Y ou may be like millions of

us who at one time were one

of those people who thought

nothing of speaking their mind.

Not necessarily in a nega-

tive manner as giving

someone a piece of your

mind, ha! But we spoke

according to our feelings.

If we felt sad, we blurted

out to all and sundry we

were feeling blue and so

on. But this is not what

the Bible tells us to do

exactly. Why? Because

our feelings will lie to us.

Yes, our feelings cannot be

relied on. In any given day,

two people might be in the

same place and one person

feels hot whilst the other feels

cold. Not necessarily that

either of them is unwell, but

each has responded to the

elements differently. So who is

right or wrong? Neither. It is

all up to the individual and

what they feel.

So we cannot use our feelings

to just talk anyhow. We must

be disciplined in what we

allow to come out of our

mouths.

Looking at speaking our minds

from another perspec-

tive...We have the mind of

Christ, so speaking our mind

should be a good thing. How-

ever that is for the Christian

that is conscious of their divine

mind who will then only voice

out the thoughts of God.

Many things will contend for

our mind as we learnt in the

last issue, and we must pur-

posely choose the right

thoughts as we established.

Only then can we speak the

right things.

Christianity is often called the

Great Confession. In order to

become a Christian you be-

lieved in your heart and con-

fessed with your mouth that

Jesus was raised from the

dead (Romans 10:9). If our

journey of faith started with

those beautiful words that

came out of your lips, then

similarly we must continue the

journey in like manner.

Confession is from the Greek

word Homologia which

means speaking the same

thing in consent with God.

That is speaking what God

says about us. In other

words, God says we have a

sound mind, so it would be

improper to confess we are

insane, even if we were

feeling we were losing our

marbles!

Diary of a

Sound Mind

Patient

2

The Power of

Confession

cont’d

2

Diary of a

Sound Mind

Patient cont’d

3

Support for

caregivers /

carers cont’d

3

The Power of Confession

Sound Minds

W elcome to a BIGGER,

glorious, packed issue of

SOUND MINDS.

This edition has 2 great new

columns! Sound Minds Q &

A column by Dr. B Xavier,

offers medical/health ad-

vice and wisdom. Dr. Xa-

vier, a Christian doctor will

also answer your medical

and health questions (or

point you in the right direc-

tion!). Send in your ques-

tions via email to:

soundminds@zoeonah.com

Your questions will be

treated in confidence and

anonymously. Answers will

be posted in future editions

of SOUND MINDS. So what

are you waiting for? Get

typing now those ques-

tions…!

Our other column is one

that will touch the hearts of

every reader. Diary of a

Sound Minds Patient, is a

heartfelt chronicle piece

from a recovering mental

health patient. Our diarist

opens their heart and gives

us a window into their jour-

ney of faith to divine men-

tal health. I am sure the

writings in this column will

minister to many of us, as it

did to me. Do give our dia-

rist your support by sending

in your comments to the

same email address above.

As before, we have your

favorite columns. This edi-

tion has an expanded col-

umn on Support for Care-

givers/carers, these won-

derful people who them-

selves need encourage-

ment and care. There is a

special Proclamations for

caregivers/carers too.

As I said, this issue is p-a-c-k-

e-d. So relax and enjoy!

On a final note, no matter

what, remember, God has

given you a sound mind!

Zoe

By Zoe A. Onah

When you talk, the words goes

into your mind. What goes into

your mind, goes to your spirit.

Your spirit can rule your body &

mind. What are you putting in

your spirit?

Volume 1 Issue 3

Inside this issue:

Sound Minds

Medical (Also

Questions and

Answers)

4-5

Sound Mind proc-

lamations for

Caregivers/carers

6

Defying the

Odds—the Book

6

http://www.yookos.com/blogs/

SoundMinds

NEW BLOG

Frame your world with the

right confessions

eventually come out of your mouth.

Every issue in SOUND MINDS, we have a

Proclamations column where you will find

faith-filled words that show you how to

speak and confess God’s Word. They are

not a recital, rather they are power

packed words that will change the course

of your life. Keep saying also the words

that the Holy Spirit lays in your heart, not

those evil (i.e. negative) thoughts that the

devil tries to bring to your mind. Don’t

stop saying those faith filled words. That is

how you confess, speak the same thing in

agreement with God.

When you are faced in any challenge:

1. Rather than keep talking about the

situation, find out what God’s Word

says concerning dealing with it. Exam-

ple, your bank statement is not what

you want, don’t say I

am broke. Find pros-

perity scriptures to

meditate on and

then confess.

2. Get the Word

inside you con-

stantly. Keep hearing the Word of

God. The right words will come out at

the right time.

3. Don’t be a complainer. The children

of Israel did not enter the Promised

Land because of their murmuring and

complaining. Complaining is not the

confession of a Christian who wants to

Confession however is not denial of the

facts. Saying I do not feel a headache

when you do, would make you a liar in

effect and you are not going to get any

better in saying something that is not true.

But choosing to say, ‘By His stripes I am

healed’ changes the focus all together

and sets you on the path to your healing.

God can only work in an environment of

faith. And a faith environment has the

right words. That means therefore we

must ensure we say the right things.

Death and life are in the power of your

tongue. If you don’t like what you have, it

means you must change what you are

saying. Our words can imprison us or set

us free. You are taken as in a net by the

words of your mouth, the sayings of your

lips have overcome you (Proverbs 6:2

BBE).

I once heard about a

young man who died

tragically in an acci-

dent. His grieving fi-

ancé said at his death

that one thing he had

always said all the time

was that he would die young. The power

of words, the power of confession albeit

the wrong words!

This is why it is vitally important that we

must spend time meditating on God’s

word. We have already looked at the

power of meditation in an earlier issue.

What you spend time meditating on, will

The Power of Confessions (Cont’d)

Page 2 Sound Minds

Confession is not denial of the

facts but saying the things

that God says about YOU!

see a change.

4. Angels go to work, are on assignment,

when we speak the right words. Go to

those proclamations and say those

words out loud (not in your heart). Re-

member faith speaks and is not silent.

Jesus could not have been silent in

order to resist temptation in the wilder-

ness. HE SPOKE!

Confession of God’s Word, speaking out

proclamations will help you. Consider this:

What we speak enters our

soul (mind, emotions and intellect).

What is in our soul enters our spirit

Our spirit can gain dominion over our body

and soul.

So fill your spirit with the right things!

The world was created through the spoken

word of God. This world was framed by

words. Frame your world with words. De-

clare them boldly. Creative power resides

inside you. Confession, declaration, proc-

lamation of God’s word is more than just

speaking positively, it is speaking the Word

concerning you.

Brethren, the power to cause that change

is in your lips. Oh no, this is not some magic

formula but a supernatural formula. It is

God’s prescription to change that situa-

tion.

(Read Defying the Odds book for more

teachings on Confessions)

http://twitter.com/

defyingoddsbook

D ear Diary,

‘Mental illness is a ‘DIS ease’ of emo-

tions’.

I decided to start off with that sentence

because I like the sentiment of it, and it

can be comforting to know that the origin

can be located and healed in

our emotions.

Let me tell you a bit about my-

self...

I am a 43 year old professional

diagnosed with bipolar affected

disorder (BAD). I have suffered

with BAD for about 18 years.

However, I am also a born

again Christian who strongly be-

lieves in the power of prayer

and healing in my life. Medi-

cally, I have had relapses, and

currently I have been on medi-

cation for 3 months. However,

through it all I know God is on

the Throne. He has helped me

Diary of a Sound Mind patient

believe in myself when the disease

hits an all time low.

So, you are probably wondering

how do I reconcile the two situa-

tions! Well I remind myself that the

Bible says that I am fearfully and

wonderfully made, and all things

work together for good to them

that love God, and are called ac-

cording to His purpose. Confessing

those words strengthen me and

brings hope.

I have been admitted to mental

hospital wards quite a few times

and I have met individuals who

were suffering with other mental

ailments such as Schizophrenia and

Psychosis, and for whom medical

science say they have no hope. I

have however always been able

to share this hope in Christ with

Diary of a Sound Mind patient (cont’d)

you. He is the all-wise Creator of

the Universe who knows every-

thing. He knows your loved one

more than you. He know you

better than you know yourself.

He may communicate through a

friend, a particular sermon in

church, the Bible, even the birds

singing, a baby crying, etc.

Don’t limit or restrict how He

reaches you. Write down in your

journal those things that made

you feel better ...that song that

ministered to you, that verse that

spoke directly to you. That’s Him

alright speaking to you. Meditate

on these things. He is telling you

something. He is giving you a life-

line. He is giving you hope and

encouragement not to give up.

L ook after yourself. It is vital

that you do. Get rest, exercise

and a proper diet. These re-

charge the batteries and rejuve-

nate you. Go for walks and take

your journal with you. Observe

God’s creation. Observe the

birds of the air and how they

don’t have a care in the world,

yet don’t die of starvation. (Read

and meditate on Luke 12: 24-30).

In other words, purposely decide

to get rid of worry.

G et active in church. Don’t

be a pew-warmer! Activity

in church helps you discover your

gifts and gives you a purpose be-

sides being a caregiver. This can

be a definite help for any feelings

of resentment you may develop

towards your loved one. Be self-

less in your service to God. Re-

member too, what you make

happen for others, God will also

make happen for you. Show love

and don’t become too con-

sumed with your challenges.

God is a rewarder of them that

diligently seek Him (Hebrews

11:6). He will never forget you...

Right here on earth, not when

you get to heaven, you will start

to reap those benefits. So let's

not get tired of doing what is

good. At just the right time we will

reap a harvest of blessing if we

don't give up (Galations 6:9 NLT)!

Refuse to give up.

God bless you special people!

Read Defying the Odds book for

more on support for caregivers/

carers)

L ooking after the mentally ill

can be draining and lonely

at times. You feel periods

of burnout and even compassion

fatigue. You may even feel you

are losing your mind too. Feeling

a sense of loss, embarrassment,

disappointment, resentment or

shame are also common.

At times like these, first recognise

that you are NEVER alone even if

you have no other physical pres-

ence around you at a given

time.

L earn to fellowship with the

Holy Spirit. Never suffer in si-

lence. You have the Holy Spirit

day and night, who is there for

you no matter what. Buy good

Christian resources that teach

about the Holy Spirit. Get to know

Him personally for yourself and

become fully acquainted with

Him. He will help you at anytime,

anywhere, in any circumstance.

Learn to talk to the Holy Spirit.

You can tell Him how you feel

instead of keeping it bottled in.

Remember He is your Friend and

will not condemn you.

Keep a diary/journal with you be-

cause as you get to know Him

more, you WILL learn to recog-

nise when He speaks. He will be-

gin to show you things, I promise

Support for Caregivers/Carers—those who care for the mentally ill

Page 3 Sound Minds

them. I encourage you to have

hope in Christ!

Till next time,

Sound Mind patient

(Feel free to share your experiences

with Sound Mind patient , and so

build up one another in prayer and

support, and give God the glory.

Send your comments, questions,

etc: soundminds@zoeonah.com)

Drugs used to treat mind disorders

are medically called antipsychot-

ics and often work by affecting

the interplay of these molecules,

although the exact mechanisms

are not well understood. The two

most important small molecules

known to affect mood are called

dopamine and acetylcholine.

They have opposing effects. In

the same manner that our blood

sugar is kept within safe levels by

the body, failure of which caus-

ing diabetes, abnormal levels of

these molecules cause mood ab-

normalities. Adding to the com-

plexity is the fact that different

levels are

needed in differ-

ent parts of the

brain. The pres-

ence of too

much or too little

of these impor-

tant molecules

causes malfunction which will ei-

ther show up immediately or after

a variable length of time.

Antipsychotics are administered

to temper and subdue the abnor-

mal functions that result from ir-

regular levels of these brain

chemicals. Unfortunately, it is not

yet possible to measure accu-

rately and as-

sess the neces-

sary dose for

each individual

because they

also vary throughout the day and

night. This inability to mimic bod-

Q uestion:

I am on antipsychotics and

have been for a number of

months. I hate the side effects. I

feel well within myself. Can I

come off it? My doctor is not

happy about me coming off

medication.

A nswer:

FAITH SUBSTITUTE FOR ANTI-

PSYCHOTIC DRUGS

The brain is made up of cells that

communicate with each other

and work together by releasing

small molecules

called neurotrans-

mitters (or nerve

transmitters).

These small mole-

cules are responsi-

ble for coordinat-

ing activity within

the nervous system, or the brain,

spinal cord and associated

nerves. This activity results in

thoughts, learning and physical

movement. The levels of these

small molecules vary depending

on location, activity and even

between persons. By and large

the levels of some specific ones in

the brain will affect mood. Some

will excite and uplift whilst others

will dampen and result in a de-

pression. The human body espe-

cially the nervous system is a

finely controlled environment.

Only tiny changes are needed to

have effect.

Sound Minds Q & A From Dr. B. Xavier

Page 4 Sound Minds

Send your questions, comments, etc to

Dr Xavier on soundminds@zoeonah.com

ily needs accurately, is one of

the causes of side effects, or

unpleasant reactions from using

the drugs. For persons on medi-

cation these may range from

abnormal movements, sexual

dysfunctions and personality

changes. Many often feel

drugged and sluggish or experi-

ence a fuzziness of thoughts

whenever on treatment. These

side effects arise in a significant

number of persons, but how-

ever the highs or ‘manic’

phases and the downs or

‘depressions’ are usually sup-

pressed, hence treatment is

continued.

The question that arises is how

to reduce dependency of such

medication.

Firstly, it begins by accepting

that there is a malfunction in

one's brain and the

realisation that

such is not a sen-

tence but rather a

challenge to be

overcome.

(...cont’d on page 5)

Antipsychotics are

administered to temper and

subdue the abnormal functions

that result from irregular

levels of certain brain

chemicals

Prepare spiritual substitute for

antipsychotic drugs!

heals all. Prepare spiritual substi-

tute for drugs.

One must build an effective foun-

dation and management

method and also ensure that it is

well practiced before starting to

withdraw medication. The

moods that result may be man-

aged through

exercise, going

for walks, medita-

tion and prayer,

pursuing a hobby,

and of course

having family and

friends about. Thus, one should

firstly build themselves up in their

faith, before substituting the drugs

for faith. Again the process must

be gradual. ‘Despise not humble

beginnings’ (Zechariah 4:10).

It is often

helpful to

ensure

that one is

sur-

rounded

by a good

support network of persons who

know you well and can notice

unusual changes. Also amongst

these must be people who re-

Many a time, sudden cessation of

these drugs brings withdrawal

effects which can be equally un-

pleasant. Avoidance of known

trigger factors, if any, as soon as

they are identified, is useful. How-

ever, this should never be an ex-

cuse for unnecessary anxiety or

phobias in the persons affected

or their families and carers.

One must develop effective cop-

ing strategies before embarking

on reducing doses. It is always

advisable to signal your intention

to your doctor, and they should

still continue to offer you what-

ever support they can. It is com-

mon to experience some with-

drawal symptoms and these

need to be understood and pre-

empted. There must be a plan

which is followed rather than ad

hoc decision making.

A good approach solution is to

manage reduction

of drug depend-

ence the same

way alcoholics

and drug addicts

are managed.

That is, to gradually

withdraw whilst substituting with a

better tolerated substitute. For a

Christian, the Bible tells us the

God's Word is medicine and

Sound Minds Q & A From Dr. B. Xavier cont’d

Page 5 Sound Minds

mind you and help you build

your faith. One should be well

prepared to return to the origi-

nal drug doses if the reductions

are poorly tolerated. As your

faith grows, with it will be the

ability to cope. Needing to re-

sume normal drug therapy is

not a sign of failure but rather

an indication that one's faith

needs to be further built up.

There should be no shame re-

garding this.

It is possible that some may al-

ways need some form of medi-

cation whilst others succeed in

getting off the

medication

completely.

Whilst the ideal

is complete ces-

sation, carers

must also work

with the persons in front of

them, and desist from applying

too much pressure.

A useful way to look at it is to

think of friends taking a walk.

There is no need to rush when

you have so much to talk about

and share. It is important to

recognize and celebrate mile-

stones in improvement. The Bi-

ble tells us to acknowledge

every good thing. (Phil 1:6)!

Every step is a victorious step!

God bless you,

Dr B. Xavier

Many a time, sudden

cessation of these drugs

brings withdrawal effects

which can be equally

unpleasant.

The moods that result when

withdrawing medication may be

managed through exercise, going

for walks, meditation and prayer,

pursuing a hobby, and of course

having family and friends about.

Needing to resume normal

drug therapy is not a sign of

failure but rather an indication

that one's faith needs to be

further built up. There should

be no shame regarding this.

I refuse to worry. I refuse to

fear. I disable anxious

thoughts. I purposely choose

the right thoughts, the thoughts of

God. I speak the Word of God

which is wisdom in every situation I

am in, or every situation I come

against. I speak the same words as

God concerning *my-loved-one.

*My-loved-one is who God says

he/she is.

I am continually strengthened in

my inner man. The Lord perfects all

that concerns *my-loved-one and

all that concerns me. We enjoy

perfect peace, the Peace of God

that passes understanding. When I

lay down to sleep, my sleep is

sweet because My Shepherd

watches over me. I don’t have

disturbed sleep or nightmares. In-

stead my reins (my spirit) instruct

me in the night (Psalm 16:7). I am

praising my way to victory.

*Insert name of loved one here.

More proclamations can be found

in Defying the Odds book

Sound Minds Proclamations for Caregivers/Carers

T he world can seem harsh and

unsympathetic when it comes

to mental illness. But the good

news is that God is not! Medical

science does its best. However,

that best is not good enough for

one wishing to live totally free of

mental sickness and its cruel stig-

mas.

Few Christian messages directly

address the subject, books on

healing being no exception.

Whether your challenge is men-

tal, physical, financial, or mar-

riage, illness; this powerful book

has a message for you.

In her story, the author candidly

unveils the twists and turns in her

valleys, mountains, journey of

faith, drawing on personal, first-

hand experiences with her hus-

band Eze, who was diagnosed

with mental illness for eighteen

years.

You will discover:

how not to give up on God

even when stubborn cir-

cumstances prevail

Page 6 Sound Minds

Defying the Odds—the book

how to deal with stigmas

how to stand firm when

things get worse

the importance of testimo-

nies

hope for those who care for

the mentally ill

man s impossibility is God's

possibility

confessions or prayers at the

end of every chapter - ...and

much more.

God can re-write your story as he

did with Eze. Eze won the battle

and enjoys life in its fullness, free

from mental illness and medication

and with a clean bill of health.

It is YOUR time, YOUR season to

defy the odds.

With God, NOTHING is

impossible!

Remember to visit www.zoeonah.com

Available on Amazon and

also bookstores.

Also available on Amazon Kindle.

Zoe A. Onah Author of Defying the Odds