[Woolly Bugger]

I've felt so much anxiety lately that I can't take much more. I tend to worry about things that may never happen. I need help dealing with my real and imaginary burdens. So, here on Easter Day, I'm thinking of going back to church, to get some support from God, Jesus, and the Christian community -- even though I've never been much of a believer. I was brought up Episcopalian, so I am thinking of going back to that. But my wife is Catholic, and there is a nice little Catholic church nearby, so I may just go there. I guess it really doesn't matter.

I'm 58. I'm not young any more. The burdens of the world are becoming too much for me to bear, and all of it is complicated and exacerbated by being bipolar. I am medicated, I am fairly stable, I am relatively healthy, and I have a good job, at least for now. I just need more support, and I need it soon.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this.

WB

[hahayeahtotallylol]

Do you have a ROTH?

I think being a free agent so to speak, for religion, can be full of support. Letting yourself know that it is okay not to have the answers. No one has a crystal ball, so every one of us have similar worries. It is just how often we ruminate and how we cope. You are here asking the questions, so that is absolutely a good thing and can only help.

I guess i wish i knew what exactly you are worried about? I tend to have a child-like and sometimes comforting way of simplifying every problem to something minor, or even better, something laughable.

[pirilin]

Church can't hurt. Either one. Unless you become a fanatic.
I'm thinking I had God in my mind 24/7 when my depression was at 110%.
Now that is at 90%, not so much. Maybe I'm an ingrate who deserves further punishment.

I've been thinking all day to make a thread called "Where do we go from here".
But I think it will be controversial. Something we really don't need here.
Go ahead with your plans. You'll feel better for sure.

[Skeezyks]

Hello Woolly Bugger: Well... I'm 67 & I know what you mean about the world becoming too much to bear. I feel it too. I do think that, to some extent, it is an age thing. As we get older we gradually lose a lot of vim-&-vigor. Stuff that just used to roll off, starts to stick. We begin to realize how vulnerable we are & that it's just going to become more-so as we get older still.

Personally, I have also felt a strong urge to have a spiritual home. This feeling is, I suppose, aggravated by the fact that I am almost completely solitary. Unfortunately for me, deep down, I am a confirmed atheist. So realistically there is no spiritual home that would be appropriate for me. But I understand your desire & wish you well in your search.

My involvement in church, the choir, etc., and the safe and supportive relationships I have there is one of the foundations of my stability. I hope you can find a church that fosters supportive relationships and a nourishing spiritual life.

[gina_re]

I "converted" to Buddhism in 2007. The concept of god has always been difficult for me to fathom. However, since I've been practicing Buddhism, I'm definitely more at peace.

I'm not religious (unless I'm full on manic), but the one thing about religion I agree with and find most helpful is the support, friendships and COMMUNITY it can provide. People coming together to think about goodness, kindness and caring about others is a wonderful thing. I say, try out a few churches if nessessary! Since you don't sound tied down to any specific form, you have lots of options. It's about the people you meet, not the denomination. If you don't click with the people at the first place, try another. Good luck in your search.

[x_BabyG_x]

I think reaching out to God and seeking solace in a chosen religion is a great way of finding help spiritually, even if you don't believe as such.

I'm not really religious myself, but I have a massive tendancy to read the bible and listen to christian teachings, even as far to attend church when I am unstable. It's been a great help for me.

[x_BabyG_x]

Im not religous... unless i'm full on manic...

Snap!

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by Woolly Bugger

I'm 58. I'm not young any more. The burdens of the world are becoming too much for me to bear, and all of it is complicated and exacerbated by being bipolar. I am medicated, I am fairly stable, I am relatively healthy, and I have a good job, at least for now. I just need more support, and I need it soon.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on this.

WB

What kind of support are you looking for? If listening to sermons and being part of a community will fill your needs, then a church is a great idea. However, if you're seeking more personal support, I don't recommend a church for that.

I, too, am thinking about going back to church, and it's because I want to belong to a social community. It's not so much about belief anymore.

[lilypup]

Now I'm not saying this is true....but I read somewhere that the #1 factor for happiness in people is to attend church on a regular basis. It didn't matter what kind of church and you didn't have to believe or anything, you just had to go.

I go to a church that really embraces all, including the LGBT community. So I figured if they embraced that group, they might embrace MI. And so far they have.

Church gives me a chance to be nice to people and get outside of my shell. My husband and I even do a small amount of missions work at a day care center for homeless veterans. All of this is good for me.

And you know what? If I get down depressed again, I can take time off. People at church understand. If they don't, you're at the wrong church.

i just sent someone a private message about this.

growing up, i was always interested in christianity, but my parents wern't.. and strongly discouraged any talk of god, or religion

now however, we don't talk- and i've sort of made it my personal mission to learn more about god, more about theb ible, more about everything like that... i may not be an experienced christian, and know everything, but the support for people who are just learning about the faith is really good.

i believe (always have) that religion and spiritual stuff can help you mentally