[bewise93]

I have been trying different spiritual stuff to help with bipolar. I have tried Christianity, Zen Buddhism and crystals. I don't really know if any of them have helped. I seem to go from believing in God or some higher power when depressed to atheist when i don't feel depressed. My spiritual beliefs change as often as my moods. I'm trying to figure this stuff out but don't really know if it will help me at all. I know meditation and prayer is supposed to help with mental illness but I haven't really experienced either of those things helping. I also felt like crystals help but don't know if it's placebo or not. I am interested in spirituality, but mostly just when depressed. (which is most of the time) But when I'm not depressed, I don't care at all. It's like my mornings I get the most depressed, then I want to meditate and talk to God, read a Bible, then as the day goes on and I get less depressed, I care less and less. Anyone have any experiences with spirituality that help?

[bewise93]

I should add my cat probably helps with bipolar the most. (the one in my picture)

[*Laurie*]

For many years I studied Buddhism, particularly meditation techniques. I was very fortunate to have a therapist who practiced Buddhism and to live fairly close to a large Buddhist monastery and study center, Green Gulch Farm. Sitting zazen - particularly the method of 'simply noticing' - has been immensely helpful for me throughout my life. Breath work is also extremely helpful, as we tend to neglect our breathing when we are stressed in any way.

I can refer you to someone on this forum who can certainly help you with this subject. That person's name is skeezyks.

[downandlonely]

I think it's common to turn to God when you're depressed. You have hope for a better life after this one. Don't know if that's helpful or not.

I think spirituality can help, but it's not a substitution for medication and therapy.

[Nammu]

I think on must have a deep quiet form of faith for it to work. I don't have that but my mum does. She doesn't run around telling people how to live their lives but she lives her life according to her beliefs, and doesn't judge others. I'm jealous of those I meet like her. For them spiritually just is a stabilizing ballast in their lives. Don't have any idea how that happens no matter what religion is practiced.

[bewise93]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

For many years I studied Buddhism, particularly meditation techniques. I was very fortunate to have a therapist who practiced Buddhism and to live fairly close to a large Buddhist monastery and study center, Green Gulch Farm. Sitting zazen - particularly the method of 'simply noticing' - has been immensely helpful for me throughout my life. Breath work is also extremely helpful, as we tend to neglect our breathing when we are stressed in any way.

I can refer you to someone on this forum who can certainly help you with this subject. That person's name is skeezyks.

That would be cool. How would I find him?

[Daonnachd]

This will take you to their public profile. From there you can find the button to send a PM, if that's the next step for you. https://forums.psychcentral.com/member.php?u=379993

[Christopher1990]

Its the opposite with me. When depressed I struggle with faith. When on the up side I'm all about faith and God.
Weird.

Meditation without a doubt helps immensely. You don't have to be Buddhist or Christian to meditate.

[Unrigged64072835]

Spirituality can help, but it depends upon the person.

I tend to be spiritual until I have real life kicking me in the head. I'm still learning how to deal with that.

[AspiringAuthor]

Several months ago I read a TIME magazine special issue on longevity and it appears from research that community, and not spirituality, helps. In other words being part of a faith-based group has a positive effect on both longevity and quality of life, but being a solo practitioner so to speak does not have that effect.

[Guitarman911]

I struggle with this question quite often. I'd say I'm an agnostic due to my analytical nature. If my case, which may or may not be the majority, meditation is my best medicine. I enjoy community and fellowship at a spiritual level. It fills a void caused by the loneliness generated by BP and PTSD. I struggle more than enough with day to day challenges. The age old question of whether there is a God or higher power, only adds another layer of questioning of "who am I and why am I here". To quote Woody Allen; "You are no more of a car standing in the garage than a Christian standing in a church".

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by bewise93

That would be cool. How would I find him?

Yes, what vertigo posted ^^^. I am quite sure that Skkezyks will be pleased to suggest some books or articles.

[Moreta]

I find the more I work on my spirituality the better off I feel. I'm a big ole atheist. Yes you can be spiritual and be an atheist. I don't believe in a god but the universe works in mysterious ways when needed. If I spend time in the morning meditating I tend to feel so much better. I have a few meditations I switch up with. I mostly do guided meditation right now, cause my brain is a bit frazzled and can't pay attention. I always start with this video.

You just have to try a bunch of things and see what works for you. Food also plays a big part, but that's a different post. Let me know if you have any questions.