[mel80]

Im finding myself getting way out there religiously.Im feeling like the lord is talking with me making me feel powerful and chosen to lead the way of rightousness for all of mankind to obey I was just wondering does this happen to other bpd's and if so how and what do you do to cope ? feeling bit are the following you around peace love and prayers

[SunAngel]

Originally Posted by mel80

Im finding myself getting way out there religiously.Im feeling like the lord is talking with me making me feel powerful and chosen to lead the way of rightousness for all of mankind to obey I was just wondering does this happen to other bpd's and if so how and what do you do to cope ? feeling bit are the following you around peace love and prayers

You know what's funny, I read PC's newsletter and it said that people with BP disorder become overly religious or overly spiritual. I forgot the reason why, but I will check to see what it said. It is so funny you have mentioned this.

[estimated prophet]

Before I got on lithium I was wayyyyyy out there. I read one book on Bhuddism and all of the sudden i couldnt get enough of ANY religion. I was raised pretty strict Christian. Lutheran too be exact, but i kind of lost that way in highdschool sometime. Then i started on Buddhism hardcore meditition in the morning and throuought the day. I was going to be enlightened real quick...then it just slowely faded away and i got depressed. Kinda lost religion again. Even though now i am trying to get that back. I realise it was just delusional thinking. Probably mania. Ha. Hope this helps.

[catrules]

This is a coincidence. I just started reading a book called finding your religion. It is a book about how we progress through stages of religious beliefs. I also was raised strict Christian and have since lost that. I enjoy learning about all religions now.

[ladyjrnlist]

Wow. I experimented with all kinds of religions a few years back. Almost joined the Catholic Church.

[SunAngel]

Guys, I looked in my e-mails about this subject with Religion and BP Disorder, but I deleted it and it is out of my trash folder.

If anyone else gets the newsletter, just read that fact about it in the letter.

[Phoenix_1]

I think this trait passed me by, as I'm - what do you call it - I think all religions have answers for their people. I'm not a strong anything, and tend more towards new age beliefs.

However my (undiagnosed) aunt was extremely religious and so is my (undiagnosed) daughter. Big time religious!

[mgran]

I get really obsessed religiously... I guess. There's part of me hates saying that though, because I'm worried it will confirm other people in their unbelief (as in, "religion only belongs to whackadoos") and then it will be my fault if they go to hell.

I might be entering into a religious obsession again... think the meds are taking the edge off it though.

[venusss]

been dabbling into kaballah... but now I am back onto my new age-y roots... It helps and for me it is the way to be, to be at peace, to exist.

and tbh, i think humans need some belief to cling to... otherwise their lives become empty. Religion, philosophy..., -ism, something beyond yourself can fill the void in many cases... so don't be too scared of those omens you may see

I actually fall out of religious or spiritual belief when I'm heavily bipolar because I know my beliefs are being negatively influenced by my moods. But I am usually very heavily spiritual. I think everyone has their answer in whatever they believe, but my path is very unorthodox. It's all a matter of finding your answer to curb fanaticism.: )

[Sophia57]

I am a born again Christian. Before that, when I was manic, I got into very heavy delusions of grandeur and religiosity.

Now Christ controls my life. I am not perfect, but he is. I understand this euphoria that comes with mania, but i do not believe it is the authentic, deep, committed relationship with God that I have had for 31 years.

[Flooded]

Not me. Nothing could make me believe in any "god"

[mgran]

Sophia, could you pray for me? That I manage to follow God as Jesus intended, without straying onto a wrong path?

[zbmom]

Do you mean bipolar (bp)? OR borderline personality disorder (bpd)?

Wasn't sure which you meant. I personally tend to get really into certain things but I'm in a no man's land on religion at the moment because I'm not sure what to think about a lot of things.

[manicminer]

I've had these feelings while manic. Then when I fall into depression I have feelings that it's all God's fault and stop beleiving in him. I go back and forth like this and even though I was brought up Catholic and made to go to church every week, I rarely make it to Sunday mass anymore.

[mel80]

Sorry i meant bi polar not borderline disorder

[mel80]

I too was raised christian methodist to be exact but when I'm high I get caught in a religious tangent I believe god has a path for me and talks to telling me what to do.However when I'm super depressed I do tend to blame god for the way I am.So I get what you are saying manicminer

[ohlala]

When manic I asked a Jewish friend to take me to synagogue. After that I bought all sorts of books about Judaism and converting to Judaism. I read them all. I never contacted a Rabbi to study to actually convert, but I began wearing a Star of David necklace and bought rings with that symbol. I also bought a menorah and candles, and a dreidle to play with. I learned a lot about Judaism and I still actually feel that if I were to practice any religion, I would prefer to become a Jew. As it stands now, I have abandoned organized religion as a whole and as Judaism represents an organized religion I have no plans to pursue conversion at this time. I was raised in the Catholic church and left that a long time ago...

[SunAngel]

This is one thing that passed me by too, but I know of so many BP's who are really, really into religion. God, I wish I could find that article about how people with BP Disorder go very religious. I am going to look for it again.

[Charlie_J]

When I'm way up there, I have become very religious, though as I've gotten older those feelings tend more towards believing that I am God myself and have just forgotten.

Similarly, when I'm very depressed I can become convinced that demons are torturing me.

All of this is really annoying, as when I'm in a normal mood I'm an atheist.

[dragonfly2]

I definitely get hyperreligious at times. During my last hyperreligious manic episode, I believed that God called me on the phone. The phone rang very early one morning. I answered it and nobody was there. For days I believed that God was giving me a wake-up call, like in a hotel, you know? I don't want to discount the validity of intense religious experiences here, but, yeah...it may very well be a sign that you're getting manic.

[SunAngel]

I looked up Religion and Bipolar Disorder and I found this link.

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=115131

[mgran]

The comment about Christ being sullen and unresponsive at the night trial before Pilate seemed rather to miss the point. It suggested that Christ was in a bipolar depression at the time. Wouldn't anyone be depressed by being on trial for their life?

[mel80]

Yes I sure can

[vjdragonfly]

I went through a phase a few years back that I was very religious. Then I done some things that I don't feel good about and have never found myself that close to God anymore. I still believe whole heartedly, just can't find my way back. I was raised Mormon until was about 10, then just christian . . . non-denominational.