JW Literature References on psychotherapy (or WT CDROM source?)

Try this site too:

www.watchtower.org

*** w96 9/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***

Would it be wise for a Christian to consult a mental-health practitioner?Reports from some lands indicate that there has been an increase in emotional and mental illnesses in these "last days." (2 Timothy 3:1) Christians feel deep compassion when fellow believers are affected, but they recognize that each one must decide for himself whether to seek treatment for his illness and, if so, what kind of treatment. "Each one will carry his own load." (Galatians 6:5) Some, suffering severely from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, deep clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-mutilation, and other distressing disorders, have been able to live fairly normal lives after obtaining the right professional help.

In some places it has become quite fashionable to seek therapy. In many cases the patient does not have a severe mental disorder but has difficulty coping with some situation in life. However, it is the Bible that gives the most effective help in handling the difficult problems of life. (Psalm 119:28, 143) Through the Bible, Jehovah supplies wisdom, thinking ability, and true knowledge—things that fortify us mentally and emotionally. (Proverbs 2:1-11; Hebrews 13:6) Faithful servants of God may express themselves irrationally at times because of severe inner turmoil. (Job 6:2, 3) James 5:13-16 encourages such ones to call on the elders for help and counsel. A Christian may be spiritually sick, or he may be distressed by an unchangeable circumstance or by oppressive stresses, or he may feel that he is the victim of injustice. (Ecclesiastes 7:7; Isaiah 32:2; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Such a person can find help with the elders, who will ‘grease him with oil’—that is, skillfully impart comforting Bible counsel—and also "pray over him." The result? "The prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up [out of his despondency or his feeling of being abandoned by God]."

What, though, if a person’s mental distress and confusion persist despite the skillful help of spiritual shepherds? Some in this situation have chosen to undergo a thorough physical examination. (Compare Proverbs 14:30; 16:24; 1 Corinthians 12:26.) A physical problem may lie behind emotional or mental distress. Treating such a problem has in some cases given relief to the emotionally ill person. If no physical problem is found, the physician, upon request, may recommend a mental-health professional. What then? As stated, this is a decision each individual must weigh for himself. Others should not criticize or judge.—Romans 14:4.

Nevertheless, practical wisdom must be exercised and care taken not to forget Bible principles. (Proverbs 3:21; Ecclesiastes 12:13) In the case of physical sickness, patients are faced with a variety of treatment choices, from orthodox medicine to therapies such as naturopathy, acupuncture, and homeopathy. There are also different kinds of mental-health practitioners. Among them are analytic psychotherapists and others, who may delve into the patient’s personal history to try to find reasons for irregular behavior or painful emotions. Behavioral psychotherapists may try to help the patient learn new behavior patterns. Some mental-health practitioners believe that most mental illnesses should be treated with drugs. Reportedly, others recommend diet and vitamins.

Patients and their families should use caution when considering these choices. (Proverbs 14:15) Significantly, Professor Paul McHugh, director of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said that the mental-health profession "is a rudimentary medical art. It lacks easy access to proof of its proposals even as it deals with disorders of the most complex features of human life—mind and behavior." This situation leaves the door open to eccentricity and fraud, as well as well-intentioned treatments that may do more harm than good.

It should be mentioned, too, that while psychiatrists and psychologists have professional, postgraduate degrees, many others with no professional qualifications practice without supervision as counselors or therapists. Some individuals have spent a lot of money consulting such unqualified people.

Even with a trained, qualified mental-health professional, there are things to consider. When choosing a medical doctor or surgeon, we have to be sure that he will respect our Bible-based views. Similarly, it would be dangerous to consult a mental-health professional who does not respect our religious and moral views. Many Christians are striving hard, despite mental and emotional confusion, to have "the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had." (Romans 15:5) Such are rightly concerned about the attitudes of anyone who might affect their thinking or behavior. Some practitioners view any restrictions imposed by Scriptural beliefs as unnecessary and potentially harmful to mental health. They may approve, even recommend, practices condemned in the Bible, such as homosexuality or marital infidelity.

These ideas are included in what the apostle Paul called "the contradictions of the falsely called ‘knowledge.’" (1 Timothy 6:20) They contradict the truth about the Christ and are part of "the philosophy and empty deception" of this world. (Colossians 2:8) The Bible’s touchstone is clear: "There is no wisdom, nor any discernment, nor any counsel in opposition to Jehovah." (Proverbs 21:30) Mental-health practitioners who say "good is bad and bad is good" are "bad associations." Far from helping to heal unstable minds, they will "spoil useful habits."—Isaiah 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33.

So a Christian who feels that it is necessary to consult a mental-health professional should scrutinize the qualifications, attitude, and reputation of the practitioner and the possible effect of any treatment recommended. If a distressed Christian cannot do this himself, perhaps a mature, close friend or relative may be able to help. A Christian who is uncertain as to the wisdom of a particular treatment may find that talking with the elders in the congregation is helpful—although the final decision is his own (or his parents’, or the joint decision of husband and wife).

Science can do much more today than in times past to alleviate suffering. Still, there are many diseases—both physical and mental—that at present are incurable and have to be endured through this system of things. (James 5:11) In the meantime "the faithful and discreet slave," the elders, and all others in the congregation reach out a hand of compassion and support to sick ones. And Jehovah himself strengthens them to endure until that glorious time when sickness will be no more.—Matthew 24:45; Psalm 41:1-3; Isaiah 33:24.

[Footnotes]

Sometimes an individual may be asked to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, perhaps when being considered for high-level employment. Whether one submits to such an evaluation or not is a personal decision, but it should be noted that a psychiatric evaluation is not psychiatric treatment.

See "Winning the Battle Against Depression," in the March 1, 1990, issue of TheWatchtower.

Some mental illnesses seem to respond well to the correct medications. But these medications must be used with caution under the guidance of skilled and experienced medical physicians or psychiatrists, since there can be severe side effects if dosages are not correctly adjusted.

See the article "Mental Distress—When It Afflicts a Christian" in the October 15, 1988, issue of TheWatchtower.

*** g04 9/8 pp. 20-22 When Someone You Love Has a Mental Disorder ***

When Someone You Love Has a Mental DisorderIT STARTED as a typical weekday morning for the Johnsons. The family of four was up and dressed for the day’s activities. Gail reminded her 14-year-old son, Matt, that it was past time to catch the school bus. What followed was completely unexpected. Within half an hour, Matt spray-painted a bedroom wall, tried to set fire to the garage, and attempted to hang himself in the attic.

Gail and her husband, Frank, followed the ambulance that took Matt away, desperately trying to make sense of what had just occurred. Sadly, though, this was just the beginning. Many psychotic episodes followed, plunging Matt into the dark world of mental illness. His five-year period of anguish included several suicide attempts, two arrests, placement in seven psychiatric facilities, and countless sessions with mental-health professionals. Confused friends and relatives were often at a loss for what to say or do.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people worldwide will be afflicted with a mental illness at some point in their life. Considering this staggering statistic, chances are you have a parent, child, sibling, or friend with some form of brain disorder. What can you do if someone you love has such a condition?

? Recognizesymptoms. The presence of a mental disorder may not be immediately diagnosed. Friends and family members might attribute the symptoms to hormonal changes, physical ailments, personality weaknesses, or the result of difficult circumstances. Matt’s mother had seen some prior signs of trouble in Matt, but his parents thought that his moodiness was part of an adolescent phase that would soon pass. However, significant changes in sleep, diet, or behavior may indicate something more serious. An examination by a professional can lead to effective treatment and improved quality of life for your loved one.

? Becomeinformed. People with mental disorders usually have limited capacity to research their own condition. Hence, the information you gather from current and reliable sources can help you to understand what your loved one is going through. It can also help you to talk openly and knowledgeably with others. Gail, for instance, gave Matt’s grandparents medical pamphlets that helped them feel more informed and involved.

? Pursuetreatment. Despite the long-term nature of some mental disorders, with appropriate treatment many sufferers can have stable, productive lives. Unfortunately, many languish for years without getting help. Just as a serious heart condition requires a heart specialist, mental illness needs the attention of those who know how to treat such conditions. Psychiatrists, for example, can prescribe medicine that when taken consistently can help control mood, ease anxiety, and straighten out distorted thinking patterns.

? Encouragethesufferertoseekhelp. Those with mental disorders may not realize that they need help. You might suggest that the sufferer see a particular doctor, read some useful articles, or have a conversation with someone who has successfully managed a similar disorder. It may be that your loved one is not receptive to your advice. But by all means intervene if someone in your care is at risk of harming himself or others.

? Avoidplacingblame. Scientists have not yet been able to sort out the complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and social factors that contribute to abnormal brain function. The combination of factors that can contribute to a mental disorder includes brain injury, substance abuse, environmental stressors, biochemical imbalances, and inherited predispositions. It does little good to accuse individuals of what you think they might have done to contribute to an illness. You will want to direct your energies to fostering support and giving encouragement.

? Haverealisticexpectations. If you expect more from a sufferer than he or she can give, it can be disheartening. Conversely, overemphasizing the sufferer’s limitations can promote a sense of helplessness in that one. So keep your expectations realistic. Of course, wrong acts should not be tolerated. Like anyone, those with mental disorders can learn from the consequences of their actions. Violent behavior may necessitate legal action or certain restrictions for the protection of the individual or others.

? Stayconnected. Communication is vital, even though at times it may seem that your comments are misconstrued. The responses of someone with a mental disorder can be unpredictable, and his or her emotions may seem inappropriate to the situation at hand. Nevertheless, finding fault with the sufferer’s remarks will only heap guilt on top of depression. When words fail, sit quietly and listen. Acknowledge feelings and thoughts without condemning. Strive to remain calm. You and your loved one will benefit if you simply and consistently show that you care. This was true for Matt. A few years later, he expressed his appreciation for those whom he said were "helping me when I didn’t want help."

? Considertheneedsofotherfamilymembers. When a family must focus on the one in crisis, other members can be neglected. For a time, Matt’s sister, Amy, felt that she "lived in the shadow of his illness." She minimized her own accomplishments so as not to divert attention to herself. Meanwhile, it seemed that her parents wanted her to achieve more, as if to compensate for her brother’s shortcomings. Some neglected siblings in this situation attempt to command attention by causing trouble. Families in crisis need help to manage competing needs. For example, when the Johnson family was consumed by Matt’s problems, friends in the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses helped Amy by giving her extra attention.

? Promotegoodmental-healthpractices. A comprehensive plan to improve mental well-being should include attention to diet, exercise, sleep, and social activities. Simple activities with small groups of friends are usually less intimidating. Also, remember that alcohol can exacerbate symptoms and interfere with medications. The Johnson family now tries to maintain a routine of mental hygiene that is beneficial for everyone but especially for their son.

? Takecareofyourself. The stress that comes with caring for someone with a mental disorder can threaten your own well-being. It is essential, therefore, that you pay attention to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The Johnson family are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Gail feels that her faith greatly helped her to cope with the family crisis. "Christian meetings were stress relievers," she says, "a time to set aside immediate worries and focus on bigger issues and the ultimate hope. Countless times, I prayed desperately for relief, and invariably some change would occur to ease the pain. With Jehovah God’s help, I had peace of mind that belied our circumstance."

Matt is now a young adult and has a fresh outlook on life. "I feel that I am a better person for what I went through," he says. Matt’s sister, Amy, feels that the experience has benefited her as well. "I am less critical of others," she says. "You never know what underlying circumstances may afflict someone. Only Jehovah God knows."

If someone you love has a mental disorder, always remember that a listening ear, a helping hand, and an open mind can help that one to survive—and even to thrive.

[Footnotes]

Names have been changed.

Some use the term "brain disorder," as it carries little stigma and readily implies a neurobiological cause.

Potential benefits should be considered along with possible side effects. Awake! does not endorse any particular medical treatment. Christians should be sure that any treatment they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles.

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Some

WarningSignsofMentalDisorders

If someone you love has any of the following symptoms, he or she may need to consult a medical or mental-health professional:

• Prolonged sadness or irritability

• Social withdrawal

• Extreme emotional highs and lows

• Excessive anger

• Violent behavior

• Substance abuse

• Excessive fears, worries, and anxieties

• Abnormal fear of weight gain

• Significant change in eating or sleeping habits

• Persistent nightmares

• Confused thinking

• Delusions or hallucinations

• Thoughts of death or suicide

• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities

• Denial of obvious problems

• Numerous unexplained physical ailments

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When words fail, sit quietly and listen to the sufferer

***

w065/1pp.14-16HaveNoFear—JehovahIsWithYou!***

Have

NoFear—JehovahIsWithYou!

MORE than 50 years ago, shortly after the first nuclear bombs exploded, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Harold C. Urey said of the future: "We will eat fear, sleep fear, live in fear and die in fear." Today, our world is, indeed, glutted with fear, and no wonder! On a daily basis, newspapers herald forth horrifying accounts of terrorism, violent crimes, and mysterious illnesses.

As Christians, we know what such conditions mean. They indicate that we are living in "the last days" of this wicked system, which the Bible foretold would be characterized by "critical times hard to deal with." (2 Timothy 3:1) Our confidence is thus strengthened that Jehovah God will soon bring about a new world in which righteousness will dwell. (2 Peter 3:13) In the meantime, though, are we immune to fear?

Fear

andGod’sServants

Jacob, David, and Elijah were among Jehovah’s servants who experienced a degree of fear when faced with potential danger. (Genesis 32:6, 7; 1 Samuel 21:11, 12; 1 Kings 19:2, 3) These men did not lack faith. On the contrary, they demonstrated steadfast reliance on Jehovah. Nevertheless, Jacob, David, and Elijah were human; hence, they were susceptible to fear. "Elijah was a man with feelings like ours," wrote the disciple James.—James 5:17.

We too might feel apprehensive as we contemplate an obstacle that we are facing now or one that we may encounter in the future. Such fear is understandable. After all, the Bible says that Satan the Devil is determined to "wage war" with those "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 12:17) While those words apply specifically to anointed Christians, Paul wrote: "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) Still, fear need not paralyze us when we are confronted with problems. Why?

GodofSavingActs"

The psalmist David wrote: "The true God is for us a God of saving acts." (Psalm 68:20) Jehovah has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to save his people, either by delivering them from perilous situations or by giving them the strength to endure. (Psalm 34:17; Daniel 6:22; 1 Corinthians 10:13) From your study of the Bible, how many of such "saving acts" can you recall?

Using the Watch Tower Publications Index, why not do research on such true-life events as the global Deluge of Noah’s day, the deliverance of Lot and his daughters from Sodom and Gomorrah, Israel’s Exodus from Egypt and trek through the Red Sea, or Haman’s foiled plot to destroy the Jews? Reading and then meditating on these thrilling accounts will strengthen your faith that Jehovah is a God of saving acts. This, in turn, will help you to face tests of your faith fearlessly.

Present-Day

Examples

Can you think of present-day examples of endurance in your own area? It might be someone who has been imprisoned for a faithful course. You might know of an elderly Christian who is serving Jehovah despite poor health. Or think of youths who remain separate from the world despite tremendous pressure from their schoolmates. Then there are single parents, who without a mate are raising children, or unmarried individuals who serve Jehovah despite feelings of loneliness. What do you learn from such ones? Contemplating their faithful course can help you to endure and to remain fearless despite whatever trials you may face.

Fearlessness is needed not only if we confront opposition and persecution but also if we begin to doubt Jehovah’s love for us. We need to cultivate confidence that Christ’s ransom applies to us as individuals. (Galatians 2:20) Then we can approach Jehovah without inappropriate fear or dread. If we feel unworthy of Jehovah’s love, we can reflect on Jesus’ words to his followers: "Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore have no fear: you are worth more than many sparrows."—Matthew 10:29-31.

The Watchtower and Awake! magazines often publish experiences of modern-day Witnesses of Jehovah who have faced challenges fearlessly. This does not mean that they did not have negative emotions about their plight. But they did not let such feelings cause them to stop serving Jehovah. Their published accounts can help you to endure fearlessly too. Consider two examples.

InjuryChangedHisLife

The April 22, 2003, issue of Awake! contained the article "How an Injury Changed My Life." In it, Stanley Ombeva, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kenya, outlines the challenges he faced as a result of being struck by a speeding vehicle. As his health deteriorated, he lost his job and all benefits. "As the reality of my condition sank in," Brother Ombeva admits in his account, "I became negative, self-centered, and irritable. At times, I was angry and bitter." Despite his ordeal, this Christian man remained fearless. He did not let disappointment overwhelm him and cause him to give up entirely. Instead, he relied on Jehovah. "He always supported me in all that I went through—so much so, that I was ashamed of myself at times," Brother Ombeva says. "I made a strong resolve to read and meditate on scriptures I knew to be comforting in my situation."

Brother Ombeva’s frank comments enabled many others to endure trials fearlessly. "I wept when I read this article," wrote one Christian sister. "I felt that through this article Jehovah was demonstrating his warmth and loving care and providing me with comfort." Another Witness wrote: "Articles like this give great encouragement to those of us who are experiencing similar situations and who suffer in silence."

Coping

WithEmotionalDistress

Another moving experience is that of Herbert Jennings, related in the article "You Do Not Know What Your Life Will Be Tomorrow." Brother Jennings copes with bipolar disorder. Reflecting on the early days of his illness, he says: "It was a real struggle just to attend Christian meetings. Nevertheless, I was absolutely convinced of the value of spiritual association. To cope, I usually entered the Kingdom Hall after the crowd settled down and left just before it began to stir at the end of the program."

Preaching was also difficult. "Sometimes, even after arriving at a house, I simply could not bring myself to the point of ringing the doorbell," Brother Jennings relates. "I would not quit, however, because I realized that our ministry means salvation to ourselves and to any who respond favorably. (1 Timothy 4:16) After a while, I would be able to bring my emotions under control, go to the next door, and try again. By continuing to share in the ministry, I maintained reasonable spiritual health, and that increased my ability to cope."

Brother Jennings’ candid account helped many readers to face their distresses with similar fearlessness. For example, one Christian sister wrote: "In the 28 years that I have been reading the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, I have never been as deeply moved as I was when I read this article. I had to discontinue my full-time service and felt very guilty, feeling that if I had had more faith, I could have continued. Reading how Brother Jennings had to give up an assignment to care for his illness helped me to view my situation in a balanced way. This was truly an answer to my prayers!"

Similarly, a Christian brother wrote: "After serving as a congregation elder for ten years, I had to relinquish my privilege because of a mental illness. My feelings of failure were such that it was often too depressing for me to read the life-story articles, which often recount extraordinary accomplishments of Jehovah’s people. But Brother Jennings’ perseverance was uplifting to me. I’ve read the article countless times."

Moving

ForwardWithConfidence

Like Brothers Ombeva and Jennings, many of Jehovah’s Witnesses continue fearlessly worshipping Jehovah God despite daunting obstacles. If you are among them, you are to be commended. Be assured: "God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering."—Hebrews 6:10.

Just as Jehovah helped his faithful people of ancient times to conquer their foes, he can help you to gain the victory over any obstacle that you may encounter. Therefore, take to heart the words that Jehovah spoke through the prophet Isaiah: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness."—Isaiah 41:10.

[Footnotes]

Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

See The Watchtower of December 1, 2000, pages 24-8.

[Pictures

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Like Stanley Ombeva (above) and Herbert Jennings (right), many are serving Jehovah fearlessly

[Picture

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USAF photo

***

w0012/1pp.24-28"YouDoNotKnowWhatYourLifeWillBeTomorrow"***

Life

Story

"You

DoNotKnow WhatYourLifeWillBe Tomorrow"

AS TOLD BY HERBERT JENNINGS

"I was returning to the Watch Tower Society’s branch office in Ghana from the port city of Tema and stopped to pick up a young man seeking a ride into town. I seized the opportunity to witness to him. I thought I was doing wonderfully well! However, when we reached this young man’s destination, he leaped out of the truck and took off running."

THE foregoing incident was a clue to me that something unusual was unfolding in my life. Before I relate what happened, let me tell you how I, a Canadian, came to be in Ghana.

It was mid-December 1949 in a northern suburb of Toronto, Canada. We had just finished digging through several feet of frozen ground to provide water service to a new house. Cold and tired, our work crew huddled around a scrap-wood fire, waiting to be picked up by truck. Suddenly, Arnold Lorton, one of the workers, started saying something about "wars and rumors of wars," "the end of this world," and using other expressions totally unfamiliar to me. Everyone instantly seized up, became embarrassed, and some even showed hostility toward him. I remember thinking, ‘This guy has a lot of courage! Nobody here wants to listen, and yet he continues.’ But what he was saying struck a responsive chord in me. It was only a few years after World War II, and I had never heard such things in the Christadelphian religion that had been part of my family for several generations. I listened intently, caught up in his explanations.

It did not take me long to approach Arnold for more information. Looking back, I realize just how tolerant and kind he and his wife, Jean, were to me, an inexperienced 19-year-old. I frequently arrived unannounced and uninvited at their home to talk with them. They put me on the right track and helped me sort out the conflict of standards and morals that was swirling through my young mind. Ten months after that initial experience by the roadside fire, I was baptized on October 22, 1950, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and became associated with the Willowdale Congregation in North York, now part of Toronto.

Moving

AheadWithFellowWorshipers

Life at home became increasingly tense when my father realized that I was determined to pursue my newfound faith. Dad had recently been the victim of a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver and thus was often not the most agreeable person. Life was difficult for Mom, my two brothers, and my two sisters. The tension over Bible truth escalated. So it seemed prudent to me that I leave home for the sake of peace with my parents and to establish myself in "the way of the truth."—2 Peter 2:2.

By the late summer of 1951, I settled into a little congregation in Coleman, Alberta. Two young men, Ross Hunt and Keith Robbins, were there, busy in full-time public preaching, known as regular pioneering. They helped to direct me toward that same volunteer ministry. On March 1, 1952, I joined the ranks of regular pioneer ministers.

I remember with fondness the encouragement I received. I had a great deal to learn, and here was my proving ground. Later, after spending about a year in pioneer service with the Lethbridge Congregation, Alberta, I received an unexpected invitation to serve as a traveling overseer. I was to serve the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses scattered along the east coast of Canada from Moncton, New Brunswick, to Gaspé, Quebec.

At only 24 years of age and relatively new in the truth, I felt very inadequate, especially compared with the mature Witnesses I was to serve. I put forth a sincere effort in the next several months. Then came another surprise.

Gilead

SchoolandOfftotheGoldCoast

In September 1955, I was invited to join about a hundred other students for the 26th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in South Lansing, New York. Five months of intensive training and study were exactly what I needed. My enthusiasm was fortified by being with such a highly motivated group. During this time, there was another development that has enriched my life to this day.

There was a certain young sister, Aileen Stubbs, among the students preparing for missionary activity. What I saw in Aileen was a certain stability, a no-nonsense practicalness, and a modest, cheerful disposition. I guess I frightened her when I clumsily declared my intentions. However, she did not run! By mutual agreement, Aileen would go to her missionary assignment in Costa Rica and I to mine in the Gold Coast (now Ghana), West Africa.

One morning in May 1956, I found myself in Brother Nathan Knorr’s tenth-floor office in Brooklyn, New York. He was then president of the Watch Tower Society. I was being assigned as branch servant to supervise the preaching work in the Gold Coast, Togoland (now Togo), Ivory Coast (now Côte d’Ivoire), Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), and The Gambia.

I remember Brother Knorr’s words as if spoken only yesterday. "You don’t have to take over right away," he said. "Take your time; learn from the experienced brothers there. Then when you feel ready, you should begin to serve as the branch servant. . . . Here is your letter of appointment. Seven days from the time you arrive, you should take over."‘Justsevendays,’ I thought. ‘Whatever happened to "takeyourtime"?’ I left that interview stunned.

The next few days passed in a blur. All too soon I was standing at the rail of a freighter, sailing along the East River past the Society’s Brooklyn offices, beginning a 21-day ocean voyage to the Gold Coast.

Aileen and I kept the overseas mail services busy. We met again in 1958 and were married on August 23 of that year. I never fail to thank Jehovah for such a splendid partner.

For 19 years, I appreciated the privilege of serving alongside fellow missionaries and my African brothers and sisters at the Society’s branch office. The Bethel family grew from just a handful to about 25 during that period. Those were challenging, eventful, and productive days for us. I must be candid, though. Personally, I found the hot, humid climate a particular challenge. It seemed that I was always perspiring, always clammy, and at times, irritable. Nevertheless, it was a real joy to serve, as our numbers in Ghana grew from just over 6,000 Kingdom publishers in 1956 to 21,000 in 1975. And it is doubly gratifying to see over 60,000 busy Witnesses there now.

"Tomorrow"WeDidNotAnticipate

About 1970, I began to experience a health problem that proved very difficult to identify. I had complete medical examinations, only to be told that I was "in good health." Then why did I always feel so unwell, so fatigued, so restless? Two things provided an answer, and they came as a shock. Indeed, as James wrote: "You do not know what your life will be tomorrow."—James 4:14.

The first clue was the experience with the young man I witnessed to while giving him a ride into town. Little did I realize that I was babbling on and on, talking faster and more intensely with each passing moment. When we reached this young man’s destination, I was taken aback when he leaped out of the truck and took off running. Most Ghanaians are by nature an unruffled, calm lot, able to take almost anything in stride. His reaction just did not fit the picture. I sat there pondering. I realized I had a problem. Just what, I did not know. But I definitely had a problem.

Second, after one particularly soul-searching discussion, Aileen suggested: "Well, if this problem is not physical, then it has to be mental." So I carefully wrote down all my symptoms and went to a psychiatrist. When I read off my list, his reply was: "This is a classic case. You are suffering from manic-depressive psychosis."

I was dumbstruck! There was a continual downward spiral as I endeavored to struggle on for the next couple of years. I kept searching for a solution. But no one really knew what to do. What a frustrating struggle it proved to be!

It had always been our intention to hold on to the privilege of full-time service as our vocation in life, and there was so much that needed to be done. I offered many a heartfelt and fervent prayer: "Jehovah, if you will, I ‘shall live and also do this.’" (James 4:15) But it was not to be. So, facing reality, we arranged to leave Ghana and our many close friends and return to Canada in June 1975.

Jehovah

RendersAidThroughHisPeople

I soon learned that I was not indispensable, nor was my problem unique. The words of 1 Peter 5:9 came home to me: "[Know] that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world." Having grasped this, I began to discern how Jehovah did, indeed, support both of us in spite of this unwelcome change. How beautifully the ‘association of brothers’ came to our aid in a multitude of ways!

Although we did not have much materially, Jehovah did not abandon us. He moved our friends in Ghana to come to our aid materially and otherwise. With profound mixed emotions, we took our leave of those we had grown so fond of and turned to deal with this unexpected "tomorrow."

We were kindly taken in by Aileen’s sister, Lenora, and her husband, Alvin Friesen, who generously provided for our needs over a number of months. A prominent psychiatrist made the confident prediction: "You will be back on your feet in six months." Perhaps that was said to instill confidence in me, but the prediction was not fulfilled even after six years. To this day, I cope with what is now politely referred to as bipolar mood disorder. A gentler name to be sure, but as those who suffer from it well know, a kinder name does not in any way ease the overwhelming symptoms of the disease.

By that time, Brother Knorr was already suffering from an illness that eventually led to his death in June of 1977. Even so, he found the time and energy to write me long, encouraging letters with words of comfort and counsel. I still treasure those letters. His words did much to quell the unreasonable feelings of failure that kept surfacing.

At the end of 1975, we had to relinquish our precious full-time service privileges and concentrate on stabilizing my health. Ordinary daylight hurt my eyes. Sudden sharp sounds reverberated like rifle shots. The milling of crowds overwhelmed me. It was a real struggle just to attend Christian meetings. Nevertheless, I was absolutely convinced of the value of spiritual association. To cope, I usually entered the Kingdom Hall after the crowd settled down and left just before it began to stir at the end of the program.

Sharing in the public ministry presented another great challenge. Sometimes, even after arriving at a house, I simply could not bring myself to the point of ringing the doorbell. I would not quit, however, because I realized that our ministry means salvation to ourselves and to any who respond favorably. (1 Timothy 4:16) After a while, I would be able to bring my emotions under control, go to the next door, and try again. By continuing to share in the ministry, I maintained reasonable spiritual health, and that increased my ability to cope.

Because of the chronic nature of bipolar mood disorder, I have come to realize that this disease will most likely be a fixture in my life during this present system of things. In 1981 an excellent series of articles appeared in Awake! By means of them, I began to comprehend better the nature of this illness and to learn more effective techniques for coping with it.

Learning

toCope

All of this has not been without sacrifice and adjustment on my wife’s part. If you are a caregiver in similar circumstances, you will likely appreciate her observations:

"A mood disorder appears to bring about an abrupt change in personality. Within a few hours, the sufferer can go from being a lively, encouraging individual with innovative plans and ideas to being an exhausted, negative, even angry, person. If not recognized as an illness, it could provoke in others feelings of exasperation and bewilderment. Obviously, plans have to be altered quickly, and a personal fight against feelings of disappointment or rejection begins."

As for me, when I feel extraordinarily well, I become apprehensive. I instinctively know that what follows a "high" is a plunge to a moody "low." In my case, "low" is preferable to a "high" because the low usually immobilizes me for a number of days, and I am not likely to get involved in anything unbalanced. Aileen helps greatly by warning me of being overstimulated and by comforting and supporting me when a dark mood overwhelms me.

There is a very real danger of becoming self-absorbed to the exclusion of all else when the disease is most active. One can completely shut everyone out when in a depressed mood or fail to be aware of the feelings and reactions of others during a manic episode. In the past, it was difficult for me to accept the evidence of my mental and emotional problem. I have had to battle with thinking that something external, such as a failed project or another person, was the problem. Time and again, I have had to remind myself, ‘Nothing has changed around me. The problem is internal, not external.’ Gradually, my thinking has become adjusted.

Over the years, both of us have learned to be open and honest with ourselves and others about my condition. We endeavor to maintain an optimistic attitude and not permit the disease to dominate our lives.

Better"Tomorrow"

Through fervent prayers and many struggles, we have benefited from Jehovah’s blessing and support. Both of us are now in our senior years. I am under regular medical supervision with a moderate but constant amount of medication, and I remain reasonably stable in health. We appreciate any privileges of service we can have. I continue to serve as a congregation elder. We always try to be supportive of others in the faith.

True, as James 4:14 says: "You do not know what your life will be tomorrow." That will be so as long as this system of things continues to exist. However, the words of James 1:12 also ring true: "Happy is the man that keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving him." May all of us stand firm today and realize the blessings Jehovah holds out for tomorrow.

[Footnote]

See the articles "You Can Cope With Life," in the August 8, 1981, issue of Awake!; "How You Can Fight Depression," in the September 8, 1981, issue; and "Attacking Major Depression," in the October 22, 1981, issue.

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Seeking solitude in my art studio

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With my wife, Aileen

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At the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly held in Tema, Ghana, in 1963

JW Literature References on psychotherapy (or WT CDROM source?)

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What-A-Coincidence

blondie

bigmouth

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