People, changes, and antidepressants

People are great.  People can also drive you crazy, make you frustrated, run you late, make more work for you, and hurt you...bad.  People....they're the worst.  Or they? Relationships are hard because...let's face it, they are with people. Someone with a different mind and personality can throw a wrench in to a perfectly good thing...at least in your mind.

What happens when people change?  I'm not talking about the change from young to old or fat to thin.  I'm not even talking about the change from year to year with maturity.  I'm talking about, what seems like, core change in their soul.  Change is good. To learn and grow is what happens in life but what happens when the core soul of a person seems to look like it has shifted.  What, then, is a person to do in the relationship?  Give up...not a chance. Pray....yes. Worry...sinful but yes. What if there is a Christian woman who has always had an anger issue but has kept it under control with leaning on God for strength...What if that lady stopped leaning on God?  How different would she be?  What if there were a Christian man who went to work each day and kept the world's words and thinking out of his mind only through the power of the Holy Spirit but then stopped listening? How would his outlook on life be?  What do you do when the person you are in love with is doing or going through a change like this.  I'm asking because I have ideas but sometimes feel at a lost. 

I myself have someone in my life that I cherish and love that has changed.  I pray this persons takes the blinders off and refocuses.  My fear is that this time...yes this is not my first rodeo with this person losing the path's direction...but this time my someone needs more help then just a refocus.  When you're the "other" person there is a time when you have to lay it down and say no more.  No more treating me or the people around you poorly, no more poor example of a human being, no more.  This moment is usually not fun but it is essential.  Essential for you to not let it continue and essential to spark a refocus.  

What about medication?  My natural reaction to anything to do with "poppin'" pills is a resounding no.  I don't think medication is always the answer. With that said, there are times when all the refocusing and breathing in the world can only get you so far.  I would not say to take something at the first sign of anger but if there is a lifetime of struggle and the struggle seems to be winning then I agree...shout it from the roof tops.  Getting someone you love to consider medication to help them stay calm is a tricky subject and needs to be thought through and done with love.  I know people whom have said that they fought the idea of medicating themselves but then finally tried them; only to discover, at the very least, life more enjoyable.  They usually say they wish they had taken them sooner.  My own pastor has told his congregation that he has struggled with these issues and takes medication to help him stay calm.  He has admitted that at times he tries to go off them but the people around him soon wonder..."Has he taken his meds today?"  He has spoken on the peace he has found with staying on them.  What I'm told is that they help level out the chemicals in your brain that might be out of whack. Sometimes your chemical levels in your brain are way out of whack because of stress (usually because of stress) and needs something to level them out.  It's okay to need some help.  It's okay.  It doesn't make you or the person you love any less of a person or weak in anyway.  In my opinion, it is when you need it and don't take something to help you that makes you weak. 

The other side of the coin...when you are the recipient of this type of change it hurts.  You wonder why you seem not to be able to breathe very well.  You wonder why your chest feels tight and hurts...You might even wonder if you're having a heart attack at times. You feel drained emotionally yet you have to be there emotionally for those who need you. You wonder...can I keep up without giving up. You worry about the people excluding you that this person is hurting.  Sometimes you get lost in wonder, like your mind is swimming with questions, worry, concern, anger, bitterness, self pity, sadness. "Are you good enough?" might be something you asked yourself.  Good enough to change back.  Good enough to be kind to.  Are you good enough?  I encourage you to erase that question out of your mind.  You are God's child. You ARE good enough.  Your are great.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Lean on God for strength because He is there for you...He has always been and will always be.

Unwind moment...this one is a hard one for me because my heart is saddened but I do have something.  If this is you today.  If you are the"other side of the coin" and hurting your unwind should be...without a question..take it to the cross.  You will find peace in Our Father.  If you are the "changed" one, I would say also to take it to the cross and then go and make peace.  Maybe even resolve to medication for help.