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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by daydreamer on December 29, 2003, at 14:23:55
When it comes to Manic Depressives and their "Faith".....
Doctors say that many people with Bi-polar disorder tend to think they are "modern prophets", that they have a "special connection" with God. They tend to believe they are somewhat more "grand in spirit" than everyone else. They categorize themselves as being a part of a prophecy, a leader, more intelligent than "most everyone else".
Though could it maybe-- just possibly--
be....that some of those people that are very spiritual and diagnosed Bi-polar...
could perhaps be given a "gift" from God.Say that when, someone who is born with the lack of one sense, another sense is maginfied. When one is born blind, perhaps their sense of touch, is more powerful than that of our own.
Left brain individuals seem to lack power from their right brains, and visa versa. Ever meet a mathmatician thats superb at art?
So maybe, just maybe... When "God" took away what was taken away at birth--- whether it be serontin, chemicals,-- basically youre avergae every day "brain"... and which made you Bi-polar.
Could it be possible that it could heighten your sense of God? Raise a filter? Open a channel?
Could it be that this "6th sense" is overpowered due to the lack of chemicals needed in the brain?Why must we all assume that its just a disease, and that its all fiction.
How do you open your eyes?
Posted by rayww on December 30, 2003, at 7:19:07
In reply to Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by daydreamer on December 29, 2003, at 14:23:55
Some people put thought into what they write here, spending a lot of time before they post. I am one who writes as I think, correcting very little. I also create as I sew, or work. I can't sit and design and then start sewing, but as I get into a project the design opens before me. I am neither left nor right brain dominant, but cross-brained, if that means anything. I have also been told I am bipolar, and medicated for such.
There are many gifts of the spirit, and most people have at least one of them. One purpose of religion is to give a standard for these gifts. The questions you ask have been asked since the beginning of time. True religion should have answers and explain how one can discern whether these gifts come from God or Satan, as both can bestow gifts of spirit, one being good, the other being evil. A true gift would not reveal something false, although a false spirit may reveal 99 truths just to slip in one false educational idea. It is difficult to discern at best. I have experimented with this for the past 30 years, and believe I have understanding. I wish I could share it completely, but to do so would be crossing the line on this board.
I think everything you have written is right on. However, I also think we need to be careful not to assume that every prophet was mentally disordered. God calls sane and healthy prophets and reveals his word to them for our benefit. Each dispensation had prophets, and as soon as the people went astray, God called another one.
Today's prophet is Gordon B. Hinckley. I challenge you to find one element of his personality that is delusional. He is of the most sound mind, even at the ripe age of 93. He preaches only truth and family solidarity. He stands for something. (the name of a book he wrote to everyone, not just to the LDS "Standing for Something")
> When it comes to Manic Depressives and their "Faith".....
>
> Doctors say that many people with Bi-polar disorder tend to think they are "modern prophets", that they have a "special connection" with God. They tend to believe they are somewhat more "grand in spirit" than everyone else. They categorize themselves as being a part of a prophecy, a leader, more intelligent than "most everyone else".
>
> Though could it maybe-- just possibly--
> be....
>
> that some of those people that are very spiritual and diagnosed Bi-polar...
> could perhaps be given a "gift" from God.
>
> Say that when, someone who is born with the lack of one sense, another sense is maginfied. When one is born blind, perhaps their sense of touch, is more powerful than that of our own.
> Left brain individuals seem to lack power from their right brains, and visa versa. Ever meet a mathmatician thats superb at art?
>
> So maybe, just maybe... When "God" took away what was taken away at birth--- whether it be serontin, chemicals,-- basically youre avergae every day "brain"... and which made you Bi-polar.
> Could it be possible that it could heighten your sense of God? Raise a filter? Open a channel?
>
> Could it be that this "6th sense" is overpowered due to the lack of chemicals needed in the brain?
>
> Why must we all assume that its just a disease, and that its all fiction.
>
> How do you open your eyes?Yes, I think being bipolar does heighten your sense of God and spiritual things, and opens a channel.
Yes, again, our 6th sense may be overpowered by lack of chemicals in the brain, but it may also be heightened in our mania.I agree 100% with your query of why must we all assume that its just a disease, all fiction. I personally have experienced the gift side of bipolar, and totally believe it can be harnessed and used for good, based upon true principles. In other words, one must completely to the best of their ability live by the golden rule and keep the 10 commandments for living, you can’t mess with the wires. It is crucial to keep the channels open between you and god in order to use the gift for good. That’s my experience anyway. And, I think that is how you open your eyes to your own gifts. Bear in mind, the gift can also become a snare and suck you the oposite direction, so the choice is yours, and it's not easy to fight, I've been on that side of it too, a lot. That's why I have come to the conclusion of how important it is to be completely obedient to God's law. There can be no compromises, or excuses in that regard. Are you bipolar?
ANyway, I enjoyed reading what you wrote, I agree with it, and have asked the same questions myself. What I have written here is my own understanding, which I value for myslef, and hope you don't find it dillusional or offensive. I hope nothing I wrote crossed the civility line, there was a lot more I could have written.
Posted by daydreamer on December 31, 2003, at 10:23:16
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God? » daydreamer, posted by rayww on December 30, 2003, at 7:19:07
yes--
Im Bipolar-
diagnosed at 19.
Posted by judy1 on January 7, 2004, at 11:32:46
In reply to Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by daydreamer on December 29, 2003, at 14:23:55
I would love to believe your theory, but the only times I feel like a prophet is when I'm manic. Do you feel this way outside a manic episode?
take care, judy
Posted by daydreamer on January 7, 2004, at 13:10:38
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God? » daydreamer, posted by judy1 on January 7, 2004, at 11:32:46
Its not that I believe Im a prophet...
I believe that God has given me something quite unique and rare, yet sensitive and powerful...
Being manic heightens it I suppose... Im more inclined to feel it more "physically".
So I might seem crazy, but Im not apologizing for it anymore...
Posted by holymama on January 8, 2004, at 17:03:31
In reply to Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by daydreamer on December 29, 2003, at 14:23:55
Before I was diagnosed as being bipolar I aways defined the periods after my depressions lifted as my 'spiritual periods'. Periods of hypomania were periods of being close to God. The latest manic episode that I had on an SSRI was intensely spiritual. I described to my husband that I was geting closer and closer to God, and any attempt by him to make me come down was like trying to pull a person having a near death experience away from the light. It was just so compelling to go there.
I definatley am starting to see that as a gift from God.
I would not wish away my manic/hypomanic experiences for anything. I am different from most people. I am becoming a person with a strong faith in God.
I believe that most if not all of the early prophets in the Bible and in other religions were probably bipolar or in another 'delusional' state and I beleive that modern medicine writes off modern religious manic experiences as 'crazy', as 'chemical', but we can't fall for that. We know that is not true.
Personally, I've been thinking a lot lately about how we all write our own stories. Some people write their stories as themselves as the victims, as bad luck happening to them, etc. Some write their own stories as being very exciting. The same person could write their story as either way. It's all in how you write it.
I've been thinking lately about how to write the story of my recent transforming religious experience while manic. I could write it off as being crazy and manic and I could move away from it. I am realizing how much more exciting it makes my story -- how much more I can give to the world -- it I write my story this way -- I have had a major life transforming event. God has touched me at a time that I needed it. How inspiring is that? How much more meaning does that give to my life? How much more of an inspiration can I be to other people? I want to write my story that way and see if I can use that gift from God as a positive influence in the world.
Posted by daydreamer on January 8, 2004, at 17:55:30
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by holymama on January 8, 2004, at 17:03:31
Its good to see you can openly talk about that...
as I hear..
Theres been a study about this particular subject.
Though there really cant be any "scientific theory/study" due to the fact that youd first have to prove God exits.It all boils down to what really exists and what really doesnt.
The whole of society still punishes native americans, exploits women, beats homosexuals, and ridicules stereotypes such as blacks.
Were not even close to making a discovery of what is certain in this world, when it comes to spiritual faith and who we are as human beings.
Theres even a book about the relationship between *Zen and Bipolar.
*A school of Mahayana Buddhism that asserts that enlightenment can be attained through meditation, self-contemplation, and intuition rather than through faith and devotion
Posted by stjames on January 9, 2004, at 1:22:59
In reply to Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by daydreamer on December 29, 2003, at 14:23:55
a large number of the homeless are BP, you might want to ask them if they feel gifted by god.
Posted by holymama on January 9, 2004, at 7:01:56
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by stjames on January 9, 2004, at 1:22:59
Good point. (!!!)
Posted by daydreamer on January 9, 2004, at 12:20:19
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by holymama on January 9, 2004, at 7:01:56
But thats considered clouded judgement.
God gave us the beauty of the earth and sky-- colors, light, and the stars.
Though someone blind could never see that, do they feel anyless about God? Even if not, could they truely appreciate the earth and its surroundings (by sight) even if they couldnt see it?There are children born in Africa, who were born great artists, but will never be able to touch a pencil and paper... and end up dying of AIDS or starvation. Does that mean that they werent given a gift by god?
A child born in the projects and died in the projects... had the talent to be the next mozart, but due to man-made conidtions (due to lack of jobs, homelessness, gangs, murder, etc) ... he was never able to touch a piano.
Man-Made disasters and conditions in this world- prevent alot of people from using there true gifts and talents...
The problem is, the majority of the human race wont open their eyes enough to see what god has really given us.
So no... the BP homeless man sitting down the street from the Starbucks as you get your coffee in the mornings, doesnt see it as a gift from God..
and neither will millions of starving children ever be able meet their full potential in life...and recognize the gift in themselves.
Posted by stjames on January 9, 2004, at 12:41:53
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by daydreamer on January 9, 2004, at 12:20:19
Mental illness in not a gift when it makes people homeless.
Posted by holymama on January 9, 2004, at 14:33:32
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by stjames on January 9, 2004, at 12:41:53
I think it is all on how you use what you are given.
It's the same with any gift from God.
That is considering that the situation around you is conducive to you living up to your full potential. Things can prevent that -- poverty, no access to medication, stigma.
Posted by daydreamer on January 9, 2004, at 17:23:54
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by holymama on January 9, 2004, at 14:33:32
I agree...
None of you have any idea what my life consists of and where I am at in my life.
I could easily break and become homeless if I let my guard down and gave up...
Sometimes its just the way the world works...
If there werent the homeless, we would never have an appreciation for what we have. We would never learn what its like to give to those less fortunate.If the world was full of peace and everyone on the same side of the tracks..
we would have never known pain...
so that when we are blessed, we are able to recognize it.StJames
I understand your opinion...
but being hard-headed on such a subject like BP Disorder... is pointless at this point of time in evolution and technology.
Doctors have barely scraped the surface of the disease.
Mind you, humans only use (maybe) 10% of their brains....
So whos to say what connection there is between God and Mentall Illness..and with a name like "St James"-- I must be right in saying you are a religous individual?
may I ask StJames, have you been diagnosed with BP?
What I and others choose to express on here-- is some form of enlightment, an expression of hopefullness and pain. People want to write, to express, to let it go..If someone came on here and yelled about how God doesnt exist. In their mind, maybe he doesnt...
so who am I to argue.Theres no one religion, theres no one right answer, and its lovely... that we have such a wonderful diversity.
Its wonderful that I have the oppurtunity to help others... when Im not trying to commit myself.
No one deserves to be homeless, ill, sick, poor, or in pain...
if they have done no one individual any severe form of unjustice.Let people hope...
its what has kept us alive so far.
Posted by daydreamer on January 9, 2004, at 17:31:28
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by daydreamer on January 9, 2004, at 17:23:54
one more thing..
I understand you argueing the term of "gift" when it comes to Mental Illness.
To me? part of the disease is a gift.
I wouldnt have my art and music if it werent for the disease (research that one)No one should have to be homeless, and no, they wouldnt see it as a gift (if its what made them homeless in the first place)...
But you know what?
At the same time...I hate who I am.
I cant hold a job.
Im a nervous wreck.
Im loosing myself.
Im loosing my faith.
I have permanent scars on my arms.
Im desperate and confused.
Im unemployed, no money, and I think about crashing my car into a wall at least once a week.So.. am I grateful for the disease OVERALL??
No... no.. no. I hate it.
But theres nothing I can do about it right now..
so I have to look on the sunny side... or Ill break.
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:19
In reply to Re: Bi-Polar or a Gift from God?, posted by daydreamer on January 9, 2004, at 17:23:54
> being hard-headed on such a subject like BP Disorder...
Please be sensitive to the feelings of others and don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
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