[Gypejeva]

Fr. Raphael,

I agree with everything that you say here. I have found for myself that a combination of medication and spiritual discipline helps me out immensely. I would not do without either one. I think that there is a spiritual side to this thing (as with most all things). I also agree that our society "infects" us in so many ways, that it is difficult to untangle the web and actually point to the "causes" of the phenomenon.

The best thing we can do is draw near to God, resist the devil, try to get our house in order, discipline our actions and thoughts, and take whatever medicine is prescribed by our doctors. Get counseling if you must, but I have found by experience that a more directive "Logos" centered counseling that focuses on changing behavior, and not just regurgitating memories is far more effective. Interestingly, the counseling that most often gets recommended for people struggling with these kinds of mental disorders is Cognitive Therapy, which is pretty much what I am talking about, but lacks a specifically spiritual dimension.

Just some food for thought from a sinner who in seeking bread, has gone through a lot of different things in the psychiatric and psychological realms.

In Christ,

Jim