Question:TAW

[Knowledge3]

Does the Orthodox Church believe that ancient,patristic Christianity and today's modern Psychiatry are -compatible- with each other?

Can I request help from a Christian psychiatrist?

[Akathist]

Does the Orthodox Church believe that ancient,patristic Christianity and today's modern Psychiatry are -compatible- with each other?

Can I request help from a Christian psychiatrist?
From what I understand psychiatric issues is considered a medical condition and therefore it is encouraged that someone get proper medical care.

Of course, you might want to check with your Priest.

[nutroll]

Does the Orthodox Church believe that ancient,patristic Christianity and today's modern Psychiatry are -compatible- with each other?

Can I request help from a Christian psychiatrist?
I'm not sure that all forms of modern psychology/psychiatry would fit in with an Orthodox understanding of the human condition, but there is nothing wrong in general with psychology and psychiatry. In addition, there are some Orthodox psychologists, including some who are priests. I think if you feel that you need help, you should definitely seek it out. You might even ask your priest if he knows of a psychiatrist in your area.

[kamikat]

My priest and I have discussed this issue. He even has a background in psychology. The best thing to do is have your priest recommend a therapist. That way you know he approves of the therapist's methods.

[Knowledge3]

I have been through 5 psychiatrists.

One of them diagnosed me with "schizophrenia"

A mysterious "mental illness."

That is why I say that ancient,patristic Christianity is not compatible with modern psychiatry because doctors tend to put things they can't explain into specific categories without really understanding the source of the problem or mental illness itself.

Xenia_Rose suggested that I go and see a doctor about my spiritual vision, and I ended up with a short medical history because of that!

[Knowledge3]

I'm not sure that all forms of modern psychology/psychiatry would fit in with an Orthodox understanding of the human condition, but there is nothing wrong in general with psychology and psychiatry. In addition, there are some Orthodox psychologists, including some who are priests. I think if you feel that you need help, you should definitely seek it out. You might even ask your priest if he knows of a psychiatrist in your area.

Thank you! :)

[Knowledge3]

From what I understand psychiatric issues is considered a medical condition and therefore it is encouraged that someone get proper medical care.

Of course, you might want to check with your Priest.

I don't need medical care, I need spiritual insight and the guidance of my Elders!!

[Knowledge3]

My priest and I have discussed this issue. He even has a background in psychology. The best thing to do is have your priest recommend a therapist. That way you know he approves of the therapist's methods.

I understand psychology very well.

I'm not afraid to face down the worst psychological demons.

[kamikat]

The thing is that some mental illnesses are cause by a malfunction of the brain chemistry. You fix the brain chemistry, via certian medications, and you cure the mental illness. Not all mental illnesses are caused by brain chemistry. Only trained medical professionals can diagnos the differences and treat the differences. In the same vein, some mental illnesses could be attributed to denomic influence, but not all are. Only a priest would know and would be able to exorcise you. It is best to see your priest, have your priest evaluate the situation and recommend a therapist who will work WITH the priest.

[Paisley]

Our priest mentioned something about this a couple of weeks ago. He said the counselor or psychiatrist must be Orthodox, or Orthodox approved. I think it is best to ask your priest.

[Grigorii]

Knowledge3,

Let me be clear, I am a former psychiatric nurse and am alarmed by what you have said.

I have been through 5 psychiatrists.

One of them diagnosed me with "schizophrenia"

A mysterious "mental illness."

Schizophrenia is indeed mysterious and it it is sometimes used like a last-resort-diagnosis if no other diagnosis seems to fit. Yet the symptoms of psychiatric disease are real, they are detectable, and sometimes treatable. If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia you are better of seeing a therapist and taking meds. They can, if used properly, significantly improve your quality of life and limit the risks that the disease might put you in.

That is why I say that ancient,patristic Christianity is not compatible with modern psychiatry because doctors tend to put things they can't explain into specific categories without really understanding the source of the problem or mental illness itself.

The fact that there are many things that are still mysterious about psychiatric ilnesses and schizophrenia in particular do not mean that we don't know anything about them nor that we can't do anything about them. Orthodox Christianity is not in conflict with genuine, scientific, psychiatric medicine and therapy. Though individual psychiatrists may hold un-Orthodox views of religion and life (so may your physician, or your dentist but that doesn't change their service to you and your need of them).

Pls do not take a diagnosed problem lightly.

Xenia_Rose suggested that I go and see a doctor about my spiritual vision, and I ended up with a short medical history because of that!

Than she has given you good advice, and you have done well to follow it. Pls continue in the right direction and accept the help you have been diagnosed to need. Schizophrenia should not be taken lightly, despite the genuine and real difficulties with the precise definition of what it is in modern psychiatric medicine. As long as you stay in mainstream psychiatric medicine and avoid the pseudo-scientific alternatives you are likely to improve.

First you need to accept that there is in fact a problem, which seems to be what you are not willing to do. Perhaps for good reason, I don't know you. But if what you have said is true I urge you to ask a good friend without a psychiatric history to be completely honest with you and think through what might be the best course of action. If you are a member of a parish and you have a good relationship with your priest pls ask him.

I would also ask that you think about how much of your medical issues you want to put online on a public forum pls use discression for your own sake and you won't have to regret some of your public actions later.

Gregorios

[Knowledge3]

I have no problem discussing about schizophrenia or other possible mental illnesses.

:confused: I went and saw an Orthodox priest today, and going to be a cathechumen. (sp?)

[Knowledge3]

Knowledge3,

Let me be clear, I am a former psychiatric nurse and am alarmed by what you have said.


Schizophrenia is indeed mysterious and it it is sometimes used like a last-resort-diagnosis if no other diagnosis seems to fit.


Very un-orthodox.

You're a practicing nurse? Then why did a professional psychiatrist diagnose me with something I don't have?

[Knowledge3]

I ask for Mary's protection from Devil's Psychiatrist.

[Knowledge3]

Knowledge3,

Let me be clear, I am a former psychiatric nurse and am alarmed by what you have said.

I value your opinion as a former nurse.



Schizophrenia is indeed mysterious and it it is sometimes used like a last-resort-diagnosis if no other diagnosis seems to fit. Yet the symptoms of psychiatric disease are real, they are detectable, and sometimes treatable. If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia you are better of seeing a therapist and taking meds. They can, if used properly, significantly improve your quality of life and limit the risks that the disease might put you in.


Schizophrenia means a "shattered mind" or a person suspect to delusions, hallucinations, and audible voices. And in some cases, strange or erratic behavior. Of course, it can happen to anyone.




The fact that there are many things that are still mysterious about psychiatric ilnesses and schizophrenia in particular do not mean that we don't know anything about them nor that we can't do anything about them. Orthodox Christianity is not in conflict with genuine, scientific, psychiatric medicine and therapy. Though individual psychiatrists may hold un-Orthodox views of religion and life (so may your physician, or your dentist but that doesn't change their service to you and your need of them).

Pls do not take a diagnosed problem lightly.

Ancient Christianity is much different than today's modern age!

Christianity has surived 1500 years of "ecumenism",cultural evolution and modernism.

That is why I say that John the Baptist would not have be a fun person to psycho-analyze!



Than she has given you good advice, and you have done well to follow it. Pls continue in the right direction and accept the help you have been diagnosed to need. Schizophrenia should not be taken lightly, despite the genuine and real difficulties with the precise definition of what it is in modern psychiatric medicine. As long as you stay in mainstream psychiatric medicine and avoid the pseudo-scientific alternatives you are likely to improve.

I appreciate your lengthy and information-filled post because that type of information is what I was looking for.

My perspective was that Xenia_Rose suggested that I go see a doctor based on me telling her that I saw a vision.

That is not a hallucination.

So therefore, I ended up having to explain the difference between a vision and hallucinations to several psychiatrists.


First you need to accept that there is in fact a problem, which seems to be what you are not willing to do. Perhaps for good reason, I don't know you. But if what you have said is true I urge you to ask a good friend without a psychiatric history to be completely honest with you and think through what might be the best course of action. If you are a member of a parish and you have a good relationship with your priest pls ask him.

I would also ask that you think about how much of your medical issues you want to put online on a public forum pls use discression for your own sake and you won't have to regret some of your public actions later.

Gregorios


I don't have mental illness in my family or any friends who have a history of mental illness, so that is why I'm asking.