Regarding health, get the facts, understand the layers of health care, explore treatment options, seek wise spiritual counsel and take a personal inventory. Team up with family and friends, support groups and mentors, clergy and prayer partners, doctors, pharmacists, mental health professionals, dietitians and alternative health care providers
Materialists believe that the mind emerges from the brain and that the mind (soul) is an artifact of the brain. Like the Sadducees of Jesus’ time, they only believe what they can see, feel and touch (Matthew 22:23-31, Acts 23:8). This has been the prevailing paradigm in the western scientific world since Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution became the dominant scientific dogma. Recently, however, there has been growing dissent in the area of neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry because the result of adherence to the materialists’ philosophy in the lives of patients, where the rubber meets the road, has been devastating [1].
Interestingly the discovery of the baffling area of quantum physics at the beginning of the last century [2] marked the beginning the crumbling of materialist philosophy. Denial of the power of the mind, and by extension the spirit, in the treatment of patients with mental and even physical disorders, has led to poor treatment outcomes in many cases. The materialist position, therefore, is becoming increasing untenable.
Alternatively the Bible presents the view of the spirit, soul and the body as separate, but intimately integrated entities (Genesis 2:7, Matthew 26:41, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12). Each of us is a spirit, having a soul (mind) and living in a body. Life is actually a spiritual force. The mind has the power of intellect, emotions and free will [3], and, if enabled by the spirit and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can make good choices that can positively change the body, which includes the brain. The materialist view, however, in denying the existence of the spirit and soul, has held to the pre-eminence of the body. This mindset contributed to the view that the brain could not really be changed once we reached adolescence and that all we could hope for in many psychiatric and neurological conditions was compensation and reliance on medication rather than a total cure.
This was the prevailing view in the 1980s when Dr. Caroline Leaf started in research and clinical practice as a communication pathologist treating patients with various mental and neurological conditions in clinical and educational settings and research settings. Because of her belief in the biblical view, she set out to help patients, who the medical community had given up on, with remarkable results [4]. She also was able help transform destitute students in deprived schools even to international notice [5]. At the time clinicians and educationalists like her, who believed in the power of the mind to change the brain, were scoffed at. However, as the Sanhedrin discovered, when faced with the walking man who was once crippled (Act 4:14), it was difficult to deny her results.
Fortunately certain discoveries have led credence to the biblical view, Dr Leaf’s research included. It was discovered that the brain continually changes in response to mental and sensory signals throughout the human life span [6]. This process has now been termed ‘neuroplasticity’. It was once thought that, as adults, we had the full complement of nerve cells (neurons) and that we basically lost neurons until we died. Now we know scientifically that we continue to produce neurons in certain areas of the brain constantly, a process known as neurogenesis [7].
The growing medical specialties of psychoneuroimmunology and psychoneuroendocrinology [8] are bringing to light the intimate relationship between the mind, the brain and the immune and endocrine systems. Remarkably the eye-opening science of epigenetics is showing how our choices can profoundly influence, not just our own genes and those that we are in relationship with, but the genes of multiple generations of our descendants [9]. There is thankfully now a growing opposition to the materialist view even among mainstream scientists. In response to the growing evidence of the mind being able to change the brain, materialist have held the view that it is the brain that changes the brain [10]- this is akin to a computer reprogramming and redesigning itself.
Thankfully, in the face of growing recent evidence, the materialist view is losing some of its pre-eminence. There is growing dissent among a populace that is seeking answers to gnawing questions and cures to intractable mental and physical disorders [11]. Surveys show that the majority of lay people globally do not see themselves as biological automata, but as thinking human beings with the ability to think and choose making biological change [12]. Furthermore, the crisis in the education, over-labeling and over-medication of our children is crying out for a change of direction. It is time to return to what the Creator says about the nature of man in the Bible- He knows what we are made of and how we are made (Psalm 103:14). The Mind definitely changes the Brain.
References
1. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2005 Jun 29;360(1458):1309-27. Quantum physics in neuroscience and psychology: a neurophysical model of mind-brain interaction. Schwartz JM, Stapp HP, Beauregard M.
Nour Foundation: Mind-Body Connections: How Does Consciousness Shape the Brain? United Nations 9/11/2008- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwXhcyTe7qQ
Creation Ministires:’ Charles Darwin’s real message: have you missed it’ by Carl Wieland-http://creation.com/charles-darwins-real-message-have-you-missed-it
2. Nobelprize.org – The Nobel Prize in Physics 1918. http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1918/
3. The Spiritual Man – June 1, 1968 Watchman Nee
4. Mind-Mapping: A Therapeutic Technique for Closed-Head Injury, a dissertation submitted for her Masters at the University of Pretoria, May 1990.
Mind-mapping as a Therapeutic technique, in Communiphon, South African Speech-Language-hearing Association No. 296, pg. 11-15,November 1990.
5. The Mind-Mapping Approach: A Model and Framework for Geodesic Learning, a dissertation submitted for her Ph.D. at the University of Pretoria, March 1997.
The Development of a Model for Geodesic Learning: The Geodesic Information Processing Model, in the South African Journal of Communication Disorders, Vol. 44, 1997.
6. Neural Plasticity Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 541870, 10 pages. Adult Neuroplasticity: More Than 40 Years of Research. Eberhard Fuchs and Gabriele Flügge.
7. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2000 Oct;1(1):67-73. Neurogenesis in the adult brain: death of a dogma. Gross CG.
8. International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology- www.ispne.org/. Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society- www.pnirs.org/.
9. Ethan Watters, “DNA Is Not Destiny: The New Science of Epigenetics Rewrites the Rules of Disease, Heredity, and Identity,” Discover, November 2006, http://discovermagazine.com/2006 nov/cover.
Nova- Ghost In Your Genes, 2006
Nat Rev Genet. 2012 Jan 31;13(3):153-62. Understanding transgenerational epigenetic inheritance via the gametes in mammals. Daxinger L, Whitelaw E.
10. The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science– December 18, 2007 by Norman Doidge
11. Med J Aust. 2004 Jun 7;180(11):587-9. The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective. Coulter ID, Willis EM.
12. Scientific American- Site Survey Shows 60 Percent Think Free Will Exists. Read Why. By Gary Stix | January 15, 2015 |http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/talking-back/site-survey-shows-60-percent-think-free-will-exists-read-why/
Depression is one of the most common serious mental disorders, and yet it is often misunderstood, unnoticed, or even ignored. Everyone feels down sometimes, but depressed people have a persistently low mood that affects all facets of their life. If you believe you or someone you love may be depressed, read the following information to learn ways to help someone with depression.
Read also: “Can a Christian Be Depressed?”
Here are ten tips that will help you learn about this serious mental disorder and how to treat it.
What is it? – Types Of Depression
Most people do not realize what depression is, and many mistakenly believe that it is relatively harmless. Depression is a common and serious mental disorder that affects your mood, behavior, social and professional relationships, and even your physical health. It can also sometimes lead to suicide.
There are several different types of depression, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and dysthymia. Most types share the same symptoms but differ in their severity and how long they last. For a better understanding of what depression is and how to help someone with depression, take a look at the following links:
The most common signs that someone may be depressed are a persistent low mood and an inability to enjoy activities that they normally enjoy. Other common symptoms include feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, irritability, sleeplessness or sleeping too much, and helplessness, as well as a withdrawal from social situations. Some depressed individuals may also experience irritability and thoughts of death or suicide.
Depressive mental disorders often cause physical symptoms as well. Fatigue, digestive problems, headaches, weight loss, aches, and pains are all common physical symptoms that depressed people may experience. Explore the following links to get more detailed information on depression symptoms:
When to See a Professional – Diagnosis Of Depression
As mentioned above, everyone feels down from time to time. However, if you or a loved one have been feeling down or experiencing any other symptoms for two weeks or more, see your family doctor, a psychologist, or a counselor. After a brief interview, they may give you a short questionnaire, such as Beck’s Depression Inventory.
Who is at Risk? – Causes Of Depression
Many doctors still do not agree about what causes people to become depressed. However, the general consensus is that there are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of becoming depressed, including having blood relatives that have a history of depression, experiencing trauma (including childhood trauma), stress from life-changing events (like losing a job or the death of a loved one), age, and gender. Your brain chemistry and hormones also play a significant role.
How to Help – What to Say to a Friend with Depression
How you talk to and act towards a depressed person can affect their recovery. Avoid saying things like, “It’s all in your head,” or “We all go through times like this.” Try to affirm that they are important and that they are not alone. If your loved one has had symptoms for a while, you can try gently suggesting they see a doctor or a counselor for help. It is also important that you note of any symptoms that get suddenly and significantly worse, such as a disinterest in pleasurable activities, sex, or food, as they may be warning signs of suicide.
Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for depressed people, but there are several treatments that have been clinically proven again and again to be effective in treating people with depression. Broad forms of treatment include natural treatment, therapy, medication, and a combination of treatments. Natural treatment includes exercise and a change in diet. Therapy includes many different talk therapies, such as psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Medication usually includes antidepressants, like Prozac and Zoloft.
If you or a loved one is depressed, natural treatments are always a great way to curb a depressed mood. Contrary to what many believe, natural treatments have been shown to be among some of the most effective treatments for many mental disorders. Exercise in particular has been shown to sometimes be just as effective as medication in improving the mood of depressed people. To help someone with depression, try asking them to go for a nice walk or jog with you.
Psychologists can also help those struggling with personal issues. There are many different forms of psychotherapy, and you can learn which one may work best for you. The most popular forms of therapy to help someone with depression are psychoanalysis and cognitive-behavior therapy, but there are many other types of therapy that have very different approaches, such as mindfulness and meditation techniques.
Medication is another common form of treatment for depression. Medication is especially used to treat major depressive disorder. There are several different kinds of antidepressant medications, all of which act differently in the body. The most common types of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Other forms of medication, such as antipsychotics, are also used.
More Information
When you want to help someone resolve their personal issues it can be tricky. Sometimes the best way to help someone with a depressive disorder is to encourage them to see a professional. Every individual is different: the same treatment may not work for two different people. Furthermore, treatment for depression can take a significant amount of time, and is often an on-going process, so patience is also important.
Psalm 42:11 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Also, listen to the helpful 3-part Seminar, “Mood Disorders and Brain Chemistry” with Drs. Roger Barrier, Tom Griffin and Glenn Barteau.
For more helpful information, http://bit.ly/1PlPBEZ
Hearing God’s voice is essential to your walk with God. There are several basic questions you must ask yourself. Have you trusted Christ? Do you have the Holy Spirit? Have you surrendered yourself to Christ in this matter? Do you see God’s mission as primary, not secondary. Is there anything biblical that would disallow it? Will this help you grow?
Preached at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship. Used by permission.
Nobody gets married planning to have an affair. I’ve never done a wedding where the bride or groom is checking out other guys or girls at the wedding, trying to hook up with someone new. I’m sure that happens, but 99.99% of people getting married never intend to have an affair. Their eyes start out on their spouse. Yet, over half those people will end up having an affair, doing something they never thought they would do.
Solomon’s story is of a young guy who falls into the seduction of the adulterer, who rationalizes something he thought he’d never do, to his own peril, and that happens all the time. Over the years, I’ve talked to so many people who living in the shadow of a former affair, or who are in one as I meet with them, who have fallen for one rationalization or another. They’ve fallen for the lies of the seductress of adultery.
I don’t know if I’ve heard them all, but I’ve heard a lot. To expose the lies beforehand might keep us from falling into the trap. One such lie is, “I know it is wrong, but I deserve this. I work so hard, and this is like a reward.” I hear that to justify pornography a lot, and affairs too.
Another one is old but still very much in play, you complete it for me, “I’ve found my ____ ______.” See, you’ve heard it. Christians have told me, “This new person is the one God had in mind for me all along. I made a mistake when I married x.” I’ve looked at them and said, “Are you kidding me? Are you saying God wants you to have an affair?” And, by the way, guess how many relationships that start as affairs actually do turn into a new marriage…even when the other person promises that they will leave their spouse for you? Guess the percentage? 3%. You’ve got a 3% chance of that relationship actually working out. Now, I know there is someone out there thinking, “Ooh, that means I’ve got a chance!” No! 3% odds are not good. You’ve got a 97% chance that the relationship will not progress. Don’t be stupid.
Maybe my favorite, that I’ve heard a good bit, is, “I know God wants me to be happy, and this person makes me happy.” I love that one. Whenever I hear that one, I’ll pass them a Bible and open and say, “Show me in the Bible where God says he wants you to be happy.” I’ve read it more than a few times, but I’ve never found that. I’d love to see it.” And it’s not there. God doesn’t want us to be happy. He wants us to be obedient, and of obedience flows real joy, often accompanied by suffering. God is never going to want you to do something sinful.
Still another is, “My husband or wife is just not meeting my needs. They never listen, don’t appreciate me, always criticize me.” And that is sad, but an affair is not the answer for that problem. Our job in marriage is to focus on meeting the needs of our spouse, and looking to God to meet our needs if our spouse is a little slow on the uptake. Our job is to communicate that, try to work through that, but getting my own needs met is never to be my preoccupation. Love focuses on the needs of the other person, not on my own.
I’ve already told you another one, the “Hey, I’m a guy! Come one, man!” line. Let me give you a hint on this one. This line doesn’t work on pastors. If you are in my office, make something else up, but not this one. You just look like a moron saying that in a pastor’s office. You might sound like a genius at the bar after a few too many, but not with a pastor.
Lots of people fall into the trap of adultery, and every one of them justifies it in some way. But what Solomon is saying we better hear: Be careful! God will give you the discernment and grace to stay pure and live a life that honors Him and loves others with Divine love.
As shoppers walked past, and Christmas music rang through the air, no one seemed to notice the man standing there. Why would they? He looked just like most of the folks out scrambling to get their shopping done before Christmas. Everyone had their mind focused on what they had to get done.
Mr. Baker walked more slowly than the rest of the crowd as he began to make his way out of the mall. He only wanted to buy one gift, but he couldn’t even afford to do that.
His face was forlorn and his head dropped as he sadly made his way out into the winter cold. His thin coat was not enough to keep out the raw winter chill of the wind that blew that day, but he didn’t feel it much for he already felt so cold on the inside; so much in despair.
People brushed past him hurrying into the shopping plaza, and one lady almost knocked him over. “So sorry!” She exclaimed as she kept moving quickly toward the door. “Have a Merry Christmas!” He looked back at her with emptiness in his face. How did she miss it?
It was a long walk around the corner and down several blocks before Mr. Baker arrived at his destination. The warm air hit him in the face as he stepped inside the sterile building. As he reached the main desk he heard his name. “Mr Baker…” “Yes?” he replied turning in the direction of the voice. “The doctor wants to see you.”
Mr. Baker’s stomach turned over with fear as he followed the nurse down the long hall.
“Dr. Monroe… how… how is she?” The doctor hesitated, “She is not doing well Mr. Baker. We’re very concerned but we want you to know we are doing everything we possibly can.
She was already weak and the fever doesn’t want to break.”
Mr. Baker put his head in his hands and began to weep. “Doc… she’s all I have… please… she’s so young…”
The doctor put his hand on the man’s arm and said, “I know, and we promise we are doing everything. Try to get some rest.”
Mr. Baker opened the door and peered in quietly. Her long blonde hair hung around her sweet face as she slept. Sweat dripped from her brow as the nurse mopped her forehead with a cool cloth. “Would you like a few minutes with her?” asked the nurse. “P..please.” he responded. He walked over and pushed back her soft hair and ran his hand across her forehead. A tear fell from his eyes and splashed on her cheek, and he wiped it away. He leaned over and gave her a kiss and said “God… what have I done? Why? First my wife, then my job, and now…. now… my sweet Carley. Lord… take me… NOT her!” With that, he gathered himself and left the room. It seemed like the hall was longer than before as he headed for the door. “I’ve got to do something.” He thought. “We have no place to stay, no food, and I don’t even have a simple Christmas gift for my girl.” He made his way back down the road and turned into the doorway of the bank.
“Please let me see Mr. Manning.” He said to the lady at the desk. “I’m right here Doug.” Mr Manning was a tall dashing man, with gray at his sideburns and a dark blue suit.
“Jack…. Carley is really sick. She’s in the hospital. I don’t know what to do. I’ve no job, and I can’t even get her a gift for Christmas. I….. I… don’t even know if she’s…” “Now stop there Doug. She is going to be okay. We won’t think otherwise.” Mr. Manning gave Doug Baker a light squeeze. “Now what can I do for you?” He continued.
“Is there any way the bank can give me a small loan… just until I find work?” Doug had no where else to turn. “Doug you know we can’t give you any kind of loan without a work reference. I wish we could, but….” at that moment Doug interrupted, “Nevermind Jack. I know, I just hoped… maybe….” Doug turned and began to head for the door. “Doug…” Mr. Manning called to him, “Please let me know how Carley is. We will keep her in our prayers.” Doug nodded and headed back into the cold.
It was bitter that day. The wind blew right through him as he pulled his coat more tightly around his body. He walked… and walked. His thoughts swirling in his head. Suddenly, he stopped. There he stood at the entrance to the cemetery. Had he walked there on purpose? He could see the big tree. There were icicles hanging from it’s branches and it looked like a fairyland! The light rain the evening before had created such a beautiful sight in a place that normally didn’t feel very beautiful to Mr. Baker.
He walked to the tree and knelt down in front of the stone at its base. “MaryAnn….. what should I do?” He began to speak. He had never felt very adequate after she died. She was a great mom, and he…. he did not feel he had done a very good job of caring and providing for his young daughter. MaryAnn always prayed when there was a need. He, well, he didn’t feel so connected to God.
“But what have I got left God!!!” Doug yelled as he clutched his hands to his chest. “I’ll pray.. if you want me to pray… I will pray. If you will restore my daughter’s health, then I’ll pray and I’ll pray and I’ll pray!” He dropped his head and began to pray…quietly at first… then louder.
“God…. I don’t know how to do this, so I’m just gonna talk to you. God…. whatever I’ve done to deserve all this, I’m sorry. I don’t even know what it is. I’ve tried my best, but it’s not enough. Forgive me Lord…….. let your mercy shower my little girl. She is innocent; she has done nothing. She believes in You! “He stopped. Something in those words spoke to him. She believes in Him….. Carley believes in Him!! “Is that it God? Have I not believed?” Doug stood to his feet as if he had found new strength…. he walked toward the gate, then he started to run. A smile broke out on his face. “Okay God….. I believe!! I will believe in You. I will give you everything I have… or don’t have…. please…please be with me!!” He ran down the street and around the corner. The cold didn’t feel so cold anymore.
Doug burst through the doors of the hospital panting. He came in so fast it startled the nurse at the desk. “Mr. Baker!” She said firmly, “Where have you been. Dr. Monroe was looking for you.” “Where is he?” Doug inquired. The nurse pointed as she continued to stare at Mr. Baker’s new found energy.
Mr Baker made his way down the hall toward Carley’s room. As he entered, he heard a giggle. Both Dr. Monroe and Carley turned to look at Doug. “I’ve been trying to find you,” the doctor said. “Her fever has broken. She’s going to be fine with a few more days rest.” Doug raced to her bedside and held her tightly as he cried. “Daddy… why are you crying?” Carley asked. He looked into her deep blue eyes and said, “I was afraid I’d lose you too baby. I couldn’t bare it!” Carley looked up at him and said, “Dad… while I was sleeping, I saw you at the tree.”
Doug looked surprised. “You what?” “I saw you at the tree.”
She paused. “God was there too. He was standing behind you with His hand on your back.” Doug hugged his little girl.
“He heard me didn’t he Carley?” “Daddy… God always hears us.” Doug gave his little girl a big hug and as he did the nurse came in. “Mr. Baker, this was just delivered. They said you requested it?” She handed Doug a large wrapped gift that said, “To Carley… Merry Christmas”.
“Daddy how did you do this?” Carley’s eyes got big as silver dollars. Mr. Baker started, “well, I …uh… well….” Carley ripped the paper from the large box and opened it. Inside was a big, soft stuffed bear. It was almost as big as she was!”
“I LOVE him daddy!!!” She hugged the big bear tightly and Doug was happier than he’d been in a very long time. But he had no idea who’d done such a kind thing. “Mr. Baker,” said the nurse. “We need to let Carley rest now. Doug gave his little girl a kiss and said “Rest, I will see you later.” She smiled as he left.
As Doug walked down the street toward town he felt so warm on the inside. “Thank you God.” he said looking upward. He turned a corner and heard a voice. “Doug!” Doug wheeled around to see Jack Manning standing there. “Doug I’ve got something for you!” Jack made his way toward Doug. He took Doug’s hand and placed something in it. “What’s this?” Doug asked as he opened his hand to expose a single key. “My wife and I have a small place that we want you and Carley to use until you get back on your feet Doug. Consider it a Christmas gift if you will. We want to help.” Doug was stunned. “Jack, how can I ever….” “Don’t give it a second thought Doug. Here are directions…. oh and Mrs. Keeley wants to see you about a job on Monday.”
Doug shook Jack’s hand. “Thank you so much Jack.” “Don’t mention it Doug.” Mr Manning turned to leave. Then he stopped and looked back. “Oh.. and how about if we pick you both up for church on Christmas? Would you like that?”
Doug paused…”We’d love that Jack.” he said with a smile.
Jack headed down the street. “Jack!” Doug gave a holler. Jack wheeled around to look at Doug. “Did you by any chance….” Jack smiled a big grin and said “Merry Christmas Doug. No child should not get a gift on Christmas.”
With that, Jack pulled his coat tightly around his neck and disappeared around the corner. Doug tried to yell a big thanks but Jack was gone. As Doug walked down the street toward the little cafe to get a cup of coffee, he felt the warmth of love fill him from head to toe.”Thank you God,” he said quietly. “And thank you….. for your son.”
Merry Christmas to all….. every one.
Dr. Doug and Cheryl Derbyshire lead clinics in Thailand where thousands come to receive medical care and comfort. The patients not only found physical healing, but spiritual healing by meeting Christ at the doctor’s office. You can help to share the gospel through medical missions.
