Page 61 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

• We can assign physical tasks (v 15-18).
4. Other strategies for providing help:
• If there is unconfessed sin, help lead the person to repentance and confession (Ps. 32).
• If disappointments have accumulated, help him to see how he has been trusting in
circumstances or people for satisfaction (Jer. 17:5-8).
• If circumstances are unbearable, help him to trust in the sovereignty of God (Rom. 8:28).

• If there has been loss, help him learn to weigh these things against the glory of eternity (2 Cor.
4:16-18). 32
• If he has been sinned against, help him to work toward reconciliation and to practice
forgiveness (Matt. 18: 21-35).

• Whatever the cause, the gospel must be the central topic of discussion and the central focus of
meditation and thought. You will help aid in this by displaying the gospel yourself by your
practice of compassion, empathy, patience, etc.

5. Remember that ultimately the Spirit is the Great Comforter, and the person you are helping must
learn to draw upon Him in the midst of biblical community (Eph. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:22c).

"What does the Bible say about Bipolar Disorder / Manic Depression?"

Note: as with many psychological issues, there are often both a physical and spiritual aspect of manic
depression/bipolar disorder. While we believe psychologists often miss the true spiritual nature of the sickness,
we strongly encourage anyone suffering with a mental illness to seek medical attention and counseling.

“Bipolar disorder” is a name that first appeared in 1957 for a severe mental illness. Before that, the same illness
was called “manic depressive illness” or “manic depression,” though that name only dates back to 1921. Neither
term appears in the Bible, but the Bible teaches us a number of lessons we can apply to bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a serious mental illness characterized by severe mood fluctuations.
These fluctuations go far beyond simply being “happy” or “sad.” The “manic” symptoms can include feelings of
extreme euphoria, marked increase in risk-taking, racing thoughts, forced speech, and increased energy. The
“depressive” symptoms can include feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness, fatigue/lethargy, changes in
appetite, inability to concentrate, and suicidal/morbid thoughts. There are several types of the disorder, usually
defined by the severity or intensity of the symptoms. The most severe type can even include psychotic
symptoms such as auditory or visual hallucinations.

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although science has demonstrated a genetic component to the
disorder. Some practitioners are also employing brain imaging. Bipolar disorder is generally diagnosed based on
the symptoms displayed by an individual, which has led to some controversy. In popular culture, “bipolar
disorder” has been used as an excuse for destructive or sinful behavior, and the label has even been used as a
source of pride among the entertainment elite. Being “bipolar” has become chic, but to those who truly suffer
from the disease, this trendiness has done more harm than good.

A Christian who suffers from bipolar disorder or manic depression should treat it like any other physiological
disease. While God certainly has the ability to work miracles and cure any malady, He often lets us continue our
journey with a “thorn in the flesh” to remind us that He is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). If a believer had
diabetes, he would seek medical advice from trained doctors, take prescribed medications, and seek godly
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