I have a mental illness: Living with persistent depressive disorder in Christ.

[@t.c.l1625]

You need not be, say, or push yourself to be more than that which you already are, sir. A good man with good intention is enough. There is nothing to prove. You are already saved. Be at peace, friend. Wishing you well. Rest in your heart and know thyself to be benevolence beneath the mind, beneath the emotions. Love to you.🙏

[@janmckenzie]

Thank you for your kindness, for taking the time to respond. I do appreciate your thoughts. May the Lord bless you.

[@floydoroid]

I am grateful that you posted this video. God bless you and me he let the light shine upon your life.

[@janmckenzie]

Thank you. I've been studying in the Psalms this evening and thought I would offer this for us both... To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. - Psalm 40:1-3

[@marieality1]

I think you were chosen at this time to be a light. They say God chooses those he knows will be strong enough to pull through this particular experience of consciousness. I see it as a humbling blessing. Had you had all the best of this illusion you most likely would be lost in the sauce like most everybody at this time . Thankyou for having the bravery to put yourself out there I have horrible social anxiety and can't even make a video . This may even be building you back from within. I'm excited to see how this grows. God Bless.

[@MrEliaspalacios6]

Thanks for sharing. Im right there with you brother. 😢

[@se6707]

Praying for you pastor Jan. 🙏

[@dominoediggs4790]

We need more teachers in the church who are open about mental health. Everybody struggles with it nowadays. I have my own experiences with thinking something is wrong with me because if I kmownand love Christ..I don't need medication. In my experience I don't realize how much meds help until I quit taking them. I'm about to leave to go see my therapist. She doesn't believe in Christ and so now I think I'm going through the mental health again to help someone find Christ themselves. If I were 'fixed' or 'healed' I wouldn't have sought help and I wouldn't have come into contact with ppl who need to know him

[@Shereadsherbible]

God bless you and heal you in jesus name . Amen

[@dominoediggs4790]

I hope you feel better Pastor and I hope you open up to the church about mental health so ppl realize they aren't alone

[@BarkingTomato]

You matter. You mattered to me, today. Thank you.

[@janmckenzie]

Thank you for your kindness, for telling me that. God bless you.

[@marieality1]

Most people seem to jump at the chance for meds. I don't believe in them. Just natural things . And these videos will resonate out reaching others for years to come. This is very inspiring

[@janmckenzie]

I am not convinced that the serotonin theory of chemical imbalance in depression is proven. It has been a controversial subject among psychiatrist since the 1970's. Studies over decades show that some people seem helped by antidepressants, though placebos often have the same effect. Others are not helped and some are harmed. I once tried Zoloft and had to quit because of a side-effect with an increased pulse rate. I do believe a balanced use of natural remedies and trust in God is the most beneficial treatment for depression. The 8 remedies I recommend are these Good nutrition Exercise Plenty of water and hydrotherapy Sunlight Temperate Life-style Habits Fresh Air Rest Trust in God A way to remember these is with the acronym N.E.W. S.T.A.R.T Nutrition Exercise Water Sunshine Temperance Air Rest Trust in God Outdoor activities for exercise, sunlight, and fresh air include walking / hiking, gardening (flowers, fruits, and vegetables, landscaping, caring for animals, and other homestead or farm chores. Depression needs a holistic healing treatment of body, mind, and spirit. Of course, those who live in the cities have challenges with some of these things, but much can be done with thought and planning.

[@dominoediggs4790]

Oh and Pastor..please teach your ppl more on addiction too. We need more brutal honesty in the church. I too am a recovering addict. Thankfully, I've found a church that is open about addiction and has meetings for us. Pastor...your mental health and addiction experiences need to be shared with believers. It gives us hope

[@janmckenzie]

Thank you for the encouragement and sharing your own experience. I believe what you say is true. May the Lord continue to bless you In your recovery and therapy, even more in your ministry for Christ's sake.

[@ProudChristian73]

Sir, I’m only 20 minutes into your video and you have described me to perfection. I have struggled with these same things for years and I also retreat into KZbin and or video games. Right now I’m playing a game and listening to this video. I have three children and I feel like I’m a horrible mother. I have gotten significantly better than I was 10 years ago, but I’m not where I want to be. I just keep praying that God will help me and I do the best I can! I’ve went to therapy and taken all the medication, but I don’t believe in medicine either for myself. I do think some people benefit from medicine, but not me. I also believe it’s probably spiritual because I wasn’t always like this! Anyway thanks for sharing your situation and I will pray for you! If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Take care and God Bless!!

[@janmckenzie]

Thank you so much for sharing! If it will help, there are other videos here for your spiritual encouragement in Christ. I do my best to help us all with our conscious contact with our heavenly Father. I know how much our self worth suffers in depression. It really does help to spend time in his word, to drink in the promises of his love for us, even for the greatest of sinners. He is the God of life for you and loves you deeply. Jesus knows all your trials and temptations as a mother. He is there by your side no matter what you feel. You're not alone. Please feel free to connect anytime. [e-mail] I've just finished uploading a video on Psalm 88. I hope it helps as well.

[@ProudChristian73]

@@janmckenzie yes this is helpful! I will definitely be watching your other videos and I will work harder on reading more of the Bible. Thank you so much and I appreciate you responding and it helps to know I’m not the only one who struggles with this depression and worrying thoughts. Thank you again and God Bless!

[@Hayahwassa-t9j]

the two witnesses suffered with it too why they call them the basket case of summer fruitcake you see them you know the end is near. like in lamentations it was brutal

[@marieality1]

Still here !

[@janmckenzie]

I hope you're having a blessed day.

[@rockyp32]

read kjv all day psalms out loud! read all 150 out loud and se if its gone!!!

[@janmckenzie]

I have several versions of the Bible that I read. I am not King James only, but I certainly agree that Bible reading helps with depression If done with faith. I read in the Psalms a great deal these days. I am planning a video to share more about how the Bible helps us with our mental health.

[@hugh_manatee]

Have you tried changing your diet and exercising?

[@janmckenzie]

I've been a vegetarian most of my adult life though I can make some improvements. I've developed a few allergies, to gluten in particular. I don't get enough exercise. I am not overweight but really feel the need to do more walking, etc. I do believe it would help. I struggle with motivation on the exercise. That's one of the problems with depression. When I was younger and working I did get more exercise during the years I did construction work.

[@stefdiazdiaz7067]

How was your childhood and teenage years?

[@janmckenzie]

My parents divorced when I was 4 years old. There was a good deal of alcoholism with family members through my childhood and teenage years. I left home at 16 and became an addict until I was converted as a Christian at 20 years old. I later had a midlife relapse for about 6 years. I was not physically or sexually abused but experienced a good deal of emotional trauma through my childhood. My dominant affect memories are fearfulness, loneliness, and resentment. There is also a family history of depression. I believe it is inherited, to some degree, I'm less inclined to consider it a chemical imbalance though I don't rule that out. Recent studies on the serotonin/dopamine theories lead me in that direction. I did not receive medication in childhood or early adulthood.

[@Hayahwassa-t9j]

maybe we can anoint you with oil of gladness laughter heals me heres a two witness party trick laughter Daniel got a song about the lions in the den. Daniel in the lions den Said hey there lions Let me scratch your chin Dont eat me i am your friend Come lie down keep me warm The lions purred and yawned so wide Daniel put his head inside Wrestle round scratched their heads So they wouldnt kill him dead Now they are forever friends Bad men then came tumbling down Lions ate them before they hit the ground Gobbled up every one Licked their lips and they said So delicious was that head Wow hahaha i laugh my head off every day. The Holy Spirit is creative and all the prophets had some skills. Some can talk to animals. I call them pet prophets. Also they are daredevils you can see. Noah, Mrs Noah, Adam, Daniel, and the two witnesses are pet prophets and can talk to animals.