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Identity Over Diagnosis: How We Won the War for My Mind
When a Label Tries to Become Your Name
I sat on a couch between my mom and dad, across from a therapist, following a “brain map” test. A brain map is a detailed snapshot of how your brain functions, measuring waves like delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma to show patterns of activity. I had recently been released from a behavioral health facility where I spent two weeks following a serious manic episode. My mom, wanting a second opinion, sought out a Christian mental health professional to help us navigate the next steps.
The behavioral health facility had informed my family that the diagnosis was Bipolar Disorder 1. They recommended a clinic specializing in ADD and brain testing that utilized biofeedback for individuals with complex mental health cases.
Following the test, the therapist showed us images of my brain activity. He confirmed the previous doctor’s diagnosis: I did indeed have BP 1. Based on the brain map, it was a severe case. He explained that medication would be required to prevent further brain damage that results from the manic episodes that would continue to occur if left untreated.
The therapist was gracious. He believed in the power of God to heal, but he wanted us to have a realistic picture of the severity of the illness and the precautions necessary for the future. The clinic even held Bible studies for their patients, which I began attending shortly after that meeting.
Receiving that diagnosis forced our family to face a crossroads. We had to make choices about what this meant for my future—choices rooted in our beliefs that would greatly impact my life as a 23-year-old.
According to the world’s standards, it would have been acceptable—even expected—for us to adopt beliefs like:
* “My life is never going to be the same.”
* “I have a mental illness that has no cure.”
* “Medication is the only way to survive.”
* “I just need to learn how to live with this burden.”
But before I share the path we chose as a family, we must acknowledge as believers that we are facing the greatest identity crisis our world has ever seen. With record-breaking numbers of people struggling with anxiety and isolation, mental health challenges are at an all-time high. We are living in a time where the “digital mirror” of the world tries to tell us who we are before we ever give God the chance to tell us who He created us to be.
Read the rest here: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/identity-over-diagnosis-how-we-won?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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By Litwithprayer PodcastWhen a Label Tries to Become Your Name
I sat on a couch between my mom and dad, across from a therapist, following a “brain map” test. A brain map is a detailed snapshot of how your brain functions, measuring waves like delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma to show patterns of activity. I had recently been released from a behavioral health facility where I spent two weeks following a serious manic episode. My mom, wanting a second opinion, sought out a Christian mental health professional to help us navigate the next steps.
The behavioral health facility had informed my family that the diagnosis was Bipolar Disorder 1. They recommended a clinic specializing in ADD and brain testing that utilized biofeedback for individuals with complex mental health cases.
Following the test, the therapist showed us images of my brain activity. He confirmed the previous doctor’s diagnosis: I did indeed have BP 1. Based on the brain map, it was a severe case. He explained that medication would be required to prevent further brain damage that results from the manic episodes that would continue to occur if left untreated.
The therapist was gracious. He believed in the power of God to heal, but he wanted us to have a realistic picture of the severity of the illness and the precautions necessary for the future. The clinic even held Bible studies for their patients, which I began attending shortly after that meeting.
Receiving that diagnosis forced our family to face a crossroads. We had to make choices about what this meant for my future—choices rooted in our beliefs that would greatly impact my life as a 23-year-old.
According to the world’s standards, it would have been acceptable—even expected—for us to adopt beliefs like:
* “My life is never going to be the same.”
* “I have a mental illness that has no cure.”
* “Medication is the only way to survive.”
* “I just need to learn how to live with this burden.”
But before I share the path we chose as a family, we must acknowledge as believers that we are facing the greatest identity crisis our world has ever seen. With record-breaking numbers of people struggling with anxiety and isolation, mental health challenges are at an all-time high. We are living in a time where the “digital mirror” of the world tries to tell us who we are before we ever give God the chance to tell us who He created us to be.
Read the rest here: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/identity-over-diagnosis-how-we-won?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true