Hi, I have been suffing from a mental illness since I became a teenager and most of my friends were Christians, however they could never accept or understand my disease. This is the story of my life because most of the Christian friends I knew criticized me and said I was possessed by a demon. I am still hurt because of those people, they made me feel like an outcast and not worthy of God's love. I have seen so many people like me that were driven away from God by all those Christians. I still feel so depressed and hurt by the way my former friends treated me. I just want to know why are people with mentally ill are shunned by Christians and why do they make you believe that will got to hell if don't follow their rules. You can't be depressed, you have to do everything right and never make an error. Nobody is perfect! These people expected perfection from me. If I couldn't do all the things that they wanted me to do, I was considered either a back-slider or possessed. It's very sad what they did to me and what they do to others as well? WHY?AllieCat

8/8/2009 12:56:51 PM by AllieCat, Member of Delve into Jesus since 8/8/2009

I am soooo sorry and i can't answer that, but i will say it's not how He sees you, and one day He will wipe away every tear, would you be open to trying another church ?....the Church isn't perfect because of the people in itsomenot all... and you need to pray for them forgive them, pray for their hearts to be softened and revelation of why Jesus died and that He came for all mankind, you hold your head up high stand strong in prayer for them and yourself... spend time akind Him what does this all mean and what He want's you to do, He does have a plan for your life, A VERY VERY GOOD ONE, Matthew 6:33-34...At the end of the day it's not what man thinks of you that matters, it's what He says and thinks , we pray He blesses you in all you do think and say, I love you and wish i could hold you and walk with you , i can in prayer ..God bless

8/8/2009 3:41:49 PM by mammak, Member of Delve into Jesus since 9/3/2008

I have been in your shoes, struggling with depression in my case and having people not understand. However, I was fortunate to have true Christians who came around me in love and support.

Every group in society will have members who do not do justice to the group as a whole. Christians are not exempt from this unfortunately. Many people still see mental illness as demon possession. There may be times when this is the case, but in most cases it is a matter of a chemical problem in the brain, and there is nothing wrong with getting a doctors help in treating the problem.

God loves you dearly and does not want to see you suffer or see you lose faith. He wants you to be whole! Sometimes His answer to our prayers is "Wait", but He is there beside us the whole time.

When I had my issues I was fortunate to have a pastor who took me under his wing. He had me find a verse in the bible that spoke to my heart on my issues. I had to memorize it and meditate on it daily. Then he introduced me to some people he felt might benefit from talking with me. You read that right, he felt they might gain something from me. Over several months he sent me more people to help, and I found myself immersed in a ministry I never suspected I would be able to join - I was counseling people who were grieving. The time I spent serving these people served to redirect my thoughts from my own loss to that of others, and I soon forgot to feel sorry for myself and my depression lifted.

Perhaps you could speak to a pastor and find some kind of service (ministry) you could get involved in to redirect your energies. Helping others is a great way to heal yourself, and it proves to those people who are like Job's friends that you are a beloved child of God.

Blessings upon you!

8/12/2009 3:57:10 PM by kcgodlyman, Member of Delve into Jesus since 6/17/2009

People can be simply cruel, no matter what their beliefs or creed.

Try not to take it too much to heart, and live knowing that you are good person. They can't take that from you.

8/23/2009 10:59:24 PM by Flagg, Member of Delve into Jesus since 8/20/2009

We are human and we need to see how Jesus walked the earth and do the same, we need Agape love, maybe they are scared of what they don't understand, or don't understand the reason they are saved ...LOVE His love. God bless

8/24/2009 1:25:03 AM by mammak, Member of Delve into Jesus since 9/3/2008

The people that you are friends with are wrong about you.. totally wrong. God loves you no matter who you are or what you have done he made you the way you are and your a beautiful person inside and out and God loves you. I to suffer from depression and anxiety but by praying more it makes me feel better. Talk to God about your problems because he listens to you. And it would be a good idea to go to a different church God bless you and i hope you feel better:)

11/7/2009 1:22:44 PM by dmaimone1, Member of Delve into Jesus since 11/6/2009