the good in people and not the negative
(Matthew 7:1-4)

Love people regardless and ignore labels (Luke 10:30-36).

Spend less time think about self and considering others (Matthew 22:29)

The use of prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and being conscious of God (Matthew 22:27)

Adhering to truth (John 8:32)

Gaining perspective about the meaning of suffering:
‘Does the soul progress more through sorrow or through the joy in this world?’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.—‘The mind and spirit of man advance when he is tried by suffering. The more the ground is ploughed the better the seed will grow, the better the harvest will be. Just as the plough furrows the earth deeply, purifying it of weeds and thistles, so suffering and tribulation free man from the petty affairs of this worldly life until he arrives at a state of complete detachment. His attitude in this world will be that of divine happiness. Man is, so to speak, unripe: the heat of the fire of suffering will mature him. Look back to the times past and you will find that the greatest men have suffered most.’
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 178)

Avoiding harsh words
A harsh word is like unto a sword, but gentle speech is like unto milk. The children of the world attain to knowledge and better themselves through this.

Practising forgiveness
[Forgiveness] is an essential part of the spiritual growth of a person who has been wronged. To nurse a grievance or hatred against another soul is spiritually poisonous to the soul which nurses it, but to strive to see another person as a child of God and, however heinous his deeds, to attempt to overlook his sins for the sake of God, removes bitterness from the soul and both ennobles and strengthens it.

Avoiding anger
...think ye of hostility and hatred as the torments of hell.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 243-246)

Recognising sometimes we need to be angry
If he exercises his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who are like ferocious beasts, it is very praiseworthy; but if he does not use these qualities in a right way, they are blameworthy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 215)
I love the use of scripture I'm not familiar with this belief so I appreciate you educating me on that we definitely share a lot of the same principles I help with my Mental Health
 

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
Here's a few:)

See the good in people and not the negative
(Matthew 7:1-4)

Love people regardless and ignore labels (Luke 10:30-36).

Spend less time think about self and considering others (Matthew 22:29)

The use of prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and being conscious of God (Matthew 22:27)

Adhering to truth (John 8:32)

Gaining perspective about the meaning of suffering:
‘Does the soul progress more through sorrow or through the joy in this world?’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.—‘The mind and spirit of man advance when he is tried by suffering. The more the ground is ploughed the better the seed will grow, the better the harvest will be. Just as the plough furrows the earth deeply, purifying it of weeds and thistles, so suffering and tribulation free man from the petty affairs of this worldly life until he arrives at a state of complete detachment. His attitude in this world will be that of divine happiness. Man is, so to speak, unripe: the heat of the fire of suffering will mature him. Look back to the times past and you will find that the greatest men have suffered most.’
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 178)

Avoiding harsh words
A harsh word is like unto a sword, but gentle speech is like unto milk. The children of the world attain to knowledge and better themselves through this.

Practising forgiveness
[Forgiveness] is an essential part of the spiritual growth of a person who has been wronged. To nurse a grievance or hatred against another soul is spiritually poisonous to the soul which nurses it, but to strive to see another person as a child of God and, however heinous his deeds, to attempt to overlook his sins for the sake of God, removes bitterness from the soul and both ennobles and strengthens it.

Avoiding anger
...think ye of hostility and hatred as the torments of hell.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 243-246)

Recognising sometimes we need to be angry
If he exercises his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who are like ferocious beasts, it is very praiseworthy; but if he does not use these qualities in a right way, they are blameworthy.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, p. 215)
what mental health issues did there principal's help with specifically if you dont mind me asking .
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
I love the use of scripture I'm not familiar with this belief so I appreciate you educating me on that we definitely share a lot of the same principles I help with my Mental Health

I was a Baptist before becoming a Baha'i. There's a great deal in common between the two religions and I believe in the same Bible, Jesus and God as Christians. In fact I see a great deal of common ground between any genuine religion. Its good you have a faith and its enabled you to overcome your difficulties.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
how are you in regards to depression present day?

I had the one episode in early-mid 20s. That was nearly 30 years ago. I learned a lot during being depressed and I'm really grateful to have had the experience though when it first emerged it was terrifying. It took quite a long time to climb out of the black hole I was in.
 

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
I had the one episode in early-mid 20s. That was nearly 30 years ago. I learned a lot during being depressed and I'm really grateful to have had the experience though when it first emerged it was terrifying. It took quite a long time to climb out of the black hole I was in.
I can't Express how happy I am to hear that especially with me currently fighting that battle thank u for sharing your experience. means alot to me and I'm happy your in a better state my friend.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
I can't Express how happy I am to hear that especially with me currently fighting that battle thank u for sharing your experience. means alot to me and I'm happy your in a better state my friend.

Thank you for raising an important health issue that in all likelihood affects more people here than they care to admit.

I want to say that we all need to read the reality of our own lives and find out what works for us. Some people will never have mental health issues but many will. Sometimes its just life and we think it would never happen to us. Other times its the choices we make. Its interesting hearing of peoples recovery stories and there tends to be common threads that run through them. For many people its finding meaning in their lives. For others it can actually be leaving a faith that really doesn't suit them. We all have a journey and no one can walk in the shoes of another. All the best on RF my friend. I need sleep which is a necessity for good mental health.:)
 

LiveByFaithNotSight

The Art Of Conversing
Thank you for raising an important health issue that in all likelihood affects more people here than they care to admit.

I want to say that we all need to read the reality of our own lives and find out what works for us. Some people will never have mental health issues but many will. Sometimes its just life and we think it would never happen to us. Other times its the choices we make. Its interesting hearing of peoples recovery stories and there tends to be common threads that run through them. For many people its finding meaning in their lives. For others it can actually be leaving a faith that really doesn't suit them. We all have a journey and no one can walk in the shoes of another. All the best on RF my friend. I need sleep which is a necessity for good mental health.:)
Goodnight bro hopefully more ppl share there story and we can benefit from a interchange of encouragement. Rom 1:12
 
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