The Spirit and Healing
April 27, 2008 4:57 pm UncategorizedCan we heal from bipolar illness? This is an illness that takes a toll on the spirit and if healing is not possible then our spiritual self may very well wither and die. With our hope gone, facing another day would be painful and the death of our physical self close behind. We know that there are far too many who take their own life. But what are the spiritual qualities that make the majority of those with bipolar illness choose to live and even get better?
A lack of hope and a sense of helplessness are key symptoms of depression. These spiritual qualities help determine the extent to which we feel our life is worth living.Feeling wounded is another symptom of depression.
Some would suggest that life tragedies and hardships cause the kind of wounds that lead to depression. Sometimes depression itself can make us feel wounded.
We have clear examples of how our physical body heals wounds. Is healing from depression and even bipolar similar to the healing of cuts, sores and other wounds? Is healing of our spiritual wounds possible? Can we find relief from bipolar illness and even be healed?
It takes significant reflection to answer such questions. I believe we need to keep asking them. Sharing with each other is part of generating the process of healing. Together we can encourage healing and spiritual growth.
April 28th, 2008 at 3:27 am
I think it’s a very individual matter, not unlike skin burns. Some can heal without a mark while others leave a scar forever. A certain type of burn is beyond healing. The person dies.
For me there will always be a big mark to remind me of what can happen if I stray from the healing path. That’s ok, it’s not that bad there anyway.
April 28th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Amanda, I love the way your phrased your comments. I agree with you about straying from the healing path. In my case it is not good for me and I become ill. Thanks so much for the comments. Annie
April 29th, 2008 at 12:14 am
I’ve also been wondering about this quite a bit. Have you read Deepak Chopra’s Quantum Healing? I’ve started it, but it’s one of those books that just bends your brain. I wonder if it’s really possible to heal? He seems to think so. I don’t want to live my life with this hanging like an axe above my head. I’m interested in hearing about solutions that have little or no medication.
April 29th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Simone, Thanks for the comments.Yes I have read part of Chopra’s work. I find it difficult to read but the audio version is good because he has a wonderful voice that brings the message into clarity. I too believe in healing, it is just on what level of healing you are talking about. Healing of bipolar has to do with self care that prevents the cycles from becoming too intense. It also means a plan to take care of yourself when there are life crisis and tragedy. For me these are the times when I am most vulnerable and I need extra support and meds. Tracking your cycles as well the times when you are vulnerable may be helpful. Some people do this with a graph and others journal.Others find therapy helpful in this regard. Getting to know yourself enough to surround yourself with the help you need.
Thanks again. Annie
May 12th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Dear Annie,
Congrats on your blog! Glad to have you up and running, and talking about wellness!
Susan
May 13th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Susan, Thank you for the kind welcome. I am glad you joined the celebration! Annie