Mental Health for the Christian: Are You Out (In) of Your Mind?

You've have undoubtedly heard the question, "Are you out of your mind?" But have you ever heard the question, "Are you in of your mind?" For those of us who struggle with obsessing minds, we know far too well what it means to be "in of our minds," and not in a good way. If you can identify, the following may prove helpful.

There are any number of diagnoses that involve the experience of excessive rumination or obsession. We immediately think of obsessive-compulsive disorder. On their website, the Mayo Clinic tells us that, "Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress." No kidding! But an article on the bphope website tells us that, "Obsessive thinking is (also) a fairly common but rarely discussed symptom of bipolar disorder." (Robin L. Flannigan) Again, no kidding! At least that is my experience.

I struggle with bipolar disorder (type II) and obsessive thinking is a common experience. Sometimes I get trapped in a maelstrom of bad thoughts from the past. I call these, "if only thoughts." My mind seizes upon a past experience that was painful, or ill-advised, or regretful, or embarrassing--something I wish I could "take back." Round and round the thinking swirls. Sometimes I get trapped in a cyclone of bad thoughts about the future. I call these my "what if thoughts." My mind fixates on something I fear might happen in the future, whether that fear is rational or not. Round and round the thinking swirls.

You will ask, "Is there any remedy for obsessive thinking, an "off ramp" from being trapped in the "in of our mind" roundabout?" I wish I could give you one. But the best I can give you are some "driving tips" that have helped me find my off-ramps. Distraction is my "go to" when struggling with obsessive thoughts. I throw myself into an activity I enjoy, preferably one that captures my attention and draws my mind away from the "bad thought" cycle. Two such activities for me are music and reading. Even now, I am listening to Vagn Holmboe's 4th symphony. Although I don't recommend Holmboe himself (his music is quite modern), listening while writing has kept my mind on task. Right now I am giving serious thought to reading Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (my third time). What better an escape from obsessive thinking than to lose myself in Middle Earth, at least for a while.

But "thought replacement" is probably the best solution I can offer when dealing with obsessive thinking. If we can dislodge the bad thoughts and replace them with better, more healthy thoughts, we will have found that "off ramp" from the incessant roundabout. I have found Scripture memorization and meditation to be helpful, especially something called "block memory." This involves memorizing a block of Scripture rather than just a verse, for example the entire 23rd Psalm. I use all my senses (save for taste) in writing the passage, feeling the pen and paper (notecard) as I write, seeing the passage, saying the passage out loud (as I learn it), and hearing myself saying it. I am reminded of what Paul described as "taking every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (2 Cor 10:5, NKJV) He was referring to aberrant doctrinal thoughts, but the analogy holds. Here's where a little prayer goes a long way. "Lord, help me take those bad thoughts captive to You. Free me from being "in of my mind." Help me focus on You.

Blessings!

The Christian Bipole