Psychiatric disorders

This week,I began training on a psychiatric ward with one of my professors for a month.Week one was really interesting but more eye-opening.Due to the fact that I had moments of depression growing up,I am very compassionate towards those who are diagnosed with mental disorders.

Depression can affect anyone at any point in life.There are many factors that can cause depression but according to experts and scientists,there is a chemical imbalance in the brain.The chemicals that are imbalanced are called neurotransmitters (NTs).The main types of NTs involved in depression are norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA).Genetics also plays a role in these disorders.I know your brain probably hurts from all the terminology but understanding the cause of a problem can actually help fix the problem.

I believe that I’m being trained on a psychiatric ward to expand my knowledge as an intern pharmacist but to also be a blessing.The interesting thing about the psych patients I have met thus far is that most of them look normal.Psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and substance abuse are not detectable to the naked eyes.We all know people who are hurting inside but they are smiling on the outside. So people need to be diagnosed by psychiatrists because if left untreated, death can occur.

Thursday, a well-known music producer/manager by the name of Darrel Lighty (aka Chris Lighty) killed himself after an altercation with his wife according to New York’s daily news.This, shortly after 68 year-old film director Tony Scott committed suicide last week Sunday.There are more stories of suicide but I want you to recognize that mental disorders can overtake anyone who does not seek medical attention.My heart goes out to the families especially the children involved. More and more teenagers are being affected by mental disorders and this hurts my heart.

My goal is to bring awareness to the silent but yet-loud thoughts in our minds that we encounter in the midst of painful situations.We live in a society where sharing weaknesses brings shame, ridicule and embarrassment.I want to let you know that if you feel hopeless,defeated or having thoughts of suicide, it is OKAY to cry out for help.This does not mean that you are weak.Confessing your weakness according to the bible actually makes YOU strong.

While interacting with bipolar and depressed patients who self mutilate themselves to escape pain, I have come to realize that committing suicide is a selfish act. Why is it selfish? It is selfish because there are people who are counting on us to live because our presence means something to them whether we believe it or not. Then there are people who do not have family or friends around but God did not create anyone out of purpose.Everyone on this earth has a purpose.

The advancements in science as it relates to treating mental disorders have come a long way.There are a lot of patients who are being treated professionally and their lives are improving significantly. It may take some time before you can get back to living normally again, but your life is valuable so do NOT give up.

In conclusion,the bible promises us that we will experience trials in this life but please find someone to talk to who will not judge you but help you. It doesn’t matter how old you are (13 or 60 years old), you deserve to live a normal life again. I believe that God can heal your mind and spirit because He loves you. I was fortunate enough to recognize my need for help as a teenager and I reached out for help. However, two years ago I had an anxiety attack and was rushed to the hospital and it has changed my life.I have learned to relax, pray and find ways to release stress and frustration.I hope this post helps you to evaluate your life and save it because you’re worth living.

I know it hurts so bad but trust me there is life- AFTER the pain.

Feel free to comment or send me an email to ladylorneka@gmail.com

Don't judge me

For the past few months, I've been reading and hearing these words everywhere.I am sure you've heard it or maybe you said it yourself.I am guilty and I have a repented heart.But I would like to discuss the root of what I believe is the beginning of destruction even if it's a joke. Jokes,as I am learning are still powerful because they are spoken words and the earth does not know the difference. So we get, what we give out. That's another blog post.

I decided to blog about this because I believe that if we do not get back to loving each other in the ways of God,we will destroy each other out of God.

Before going into detail about why the flesh does not like being judged,let us talk about the human body. The body (flesh) likes to be fed 24 hours a day.As long as it has a feeder,it will accept invitations of pleasure. So, when it comes to feeding the spirit man and not the flesh,a war is created. If you ever notice when you are trying to do something positive that builds your inner man,your flesh gets upset and then you get weak in the process.Your body does not like to be disciplined unless you first condition your mind.

I say all that to say,making statements such as "don't judge me" is not only telling someone to leave you alone, but it is also telling others, "let me do what I want even if it destroys me." This is NOT God's definition of love. In today's society,where a lot of people know it all, wanting to be disciplined or receive correction is not popular. But if we keep asking God to help us be more like Jesus and yet ignore his instructions when it comes through anyone,we will all become the walking "dead."

I understand that no one is perfect and everyone is not qualified to tell you what to do.However,as an adult you must identify folks in your life who love you and can correct you. But if you get to the place where you do not want to be disciplined or when you hear the word of God,you throw a tantrum, please call for help. The reason I say call for help is because the enemy of your soul wants to destroy you, keep you in the dark and harden your heart concerning the things of God.This is a very dangerous place.

Recently,I've been studying the book of Corinthians and it's interesting.When Paul was talking to the people of Corinthians about judging,he was referring to judging believers in the church and not the world.God did not call us to judge unbelievers, but believers of Christ should be able to receive correction based on the bible.It's painful how we all use scriptures and add our twist for convenient pleasure.So anyhow, if believers of Jesus Christ are doing things that are ungodly,we must ask ourselves is there something I'm doing wrong or am I too prideful to confess my need for help?

Pray this prayer: Lord I repent for everything that I have said that was not your will for my life.Help me to be more like Jesus and give me a pliable heart where I can receive correction from you and the Holy Spirit.There are habits I need to change but I don't know how to stop them.Please hear my cry for help and answer me in Jesus name,Amen.

Reality TV or reality?

Two years ago while on a summer break, my cousin asked me one night to come and watch a new show with her in the living room.So ten minutes into the show,I noticed that my spirit began grieving at the consistent use of curse words. I thought to myself, "well I don't curse so this show is NOT going to affect me." I was completely wrong.

The actresses in this show were famous through past relationships and their financial statuses in their community. It's called Reality TV. Time went on every Sunday and I eventually became a fan of this show.I found myself getting upset when I could not watch it. Now after a few episodes something in me asked "what is this doing for you?" I blatantly ignored the voice and carried on entertaining myself as if damage was not occurring.

The idea of being a born-again christian,sitting down watching unmarried people prostitute themselves for money, fame & still call themselves classy is suppose to be convicting enough,for me to turn the "tube" off. Needless to say, I cannot keep ignoring "the voice" which is the Holy Spirit and destroy what God has been repairing all these years- Me. It was exciting getting on social networks ranting & gossiping about the various shows every week. I even began using similar languages expressed in the shows, all for FUN. As the shows progressed, people started realizing that the entertainment was foolishness.

However, as I draw near to God, I have to put away childish behavior.Which means if God doesn't like something according to the word, then I should not like it as well. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."
In other words God is saying, you cannot allow the words & ways of unbelieving Christians to become a lifestyle for you.If God doesn't condone fornication,adultery,fighting,gossip,drunkenness, idolatry and other forms of evil, then I need to renew my mind & stop entertaining others who do.

So this week I've started cutting out the mess of what the world calls entertainment.I'm challenging myself and others to be very cautious as to what is entertaining to us and do some evaluations.I have to now replace the desire to do something that will feed me or not take away from my spirit man.I conclude with this thought someone shared with me.The word enter-tain-ment originally comes from the word "detain or hold".So the idea or substance being viewed "enters" the vessel without them knowing.This my friend is REAL-ity.

I need air

It's 78 degrees here in Nassau & the atmosphere is peaceful.I decided to go running in the afternoon because I missed the sunrise. Nonetheless,I did it.But as I began walking for about 15 mins,I started to expire very heavily. I usually warm up for at least 7 mins but only warmed up for 3 mins today. Problem #1- chose a shortcut when I shouldn't have.

So I began walking and my chest started to get tight and I turned around to see how far my house was so that I could turn back but I had walked too far to return.Problem #2-looking back.As I continued, I literally felt my oxygen level being restored.This was a sign of relief.

I was able to start running and got to the first traffic light without stopping. So I kept running and running until I felt the tightness in my chest. Now when I felt the tightness the second time, it was different because I became thirsty. I didn't have money to buy a bottle of water at the nearest  convenience store.Problem #3-looking at what I don't have.But I was not going to allow my current state to hinder me from taking my hour walk/run.

In life,we all know that there is something we are supposed to do that makes us happy but somehow along the way, our chest gets tight and we need a little bit of water.Ten minutes away from home, God told me that when I run out of air, resources and people to encourage me on this race, I need to call on Him who is the creator of ALL resources. The word of God already tells us that we will encounter struggles, but lacking the ABILITY to deal with added struggles comes from a lack of calling on our heavenly father.

I was encouraged today by the "drop of life" that was given to me. I encourage you to keep walking on your path to YOUR destined purpose in life. You will get tired.You will need to take a break.You will feel as if you're about to collapse.You will want to hit people who may try to get in your way.You will need some "water"- which should be faith.But I beg of you, do NOT give up.If you run out of "air" call on the most resourceful person of all & say to Him " I need air please......help me."

Boy meets world

Thursday evening,I had the chance to talk to an old friend who is- "the man." Continue reading so you can understand why I refer to him as "the man".I am sharing this because I believe that this will help someone understand the role of men as it relates to purpose.

This friend and I spent a few times talking in high school,but aside from having swag,poetic skills as a rap artist and cute,his aura of "acting" like a thug was intimidating.The reason I say that he was acting like a thug is because God gave me an x-ray vision that there was a tender,wounded and intellectual man trapped inside his body.He was not an average guy at all. He wore braided hair for a while and was always prepared to fight if people stepped to him or his bestfriend (now deceased) the wrong way,but in the classroom- a genius. Again, not your average guy.

Twelve years later, that wounded and intellectual young man has been strategically place on the path to SEEK out purpose.He recently celebrated the birth of his beautiful princess and according to him- he will never be or think the same because of this.I had just left work telling God in my car that corporate America only cares about productivity,numbers and not the person behind the productivity. He felt the same way too.So I am on a prayerful quest to find God's purpose for my life.That's another blog.

I will not be able to share all the details about our conversation because you will be reading all night. What amazed me about my friend is how much he has gone through as a young man, but mostly his thirst for a relationship(not religion) with God and vision for his family. As a woman,I often think about why some men toss their penis every chance they get;why they leave their children to fend for themselves or why it's so hard for them to commit to anything. But my friend began to share with me how the absence of his father contributed to his brokenness as a man.After living a life where driving luxury cars,traveling and wearing the best was not an issue- life was not always good.So ladies,we're not the only ones who are dealing with things.Men aren't emotional so we will never "see" the pressures they are faced with day to day.So pray and praise a man who tries to share his life with you but is struggling with communication.

Anyway,I sat in awe as he described the night that he had a gun held in between his eyes and how his baby brother was shot in the leg because the robbers thought that he was a drug dealer.Now I know you're wondering how he was able to live such a lavish life.Well, he comes from a family of hard-working men that believed in providing for generations.His mother, owned a prospering day care center.So he inherited the entrepreneurship spirit and started businesses of his own. He has a love for music but he is still motivated to believe that even out of wed lock, his daughter is NOT a mistake and God will establish him in time.I will also add that he is providing for his girlfriend and making sure she fulfills her dream while God is working on him.Again,he is "the man."

My friend's dad was in and out of his life;married at least 3 times;now separated and is now seeing a woman half his age.For everything that he believes he was suppose to know and develop into as a man, his father did not teach him those things.His father's absence created insurmountable pain for him & his siblings that God is now repairing.Today,my friend has been on a quest for the past two years dissecting the word of God,learning about the kingdom and making sense of what it means to be a father and LEAVE behind a legacy.He now spends long hours being fed at the table of great men such as Dr.Myles Munroe and Dr.Creflo Dollar in his home.

So what am I saying to you? I am a firm believer that a man is the head of a household and a woman's job is to help him with an already-given vision.The reason why the body of Christ is in shambles is because the enemy is on a never-ending quest to steal,kill and destroy the men.From the government,to businesses and ministries, men are the vessels that God uses to maintain structure.But as we watch the news around the world,the majority of men who are alive are not even persuaded to wanna talk about God, much less walk in obedience.I will pray for him as he prepares to sit down and share his heart with his dad.

So if you're a man who is reading this blog,I charge you to find out who you are supposed to be in God,evaluate your past decisions and begin to seek answers.If you're a woman reading this,do the same.But what empowered me while talking to my friend is that there are young men out there who want answers but need guidance.I find it sexy when a man is not intimidated by people because he knows his identity.Finally,I'm reminded of the analogy he gave me of how when a kid is crossing the street, they lift their hand up because they may get hit by a car crossing alone.As a christians,it's time to lift up our hands AGAIN and let God re-define us and show us how to SEEK a life of purpose.I celebrate my friend and other broken men on a quest for purpose because it's only a matter of time before God establishes them

10 Tips to help you while single

Co-worker:"Lorneka,why are you still single?" You're very pretty,educated and you're getting older.

Family-member:"Do you prefer women because so many men hurt you before ?" *shakes my head*

I'm sure these questions sound familiar.My prayer is that,what the Holy spirit gave me,blesses you.It's a challenge to remain pure in a contaminated-world but it is possible for singles to live pure & holy.

Going shopping for Mr.Right-for-you is not God's plan for us as women.So praise God that you are single,going to church and waiting because it could be worse.Find your identity and confidence in Christ and do NOT allow anyone to frustrate you in this season.But here's my question - "do you really know how to identify a Godly-man?" Well,here are some tips to help you while waiting:

1. Desire a man who has character and not just charisma.Charisma will NOT save your soul.

2. Be honest with yourself.Identify your non-negotiables. For example,I need a man who understands tithing because God commands everyone to tithe.This is not open for discussion.

3. Dating or not,make sure the man you want knows how to develop or bring the best out of you.

4. Talk about his family,finances and spiritual life.If you have to make him go to church or pray,the relationship won't last so find the nearest exit and leave.

5. Observe his spiritual life outside of church.Personally,if I am leading prayer all the time or wanting to seek God on issues,this is an unequally yoked relationship.

6. Date yourself.Get your hair done,take a vacation or journal at your favorite restaurant while looking fabulous.Do not wait on a man to enjoy life.Men are impressed by a confident-woman.

7. Pray,study the word & seek healing.Open-wounds from the past can affect other areas of your life.

8. Set BOUNDARIES.Find a mature/accountable sister.For e.g,if you struggle with fornication,opt for group dating or set a curfew should you choose to go on a date with a man.

9. Watch and TEST potential guys.Every guy you meet is not your husband & everyone has motives.
If God did not tell you he is your husband,bring your emotions subject and keep moving.

10. Invest in your PURPOSE.When you get married,your personal dreams become second and your husband/family becomes priority over your social life.Paul talks about this in Corinthians.Don't put off what you can accomplish today.Use this time wisely.

For the past ten years,I've found power in the CROSS & I am happier than ever because I decided to surrender.I love marriage but I will not sit & wallow about what's not happening - YET.Accept where you are & know that "...No good thing shall He (God) withhold from you."(Psalm 84:11)

Cheers to your single & fabulous journey!

Mighty are His works!!!!!!

As a desire to grow in my relationship with God,there are sacrifices that need to be made along the way. My God-mother and I have selected one day out of the week to interceed for others and be renewed.I am a believer that when I take time out for others,God will take care of me.It's important for us as a society to give back and do for others.So along with intercession,there is a scripture that we focus on every week.

So the theme for the day is "What a Mighty God we Serve!
A smile came to my face when I saw the theme.I had to take a minute and really think about how mighty God has been to me in the midst of my recent struggles.I was dismissed early from class and was led to come home before I study and worship, by writing a love letter to my MIGHTY God.

Here is the scripture reference: Psalm77:12 says,  "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” And as I pray today, I will remember what a “Mighty God” we serve.

The part that stuck out to me this morning was....."consider all your works and meditate......." I am going through trials just like you and I had to remind myself of the works He has performed.So I'm encouraging YOU to write out those deeds.To my heavenly Daddy and the world,here are the Mighty deeds that made me grateful and sensitive today.

• I am grateful that I drove to school this morning in a car after my old car's engine blew out on me last week on the highway
• I am grateful that I have some food in my house to eat with less than $10 in my bank account
• I am grateful my dream of becoming a pharmacist is near completion
• I am grateful that my past relationships did not kill me and it was NOT the end of my story
• I am grateful that I am healed & no longer crying in a closet over a broken relationship
• I am grateful the curse of death was broken off of my family.Funerals drained me but I'm well
• I am grateful that when I laugh and smile now,it's not a fake smile.It's real!
• I am grateful that my bills were paid last year and I didn't even have a job.I lived off financial aid and God opened doors
• I am grateful God's plans for me are WAY bigger than what I am seeing now.
• I am sooooo grateful to be loved by a God that loves me despite my attitude and selfishness. I'm  glad that I don't have to buy his love anymore to be accepted.

I AM so grateful right now that there isn't enough space to keep typing them all. But I hope this has blessed you as it is blessing me. As I think about what I am grateful for,it is encouraging me in the Lord and to pray for those who are hurting and forgot how Mighty are His works. I speak life over everyone who falls upon this post.Do as the word says and remind yourself and satan of what God did for YOU in the past because they're TOO mighty to be forgotten. Be blessed