Now, I would like to make a few comments in regards to the violent mentally ill.

.

1. The violent mentally ill are a statistical rarity.

A recent writer with the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) said this,
"Is violence more common in people with SMI? Yes, during an episode of psychosis, especially psychosis associated with paranoia and so-called “command hallucinations”, the risk of violence is increased. People with SMI are up to three times more likely to be violent and when associated with substance abuse disorders, the risk may increase much further.ⁱ But, mental illness contributes very little to the overall rate of violence in the community. Most people with SMI are not violent, and most violent acts are not committed by people with SMI. In fact, people with SMI are actually at higher risk of being victims of violence than perpetrators. Teplin et al found that those with SMI are 11 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.   https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/directors/thomas-insel/blog/2011/understanding-severe-mental-illness.shtml

2. The most common form of violence associated with mental illness is not against others, but rather, against oneself. In 2007, the most recent year for which we have statistics, there were almost 35,000 suicides, nearly twice the rate of homicides. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.Although it is not possible to know what prompted every suicide, it is safe to say that unrecognized, untreated mental illness is a leading culprit."
End of Article


3. We should not wait until violence occurs to discuss the whole issue of mental illness.
People tend to care very little about the mentally ill until there is something newsworthy that may (or may not) involve a mentally ill person. Obsta  Principa, or check the first symptoms is important when dealing with those of the mentally ill who indicate they may be violent.


4. We should be informed that secular psychiatry does not believe in a personal devil.but evangelical Christians do! People sense "evil." in mass shootings, especially when children are involved.
But teaching of Scripture informs us in Ephesians 2:1-2.

"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according tothe course of this world,  according to to  Prince  of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience" (NASB).

The  Lord Jesus Christ tells us in: John 8:44::

"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies "(NASB).

5. We need to pray for revival in  our land an in other nations!!

Thank you,

Rev. Steve Bloem

Executive Director, Heartfelt Counseling Ministries

One of the most comforting truths in the Scripture, God's providence

New post on The Reformed Reader The “Unspeakable Consolation” of Providence by Reformed Reader One of the great things about the Christian faith is the deep comfort it brings to the weary heart – specifically I’m thinking of God's sovereign providence.  Scripture abounds with teaching that our Triune God is in complete control of all things for the good of his people (e.g. Lk 21:18, Rom. 8:28, 1 Cor. 15:27, 2 Cor. 9:8, etc). Here are a few comforting quotes on providence from some Reformation confessions and teachers:  “This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father.” Belgic Confession of Faith XIII.  “As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures; so after a special manner it taketh care of his church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof.”  Westminster Confession of Faith 5.7.  “Knowledge of this doctrine…is the beginning of true happiness.”  Caspar Olevian in A Firm Foundation.  “Our faith does not look to those means which God uses [in providence], nor does it depend on them, but rather to God who alone can relieve all our necessities, either with or without means as it appears good to him.”  William Ames in The Marrow of Theology.  “God by his providence preserves his church in the midst of enemies; a spark kept alive in the ocean, or a flock of sheep among wolves.”  Thomas Watson in A Body of Divinity. “It is above all by faith in Christ that believers are enabled – in spite of all the riddles that perplex them – to cling to the conviction that the God who rules the world is the same loving and compassionate Father who in Christ forgave them all their sins, accepted them as his children, and will bequeath to them eternal salvation. … Although the riddles are not resolved, faith in God’s fatherly hand always again arises from the depths and even enables us to boast in afflictions.”  Herman Bavinck in Reformed Dogmatics II.  “Now to understand in a spiritual way the universality of providence in every particular happening from morning to night every day, that there is nothing that befalls you but there is a hand of God in it – this is from God, and is a great help to contentment.”  Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.  “From this contemplation of God’s providence, there ought to arise in the hearts of believers an earnest desire of patience and humility in adversity by the example of Christ, of Joseph, of Job, that in all things which happen somewhat harshly to us we may acquiesce without a murmur in the will and providence of God.”  Francis Turretin, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, I. (This is a re-post from August, 2010). Shane Lems   Compiling of providence Copyright Shane Lems Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC) Hammond, WI, 54015

God was with Israel from birth to old age, and so it is with us.

God is with us from birth to old age

Isaiah 46:1-5

He is immutable in his character, and faithful to fulfill prophesy."Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel.You who have been borne by Me from birth, and have been carried from the womb; Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. "To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal and compare Me, That we would be alike?"

 I was young and now I am gray. I have been saved from sin and delivered from many trials. I will be first to testify on the witness stand of your life, "Jesus never fails,  SB
 Listen to this great song.
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDOhKRXBAp4&index=10&list=PLG06igc3T50Ywq6qz_LPLPutsFhVpsuiB

Panic Attacks?

             

 

 

 

   

 

I believe that as it with many things, you cannot understand panic attacks, unless you have experienced them. When I was first depressed, I had panic attacks and feelings of derealization.  I thought and felt like I was losing my mind. Panic disorder is very treatable. I am on two       SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibiters),Sertraline (Zoloft) and Fluvoxamine (Luvox).  My panic attacks are kept in check by these medications.  Panic attacks can lead to agoraphobia. People who are afraid of having a panic attack in public, sometime do not leave the relative comfort of their home. Agora -Phobia usually requires cognitive behavioral therapy. Steve Bloem

From John Hopkins

Anxiety is a common, normal and often useful response to life's challenges and dangers. But in people who suffer from an anxiety disorder, anxiety levels spin out of control, causing psychological and physical symptoms that interfere with normal functioning, appear even in the absence of obvious external stressors or are clearly excessive in the face of the stressors.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders result from hyperactivity in certain areas of the brain, perhaps related to low levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for keeping activity levels of nerve cells in check.

Panic disorder. One of the five major forms of anxiety disorder is panic disorder -- sudden but short-lived attacks of terror and a fear of losing control.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 6 million adults (about 3 percent of adult Americans) suffer from panic disorder each year. It is twice as common in women as in men. One study estimated that only one in four people with panic attacks receive appropriate care.



Panic attacks begin without warning during non-threatening activities. Affected individuals often go to the emergency room or consult a cardiologist because the physical symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack. Panic attacks generally peak within 10 minutes and dissipate within 20 to 30 minutes. They are characterized by some combination of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
• Heart palpitations or a racing pulse
• Discomfort in the chest
• Dizziness, lightheartedness or feeling faint
• Choking, nausea or stomach pain
• Sweating
• Hot or cold flashes
• Trembling or shaking
• A feeling of detachment from one's surroundings or a sense of unreality
• Tingling or numbness
• Fear of dying or losing one's mind

John Hopkins Hospital.



The book tthat keeps sellling! For more information, click on
https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Minds-Healing-Youre-Losing/dp/0825421187

Change North Korea One Heart at a Time

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From the Voice of Martyrs 

North Korea is a land of spiritual darkness. For 70 years, it has been ruled by the oppressive Kim regime, a lineage of tyranny that has starved its people physically and spiritually while rattling sabers at the rest of the world.

North Koreans will not ultimately be changed by domestic politics, international negotiations or bombs. They will be changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We invite you to help us shine the light of truth into North Korea by supporting VOM’s ministry work there. Your gift will help advance the gospel in four ways:

1. GOSPEL BALLOONS VOM workers distribute New Testaments in North Korea by attaching them to helium-filled balloons launched from just outside its borders. GPS technology enables us to track the balloons and determine exactly where the Bibles land. We also distribute tracts that share the gospel in a simple, understandable format.

2. BIBLES VOM distributes Bibles in a variety of other ways inside North Korea, and we also distribute Bibles to North Koreans living outside the country.
3. FRONT-LINE WORKERS We cannot share details about the efforts of courageous front-line workers, but VOM provides tools and training to help increase the reach of their work inside North Korea.
4. COVERT OPS North Korea is the most restricted country in the world, and for security reasons we cannot share details of much of our work. As one of our staff recently shared on VOM Radio (www.VOMRadio.net), we may be able to talk about these projects in three to five years, but that will probably mean some of our bold brothers and sisters have been arrested and the projects shutdown, .https://www.persecution.com

Grief, stoning of Steve . devout men made loud lamentation over him (NASB)

Copy rights, reserved, Steve Bloem 

Feb. 9, 2018

Picture by Villia wikia.com

Bereavement


Acts  8:1-2 And Paul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him

 (NASB). The word lamentation  was an expression of deep, noisy sorrow over a godly man who was taken before his time.Some think that being strong' for the LORD in grief is to show little emotion in grief It is true that we must be trusting God in the dark valley. However the Scripture says that it  was godly men (devout) who men made loud lamentation over him. Loud here (megan) means great.  The word devout (eulabeis) denotes showing a  reverence for God and cautious about doing his will"         ( TNDT, volume 2:751). These godly men gave full vent  to their grief. 

The stoning of Stephen resulted in no quiet acquiescence to God's will. . I am speaking about the human response of grief and not the divine mystery of providence, which the Lord works His will out in the lives of His people.

Lindsay

 I remember, when I had just witnessed the death of our daughter in a head-on collision, a well meaning police officer upon seeing me crying said, "Come on now, you have to be strong' for your family."  I told him, "You be the cop and I will be the father." Being strong is not bottling up your emotions.  Lamentation in the above text.  The Greek  (kopetos) carries the idea of  wailing and beating on the breast (See Vines Expository Dictionary, p. 124, under bewail).

  The apostle Paul stated. but we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so  that you will  who have no hope. For we do not sorrow as some do without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:15, NASB).

This Scripture does not say we as believers in Christ do not have sorrow. It says, "we don't have a "hopeless sorrow.  And so it was with John the Baptist and his godly disciples who are now in endless glory, peace and joy. 

Why do very few people talk about Electro-Convulsive as a treatment for Depression?

Yes, these people have been helped!

Why did I ask for ECT?  It was because I was extremely depressed; I had to force food because I had no appetite. I also could not sleep at all.  I was very suicidal. Both times ECT  brought me  out of  severe depression. The first improvement came after two sessions and then gradually I had no depressive symptoms.

What I don't understand is  why is everyone so upset, nervous and opposed to a treatment that is safer than or as safe as antidepressants? You can shock the heart so that it beats again. You can use a Cesarean  Section to bring a child safely from the womb to the world.  But when it comes to treating the brain, stigma and fear abound.

ECT is a biological approach to a biological medical problem. It is in no way a lobotomy. Why is it that the church continues to resist the science of mental illness, when the treatment outcomes are better than ever?  For  further discussion of ECT go to chapter twelve of Broken Minds. 

 

 http://heartfeltmin.org/resources.html. For Kindle go to
http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Minds-Healing-Youre-Losing/dp/0825421187

Please read  the John Hopkins Hospital brief article below. The only thing I would add is there are two methods of the placement of electrodes on the brain, both bi-lateral and unilateral ECT. Unilateral ECT usually has the least memory loss. Some say bilateral is stronger in its effect on depression.You can also read about ECT in our book  Broken Minds.  It is available by paper back, Kindle and other applications.

Why use Electro-Convulsive Therapy?

 Many people think Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is a thing of the past, but it is still being used today, given its effectiveness in treating major depression. In recent years, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the U.S. Surgeon General have all concluded that electro-convulsive therapy is a valuable tool in the treatment of certain mental disorders, particularly depression.

A Stop Gap for Agony
Before beginning Electro-convulsive therapy, an individual with depression typically first receives psychotherapy, antidepressant medication or a combination of the two. While these treatments are often effective, they take time to work. This delay can be dangerous for people whose depression is accompanied by intense suicidal thoughts and/or delusions. For these individuals, who are at immediate risk for ... suicide, Electro-convulsive therapy can work much more quickly than antidepressants and is therefore a good option.

What happens during Electro-Convulsive therapy? 

It can be performed in an inpatient or outpatient setting. After the patient is given general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant, electrodes are placed on two areas of the scalp. A short, controlled set of electrical pulses is then administered for about a minute. The electrical pulses must produce generalized seizures to be effective. (Because patients are under anesthesia and have taken muscle relaxants, they do not openly convulse or feel the current),

Patients awaken about five to 10 minutes after the end of the treatment. Most are oriented and alert within 30 minutes. Typically, Electro-Convulsive therapy is given two to three times a week for a total of six to 12 sessions. These sessions typically improve depression in 60 to 70 percent of patients -- a response rate similar to that of antidepressant drugs -- and in 80 to 90 percent of people using it as first-line therapy.

ECT'S Shortcoming

A major limitation of Electro-Convulsive therapy treatment is that the benefits may be short-lived. Within a year, 50 to 60 percent of people experience a relapse, and they may have to take antidepressant medication or continue receiving Electro-convulsive therapy periodically to prevent a  relapse.

How does it work?

No one is sure how Electro-convulsive therapy helps certain mental disorders. It may flood the brain with neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are known to play a role in conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. Electro-convulsive therapy may also help regulate hormones that play a role in these disorders.

This is a re-post.