Self-harm daughter A pastor and wife relate their traumatic experience as parents

This was one of the despairing poems written by our daughter when she was in her early 20s.

For five or six years she had been suffering from various addictions, including anorexia, bulimia, self-harm, drug and laxative abuse and horror movies.

To support these addictions she would shoplift, which meant she was often arrested by the police. She would also obtain prescriptions, cannulas, surgical blades and bandages from wherever she could get them, in order to self-harm.

A wonderful testimony written by a member of our forum who is on the Autistic Spectrum, beautifully written and full of hard times and a glorious positive hope.

Life has been an adventure it is fair to say.....

This is hard as I don't really know what is relevant for inclusion, but here goes.

A couple of years ago I discovered that I had Aspergers (an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)....

After Suicide - For Survivors Struggling with the Loss

By Jo Ann K. Nishimoto, M.A

The following is the type of bipolar I suffer with. I go through euphoric highs, feeling extremely energetic, feeling like taking on any project. An example is accepting positions, maybe at church, or volunteering myself for anything. I would be so happy that I would be "bouncing off the walls!"

Then my cycle changes, I become angry, almost in a rage. I don't hurt anyone (I understand some do). I am so mad that I could break things, but haven't yet! I get mad at anyone that I think looks at me wrong. Just stay out of my way.

Bereavement, Aspergers, Self Harm - a Testimony

Something truly wonderful has happened to me recently, God has touched my life in a way I would never have thought possible and I can sense the Lord urging me to share it with you all. I have decided that it is important to paint as honest a picture as I can of what has been happening because I want you all to understand how significant what has happened to me is and then be able to honour and worship God with me.

Bipolar Mania a Christian Perspective

The following is an extract from Gayle L. Darhower's book 'Seek His Face He Will Provide'.

Oh the thrill of mania! Why would I need God now? Things are good, my mind is sharp, quick and more clever than I thought possible. My energy level is flying and I seem to be able to handle everything that comes my way. Isn’t life grand? I just don’t see how life could get any better.

But wait a minute. Something is wrong. I can’t seem to control my thoughts. I’m confused and everybody is really getting on my nerves. Why am I clenching my teeth until my jaw hurts? I’m out of control, where is everybody? God, where are you?

Christian Bipolar Account

BIPOLAR CHRISTIAN
A story of Bipolar Disorder
By Sara Duggan

Screaming, Yelling, Pressure, Noise, Chaos, Anger. Paranoia. Depression.  Hyperactivity. What happens when you mix that with a husband and children?  Disaster!

I have a disorder that the medical community calls Bipolar. It means I have mood  swings that are pretty drastic. I get really energetic at times and at other  times I don’t have the energy to get out of bed. Sometimes this is the way we  live the Christian life.

One day we are very on fire for Jesus and want to “win” souls for him and do all  we can for him and other days we are dry and lethargic and only want to sit in the pew and get our “angel” points for the day.

This should not be--Not in our Spiritual life or in our Family life. It took  almost losing my family and my mind to wake me up to the real power and majesty  of our Lord--The Lord who is Reigning on High, who is in charge of everything  that goes on in this world, good or bad.