warning signs

Today I witnessed somebody talking about depression like they realy knew what they were on about, almost like they were diagnosing the person to not have it - like they were making it up.

This really made me angry. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues arent a joke. Just like typhoid fever, they are a sickness. Like when we get sick with anything, we need to take appropriate measures to get better. Sometimes these measures seem extreme, sometimes they don't. But nonetheless, if these things are left untreated, the symptoms can get worse, and can lead to some very unpleasant experiences.

I don't care if you suspect your friend is faking it, it's a real and an issue that needs to be dealt with. There is help from trained professionals. If you're not a doctor then don't diagnose! Rather than talk about them "faking it" behind their back, support them and do something about it!

I dont know about the greater Bendigo population, but here in Pinnaroo, I constantly hear this behind-the-back carry on of "such and such thinks they have depression but they're just faking it to get attention".

And to the "just pray about it" response: Prayer is a great thing, but faith without works is dead. God gave us a brain, we need to take action and do something! Even though medication often seems extreme, I've seen it save peoples lives. Like I said, these things (when are ongoing) are sicknesses, and they need to be dealt with. If you were diagnosed tomorrow with Leukemia, would you refuse the treatment?

Does anyone get what I'm on about? Does anyone see the cry of my heart that christians are fed this lie that if they are suffering an illness to the point of medication or consultation, that they lack faith, or become a second class christian? Anyone!?

Stop speaking lies over people and start declaring the truth!