The Power of Confession

W

Sound Minds

elcome to a BIGGER, glorious, packed issue of SOUND MINDS. This edition has 2 great new columns! Sound Minds Q & A column by Dr. B Xavier, offers medical/health advice and wisdom. Dr. Xavier, a Christian doctor will also answer your medical and health questions (or point you in the right direction!). Send in your questions via email to:

Volume 1 Issue 3

The Power of Confession relied on. In any given day, two people might be in the same place and one person feels hot whilst the other feels cold. Not necessarily that either of them is unwell, but each has responded to the elements differently. So who is right or wrong? Neither. It is all up to the individual and what they feel.

soundminds@zoeonah.com Your questions will be treated in confidence and anonymously. Answers will be posted in future editions of SOUND MINDS. So what are you waiting for? Get typing now those questions…!

Our other column is one that will touch the hearts of every reader. Diary of a Sound Minds Patient, is a heartfelt chronicle piece from a recovering mental health patient. Our diarist opens their heart and gives us a window into their journey of faith to divine mental health. I am sure the writings in this column will minister to many of us, as it did to me. Do give our diarist your support by sending in your comments to the same email address above.

h

na

By Zoe A. O

Frame your world with the right confessions

Y

Zoe

Many things will contend for our mind as we learnt in the last issue, and we must purposely choose the right thoughts as we established.

Only then can we speak the right things.

Christianity is often called the Great Confession. In order to become a Christian you believed in your heart and confessed with your mouth that Jesus was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9). If our journey of faith started with those beautiful words that came out of your lips, then similarly we must continue the journey in like manner.

So we cannot use our feelings to just talk anyhow. We must be disciplined in what we allow to come out of our mouths.

Looking at speaking our minds ou may be like millions of from another perspecus who at one time were one tive...We have the mind of of those people who thought Christ, so speaking our mind nothing of speaking their mind. should be a good thing. HowNot necessarily in a negaConfession is from the Greek tive manner as giving When you talk, the words goes word Homologia which someone a piece of your into your mind. What goes into means speaking the same mind, ha! But we spoke thing in consent with God. according to our feelings. your mind, goes to your spirit. That is speaking what God If we felt sad, we blurted Your spirit can rule your body & says about us. In other out to all and sundry we words, God says we have a were feeling blue and so mind. What are you putting in sound mind, so it would be on. But this is not what your spirit? improper to confess we are the Bible tells us to do insane, even if we were exactly. Why? Because ever that is for the Christian feeling we were losing our our feelings will lie to us. that is conscious of their divine marbles! mind who will then only voice Yes, our feelings cannot be

As before, we have your favorite columns. This edition has an expanded colNEW BLOG umn on Support for Caregivers/carers, these wonderful people who themselves need encouragement and care. There is a special Proclamations for caregivers/carers too.

As I said, this issue is p-a-c-ke-d. So relax and enjoy!

On a final note, no matter what, remember, God has given you a sound mind!

out the thoughts of God.

http://www.yookos.com/blogs/ SoundMinds

Inside this issue: Diary of a Sound Mind Patient

2

The Power of Confession cont’d

2

Diary of a Sound Mind Patient cont’d

3

Support for caregivers / carers cont’d

3

Sound Minds Medical (Also Questions and Answers)

4-5

Sound Mind proclamations for Caregivers/carers

6

Defying the Odds—the Book

6

Page 2

Sound Minds

Diary of a Sound Mind patient can be located and healed in our emotions.

Let me tell you a bit about myself...

D

ear Diary,

‘Mental illness is a ‘DIS ease’ of emotions’.

I decided to start off with that sentence because I like the sentiment of it, and it can be comforting to know that the origin

http://twitter.com/ defyingoddsbook

I am a 43 year old professional diagnosed with bipolar affected disorder (BAD). I have suffered with BAD for about 18 years.

However, I am also a born again Christian who strongly believes in the power of prayer and healing in my life. Medically, I have had relapses, and currently I have been on medication for 3 months. However, through it all I know God is on the Throne. He has helped me

The Power of Confessions (Cont’d) Confession however is not denial of the facts. Saying I do not feel a headache when you do, would make you a liar in effect and you are not going to get any better in saying something that is not true.

But choosing to say, ‘By His stripes I am healed’ changes the focus all together and sets you on the path to your healing.

God can only work in an environment of faith. And a faith environment has the right words. That means therefore we must ensure we say the right things.

Death and life are in the power of your tongue. If you don’t like what you have, it means you must change what you are saying. Our words can imprison us or set us free. You are taken as in a net by the words of your mouth, the sayings of your lips have overcome you (Proverbs 6:2 BBE).

eventually come out of your mouth.

Every issue in SOUND MINDS, we have a Proclamations column where you will find faith-filled words that show you how to speak and confess God’s Word. They are not a recital, rather they are power packed words that will change the course of your life. Keep saying also the words that the Holy Spirit lays in your heart, not those evil (i.e. negative) thoughts that the devil tries to bring to your mind. Don’t stop saying those faith filled words. That is how you confess, speak the same thing in agreement with God. When you are faced in any challenge:

1. Rather than keep talking about the situation, find out what God’s Word says concerning dealing with it. Example, your bank statement is not what you want, don’t say I am broke. Find prosConfession is not denial of the perity scriptures to meditate on and facts but saying the things then confess.

I once heard about a young man who died tragically in an accident. His grieving fithat God says ancé said at his death that one thing he had always said all the time was that he would die young. The power of words, the power of confession albeit the wrong words!

This is why it is vitally important that we must spend time meditating on God’s word. We have already looked at the power of meditation in an earlier issue.

What you spend time meditating on, will

about YOU!

2. Get the Word inside you constantly. Keep hearing the Word of God. The right words will come out at the right time.

3. Don’t be a complainer. The children of Israel did not enter the Promised Land because of their murmuring and complaining. Complaining is not the confession of a Christian who wants to

see a change.

4. Angels go to work, are on assignment, when we speak the right words. Go to those proclamations and say those words out loud (not in your heart). Remember faith speaks and is not silent.

Jesus could not have been silent in order to resist temptation in the wilderness. HE SPOKE! Confession of God’s Word, speaking out proclamations will help you. Consider this: What we speak enters our soul (mind, emotions and intellect).

What is in our soul enters our spirit Our spirit can gain dominion over our body and soul.

So fill your spirit with the right things!

The world was created through the spoken word of God. This world was framed by words. Frame your world with words. Declare them boldly. Creative power resides inside you. Confession, declaration, proclamation of God’s word is more than just speaking positively, it is speaking the Word concerning you.

Brethren, the power to cause that change is in your lips. Oh no, this is not some magic formula but a supernatural formula. It is God’s prescription to change that situation.

(Read Defying the Odds book for more teachings on Confessions)

Sound Minds

Page 3

Diary of a Sound Mind patient (cont’d) believe in myself when the disease hits an all time low.

those words strengthen me and brings hope.

So, you are probably wondering how do I reconcile the two situations! Well I remind myself that the Bible says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and all things work together for good to them that love God, and are called according to His purpose. Confessing

I have been admitted to mental hospital wards quite a few times and I have met individuals who were suffering with other mental ailments such as Schizophrenia and Psychosis, and for whom medical science say they have no hope. I have however always been able to share this hope in Christ with

them. I encourage you to have hope in Christ!

Till next time,

Sound Mind patient (Feel free to share your experiences with Sound Mind patient , and so build up one another in prayer and support, and give God the glory.

Send your comments, questions, etc: soundminds@zoeonah.com)

Support for Caregivers/Carers—those who care for the mentally ill

L

ooking after the mentally ill can be draining and lonely at times. You feel periods of burnout and even compassion fatigue. You may even feel you are losing your mind too. Feeling a sense of loss, embarrassment, disappointment, resentment or shame are also common.

God’s creation. Observe the birds of the air and how they don’t have a care in the world, yet don’t die of starvation. (Read and meditate on Luke 12: 24-30).

In other words, purposely decide to get rid of worry.

G

At times like these, first recognise that you are NEVER alone even if you have no other physical presence around you at a given time.

you. He is the all-wise Creator of the Universe who knows everything. He knows your loved one more than you. He know you better than you know yourself.

earn to fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Never suffer in silence. You have the Holy Spirit day and night, who is there for you no matter what. Buy good Christian resources that teach about the Holy Spirit. Get to know Him personally for yourself and become fully acquainted with Him. He will help you at anytime, anywhere, in any circumstance.

He may communicate through a friend, a particular sermon in church, the Bible, even the birds singing, a baby crying, etc.

Don’t limit or restrict how He reaches you. Write down in your journal those things that made you feel better ...that song that ministered to you, that verse that spoke directly to you. That’s Him alright speaking to you. Meditate on these things. He is telling you something. He is giving you a lifeline. He is giving you hope and encouragement not to give up.

L

Learn to talk to the Holy Spirit.

You can tell Him how you feel instead of keeping it bottled in.

Remember He is your Friend and will not condemn you.

Keep a diary/journal with you because as you get to know Him more, you WILL learn to recognise when He speaks. He will begin to show you things, I promise

L

ook after yourself. It is vital that you do. Get rest, exercise and a proper diet. These recharge the batteries and rejuvenate you. Go for walks and take your journal with you. Observe

et active in church. Don’t be a pew-warmer! Activity in church helps you discover your gifts and gives you a purpose besides being a caregiver. This can be a definite help for any feelings of resentment you may develop towards your loved one. Be selfless in your service to God. Remember too, what you make happen for others, God will also make happen for you. Show love and don’t become too consumed with your challenges.

God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). He will never forget you...

Right here on earth, not when you get to heaven, you will start to reap those benefits. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up (Galations 6:9 NLT)!

Refuse to give up.

God bless you special people!

Read Defying the Odds book for more on support for caregivers/ carers)

Page 4

Sound Minds

Sound Minds Q & A From Dr. B. Xavier

Q

uestion:

Drugs used to treat mind disorders

I am on antipsychotics and have been for a number of

months. I hate the side effects. I feel well within myself. Can I

ics and often work by affecting the interplay of these molecules, although the exact mechanisms are not well understood. The two

come off it? My doctor is not

most important small molecules

happy about me coming off

known to affect mood are called

medication.

A

are medically called antipsychot-

dopamine and acetylcholine.

nswer:

Send your questions, comments, etc to Dr Xavier on soundminds@zoeonah.com

They have opposing effects. In the same manner that our blood

ily needs accurately, is one of

FAITH SUBSTITUTE FOR ANTI-

sugar is kept within safe levels by

the causes of side effects, or

PSYCHOTIC DRUGS

the body, failure of which caus-

unpleasant reactions from using

The brain is made up of cells that

ing diabetes, abnormal levels of

the drugs. For persons on medi-

these molecules cause mood ab-

cation these may range from

normalities. Adding to the com-

abnormal movements, sexual

plexity is the fact that different

dysfunctions and personality

communicate with each other and work together by releasing small molecules called neurotransmitters (or nerve transmitters).

These small molecules are responsible for coordinat-

Antipsychotics are administered to temper and subdue the abnormal functions that result from irregular levels of certain brain

ing activity within

chemicals

the nervous system, or the brain, spinal cord and associated nerves. This activity results in thoughts, learning and physical movement. The levels of these small molecules vary depending on location, activity and even between persons. By and large the levels of some specific ones in the brain will affect mood. Some will excite and uplift whilst others will dampen and result in a depression. The human body especially the nervous system is a finely controlled environment.

Only tiny changes are needed to have effect.

levels are

changes. Many often feel

needed in differ-

drugged and sluggish or experi-

ent parts of the

ence a fuzziness of thoughts

brain. The pres-

whenever on treatment. These

ence of too

side effects arise in a significant

much or too little

number of persons, but how-

of these impor-

ever the highs or ‘manic’

tant molecules

phases and the downs or

causes malfunction which will ei-

‘depressions’ are usually sup-

ther show up immediately or after

pressed, hence treatment is

a variable length of time.

continued.

Antipsychotics are administered

The question that arises is how

to temper and subdue the abnor-

to reduce dependency of such

mal functions that result from ir-

medication.

regular levels of these brain chemicals. Unfortunately, it is not

Firstly, it begins by accepting

yet possible to measure accu-

that there is a malfunction in one's brain and the

rately and assess the necessary dose for each individual

Prepare spiritual substitute for antipsychotic drugs!

night. This inability to mimic bod-

such is not a sentence but rather a challenge to be

because they also vary throughout the day and

realisation that

overcome. (...cont’d on page 5)

Sound Minds

Page 5

Sound Minds Q & A From Dr. B. Xavier cont’d Many a time, sudden cessation of

mind you and help you build

these drugs brings withdrawal

your faith. One should be well

effects which can be equally un-

prepared to return to the origi-

pleasant. Avoidance of known

nal drug doses if the reductions

trigger factors, if any, as soon as

are poorly tolerated. As your

they are identified, is useful. How-

faith grows, with it will be the

ever, this should never be an ex-

ability to cope. Needing to re-

cuse for unnecessary anxiety or

sume normal drug therapy is

phobias in the persons affected

heals all. Prepare spiritual substi-

not a sign of failure but rather

or their families and carers.

tute for drugs.

an indication that one's faith

Many a time, sudden cessation of these drugs brings withdrawal effects which can be equally unpleasant.

needs to be further built up.

One must build an effective foun-

There should be no shame re-

dation and management

garding this.

method and also ensure that it is well practiced before starting to

It is possible that some may al-

withdraw medication. The

ways need some form of medi-

One must develop effective cop-

moods that result may be man-

cation whilst others succeed in

ing strategies before embarking

aged through

on reducing doses. It is always

exercise, going

advisable to signal your intention

for walks, medita-

to your doctor, and they should

tion and prayer,

still continue to offer you what-

pursuing a hobby,

ever support they can. It is com-

and of course

mon to experience some with-

having family and

drawal symptoms and these

friends about. Thus, one should

with the persons in front of

need to be understood and pre-

firstly build themselves up in their

them, and desist from applying

empted. There must be a plan

faith, before substituting the drugs

too much pressure.

which is followed rather than ad

for faith. Again the process must

hoc decision making.

be gradual. ‘Despise not humble

A useful way to look at it is to

beginnings’ (Zechariah 4:10).

think of friends taking a walk.

Needing to resume normal drug therapy is not a sign of failure but rather an indication that one's faith needs to be further built up. There should be no shame regarding this.

way alcoholics and drug addicts are managed.

The moods that result when withdrawing medication may be managed through exercise, going for walks, meditation and prayer, pursuing a hobby, and of course having family and friends about.

That is, to gradually

completely.

Whilst the ideal is complete cessation, carers

There is no need to rush when

manage reduction ence the same

medication

must also work

A good approach solution is to of drug depend-

getting off the

It is often

you have so much to talk about

helpful to

and share. It is important to

ensure

recognize and celebrate mile-

that one is

stones in improvement. The Bi-

sur-

ble tells us to acknowledge

rounded

every good thing. (Phil 1:6)!

by a good

Every step is a victorious step!

withdraw whilst substituting with a

support network of persons who

better tolerated substitute. For a

know you well and can notice

Christian, the Bible tells us the

unusual changes. Also amongst

God's Word is medicine and

these must be people who re-

God bless you, Dr B. Xavier

Page 6

Sound Minds

Sound Minds Proclamations for Caregivers/Carers

I

refuse to worry. I refuse to fear. I disable anxious thoughts. I purposely choose the right thoughts, the thoughts of God. I speak the Word of God which is wisdom in every situation I am in, or every situation I come against. I speak the same words as God concerning *my-loved-one. *My-loved-one is who God says he/she is.

I am continually strengthened in my inner man. The Lord perfects all that concerns *my-loved-one and

all that concerns me. We enjoy perfect peace, the Peace of God that passes understanding. When I lay down to sleep, my sleep is sweet because My Shepherd watches over me. I don’t have disturbed sleep or nightmares. Instead my reins (my spirit) instruct me in the night (Psalm 16:7). I am praising my way to victory. *Insert name of loved one here.

Remember to visit www.zoeonah.com

More proclamations can be found in Defying the Odds book

Defying the Odds—the book

T

he world can seem harsh and unsympathetic when it comes to mental illness. But the good news is that God is not! Medical science does its best. However, that best is not good enough for one wishing to live totally free of mental sickness and its cruel stigmas.

Few Christian messages directly address the subject, books on healing being no exception.

Whether your challenge is mental, physical, financial, or marriage, illness; this powerful book has a message for you.

Available on Amazon and also bookstores.

Also available on Amazon Kindle.

In her story, the author candidly unveils the twists and turns in her valleys, mountains, journey of faith, drawing on personal, firsthand experiences with her husband Eze, who was diagnosed with mental illness for eighteen years.

It is YOUR time, YOUR season to defy the odds.

With God, NOTHING is impossible!

You will discover: how not to give up on God even when stubborn circumstances prevail

Zoe A. Onah Author of Defying the Odds how to deal with stigmas how to stand firm when things get worse the importance of testimonies hope for those who care for the mentally ill man s impossibility is God's possibility confessions or prayers at the end of every chapter - ...and much more.

God can re-write your story as he did with Eze. Eze won the battle and enjoys life in its fullness, free from mental illness and medication and with a clean bill of health.