My seven year old is being attacked by the devil in her mind

Carla - posted on 10/18/2012

We took our 6 and 5 y/o grandchildren to the pumpkin patch yesterday. Our granddaughter, 5, and I got tired, so 'Papa' and our grandson went ahead to see if they could find a quick way out. We sat for a minute, then Faith went to see if they made progress. They had rounded a turn, and she couldn't see them. She came running to me, and the more she ran, the more crumpled her little face got. She was fine when Papa and her brother were beside us, but as soon as her security was out of sight, she got scared. I kept reassuring her that Papa would be back, and she sat on my lap til they came back.



Little children NEED to be comforted and reassured. Their worlds revolve around their caretakers. If they are frightened, all sorts of images spring into their minds. It is up to us to reassure them and let them know Jesus is standing beside us, holding our hands.



We have become so accustomed to running to the Dr and accepting whatever medications they offer that we have forgotten our God is standing beside us, waiting to reassure and strengthen us. Might she need medication? Maybe. But I believe all aspects of the problem need to be addressed before reaching for a magic pill.



Pray for your children. Give them the most secure, Godly atmosphere you can. Help them understand life. Talk to them about events that happen that could be scary. Remember how, when we were kids, we sometimes had irrational fears. Moses said in Deuteronomy 'teach your children when you are walking in the way, when you lie down at night, and when you rise in the morning'. Invest the time in your child, time and communication is what they want and need.



God bless, all

Dove - posted on 10/17/2012

If someone breaks a leg.... do they just pray for it to heal... or do they go to the doctor, get a cast, AND pray. How about cancer? Do you just pray... or do you do chemo, radiation, and prayer?



Mental illness is no different. It is real and it needs treated. That doesn't always mean meds (though sometimes it does), but it most certainly DOES need treated somehow.



And yes, I know there are people who HAVE been cured of illness and disease on prayer alone, but how many more have been cured because of medical intervention... and how many have died without medical intervention?



Just a few words for thought that I've been compelled to share because of MY personal 'journey' with mental and physical illnesses... which are constantly ongoing. :)

Delores - posted on 10/17/2012

Hello my sister, first of all I commend you for taking a stand trusting and believing in the all mighty God. I touch and agree with you that God will heal her mind in the name of Jesus, and in the name of Jesus Christ Satan has to free her mind. And then I would like to encourage you to continue to hold on to God's unchanging hand, yes it is true we have doctor's, psychiatrists, and therapist, and all kinds of medications are available. However, the Word of God says that we are healed with Jesus stripes. it is time for the true men and women of God to stand up and put our faith in God, so I encourage you to monitor what she hears and watches on T.V. And consider and be cautious of everyone she spends time with, and believe it or not you must be careful with what entertains her to include her toys (video games, etc...) When she goes to bed allow soft worship music in her room and talk and pray with her. We must believe the report of the Lord. God bless you and don't be afraid! God is with you.

Stephanie - posted on 10/16/2012

Do not think that medical help is not trusting God. God gave us drs and with prayer they can help her. It might take some time and hard efert to find out what is going on. And it might be a great deal of help talking to Your church and maybe asking for an anointment of oil to bless her(it is biblical and i once had it done to me.. long story) Help her learn to pray when she feels so over welmed it might help her to know that she can even rant to God(He is always willing to hear our hearts crys) .. i so hope she finds help and consolment. The Evil one is only happy when we suffer; lets show him we can praise God in the mist of it.

Cyndel - posted on 10/15/2012

Have her evaluated...it doesn't sound like demon possession or attack.

It sounds like true mental issues that need to be addressed NOW.

If she is thinking of or trying to self hurt then you need to get to her PCP and get a referral to the kind of doctor she needs. She may have severe depression on top of whatever else is going on.

Julie - posted on 10/15/2012

Hi there, I am late in responding and have not read others comments but this sounds like a mental disorder called obsessive compulsive behavior (OCD). I am not a doctor, but do highly recommend you take your daughter to see a Christian Child Psychologist for a full evaluation and treatment. These disorders are common, and can be treated with therapy and medication if needed. However, if not done so with a trained professional, these disorders can get progressively worse. Loss of ability to function not only in society, but even at home with daily activities. I will continue to pray for healing and peace and guidance for you and your little girl. God Bless

Carla - posted on 10/14/2012

Margaret, looking at what the internet says about acupuncture, it is based on the Chinese theory that the body's electrical functions can be channeled or modified. The claims are anything from asthma to OCD, ADHD, psychosomatic, emotional, arthritis, in short, almost everything. But I bring your attention back to this is a Chinese THEORY.



So, again, I would say be terribly careful, everyone who would count on this as a cure-all. We are to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.



God bless, all

Margaret - posted on 10/14/2012

My point is that there are a half dozen at least answers for your daughter. I will give you one more example. My son is showing signs of his dad's seizure disorder, he walks in his sleep, he has anger outbursts than in any other kid would scare me. He wants to be a pastor, has had a call on his life from a young age to be a pastor, has had the vision renewed in worship this very year, and has a desire for witness. He is a Christian. So how do I account for his anger bouts, which are very very very serious--he can growl at his siblings, defy me, and all for what? I know stress is part of it, his dad is off medications he has to have for normal brain functio as the temporal lobe epilepsy, a genetic condition his dad died of, has left the temporal lobe of his brain under-suppled with blood chronically and makes him very very distant and angry seeming and not very wise in salvation or in Christ-centeredness. On meds he's very kind, loving, humble, and apologetic, a good dad even--it's a lack of dopamine, and other neuro-transmitters as well as just general activity in that part of his brain due to the lowered blood supply seen on a SPECT scan. However, my son is not just stressed out! He is a loving kid, he gives me hugs, he is a conscience-stricken kid, and very obedient in other ways, and fun to boot. So what is it?



I believe it is the seizure issue, and I'm treating it by getting him a brain scan in a week, keeping him off wheat and dairy which makes a HUGE difference, and getting him periodic acupuncture treatments, which help us all calm down, from a Christian chiropractor and acunpuncture specialist. This just adds electricity into his body, and makes him feel more peppy and rested. Our kids need physical nurture, however it feels comfortable to us spiritually and viable economically. In our case, a Christian acupuncturist is helping my son relax, food allergy avoidance is minimizing outbursts, and a brain scan will show if medicaion is needed. The thing about brain issues is that they do progress, and even an anti-depressant can cut down on the liklihood of alzheimer's later on. In my husband's disease, he needs meds to prevent a worsening. His dad died of paralysis from this eventually, so I hope he admits his need and gets back on the meds he's off of, now currently only on epilepsy medication, but needs a boost for the temporal lobe in anti-depressant help. This aids in production of neuro-transmitters he lacks, and help the hormone levels as well since he has almost no hormone production from the epilepsy.



We need to be wiser as Christians in the function of the brain, as so many toxicities in our world and on our planet are wrecking kids' lives. Think of all the kids with autism, ADHD, ADD, depression, suicidal depression, etc. It's not just spiritual, it's also an outflow of our materialistic life, that has wrecked our environment, genetically modified our food for higher production and consumption, etc. We have to be wise unto salvation, and this includes protecting our kids and diagnosing them as they are the canaries in the coal mine, more sensitive and more exposed than ever to this toxic planet, not just on the spiritual plane in terms of spiritual warfare and bombardment with sin and saturated with media, but on the physical, eating toxic foods, drinking toxic water, breathing toxic fumes. Protect them and we have really encouraged salvation and hope in Jesus in their lives. In Jesus, MB

Margaret - posted on 10/14/2012

Here's the thing, our kids can have a demonic attack, I had one when I was a little little girl, but it piggy backed on a physical issue. I had a medication called Phenergan they now know is a risk for SIDS, and don't ever give to kids, it caused seizures in the night, and I was convinced at AGE 3 that I had committed unforgiveable sin, and didn't know what it was. That was a lie if ever there was one :) I didn't have any unforgiveable sin, we none of us do unless persistently against Holy Spirit, but that would be nuts. I had an image of the devil getting me every night until I got a night light and had some healing in Jesus as a light represented HIM to me. Turns out, over the last forty years, I've realized I have food allergies, asthma, obsessive compulsive symptoms with food allergies, low thyroid, low adrenal, and these all go with seizure disorders. The first thing to do for your daughter, along with the healing prayer, and prayer in the Name of Jesus that His Presence will just bathe her in His light, which HE WILL DO if we ask HIM "Whatever you ask, in my Name, I will do it!" John 11-14 ff. is to get her the physical help she needs. Ideas would include a psychiatrist for Obsessive-Compulsive medication, which although not a permanent solution, would help her get some immediate relief, and then you could tackle the underlying issues. These are complex, and could be seizure related, as a SPECT scan through one of the Dr. Amen doctors (check on-line) could help you with which would reveal what's going on in the brain. Other more natural options would include the GAPS diet for brain health, again look at You-tube for this. Basically a low-carbs, high fat, high probiotics diet which helps. Grains can cause OCD symptoms (many think the Salem Witch trials could have been averted with better grains, fermented rye was a problem there many think) wheat allergy in particular causes seizure symptoms, OCD, behavior issues, etc. I have this in spades, with Wheat and Eggs in particular! For years I struggled under the radar with OCD, then found out highly allergic to wheat and especially eggs! Food elimination diet would help too. There's a youtube video on kids with food allergies with Doris Rapp, an expert in this field, and Phil Donahue, which shoes kids having reactions, and it's totally eye-opening. My kids who were born c-section all have it, and there's quite a growing body of evidence and kids galore to prove that food allergies, and a lack of probiotics in infancy, can lead to food allergies and behavior issues. My kids with the c/sections have a ton of allergies and behavior issues, and that is a sterile birth environment in which there is no pro-biotic base for the baby beyond nursing. Anyway, these are all avenues of help in addition to basic medications solutions. The thing is, satan will piggyback on our physical weakness. My brother, a prominent pastor heard previously on the radio and now a college president somewhere, has said to me that satan attacks the weak, and who is weaker than a child with a brain issue they don't know about and can't tackle head-on because so mysterious? Of course in Jesus we know she has the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation, but she is in doubt because of her physical issues. If you clear those up, she will have a victory over her mind and thinking, and the truth will set her free in Jesus. Best of hope to you in Jesus as you afford Him all the glory and get your daughter some help. IN JESUS" HOLY NAME we pray for complete healing and deliverance, and we admit Jesus that our bodies and minds are frail, we need physical intervention, and we are fleshly. IN YOUR RESURRECTION you give us victory over life, death, sin and the grave, and we give all GLORY TO YOU as WE HOPE in your RESURRECTION POWER. In this instance, give this precious Mom help, give her insight, give her humility to accept help where offered, and give her Christian testimony of a changed life and heart in the physician circles in which she works. Show the world through her that she as a Christian has more resources to draw on in her quest for health for her daughter, and show her daughter your love for her in the simple solutions of medication, better food, food allergy treatment, and rest that she needs. Give this precious girl sleep, for you give rest to those you LOVE, IN JESUS' HOLY NAME, AMEN.



It is important that Christians embrace the physical healing aspect in our world, and not just over-spiritualize deliverance, because it is in these mental health profession interfaces that we can have the biggest witness. I have been a testimony for years, starting with pregnancy number one, and a breakdown. It all boiled down to low hormones for me, but in the process I gave my testimony in season and out of season in hospitals, doctor's offices, through the loss of two half-term babies, at gravesides, and lately in the mental health breakdown of a husband with temporal lobe epilepsy, previously undiagnosed progressive brain disease that has wrecked our lives in many ways for years and years. I can remember specifically giving testimony to a doctor who claimed to be Orthodox Christian but "Not born-again." I challenged him, "Do you believe people can change?" He did not, and I gave testimony to being a New Creation in Jesus Christ. Don't waste this opportunity by thinking it all has to be spiritual, we can interface wtih medicine in the brain area and have our greatest testimony to God's transforming power in HOW we suffer as much as letting it be OK that we're suffering in this area of the brain. Food is such an issue with food allergies, and who knows what else environmentally. Get help for your daughter, she will face this all her life and she needs your help now. I had it undiagnosed for so long, it made me a weaker Christian, now I feel so hopeful in Jesus, even if untreated partially I know HE HAS ANSWERS FOR ME !! MB

Carla - posted on 10/11/2012

@Michelle--your brother sounds like he needs more help than just medication. Some people have different mental reactions on them, and his sound serious. Most meds they give you just numb you down til you would DIE for an emotion, ANY emotion.



I would urge his wife, if he has one, to take him to another therapist. He sounds like he could be a danger to anyone around him.



God bless, hon

Michelle - posted on 10/11/2012

Veronica, I also totally agree with you about not wanting her on medication. I have a brother who was a godly preacher and he was diagnossed with being bipolar and put on meds. Well now, altough I believe in eternal salvation and believe he is saved, the devil has him right where he wants him. He says he don't feel anything and he likes it that way. He now drinks and lives like he wants to. He is a totally different person. Before he would never even think about hurting anyone, now he says anything, (hurtful or not). He also says "I could slit someone's throught and not give it a second thought on this medicine" So, no I'm not a big fan of meds.

Michelle - posted on 10/11/2012

Well for one thing I will keep her in my prayers. Mental illness runs in my family and I do believe in getting help from professionals especially when it comes to children. I also know sometimes it's a chemical imbalance, (altough I wonder sometimes if doctors use that as a blanket term). I also believe there is a definate correlation between mental illness and Satan. A couple of years ago I felt that I was being attacke by him also. I have had bouts of deppresion my whole life but in 2010 it really scared me! He was putting horrible things in my head. I really felt if I didn't get completely over it this time I would either be commited or dead. But with God's help I have victory over my depression. I still feel it comeing on sometimes but instead of letting it get really bad I turn to God right when I feel it. I agree with Carrie S. about prayer and scipture. Even Jesus was tormented by Satan and He used the Word of God to defeat him. Just don't give up on her and don't let her give up. God Bless!

Bobbie - posted on 10/02/2012

I do hope you focus on your daughters care and health,both emotionally and physically. I find it strange that people who fear the devil and see him in all things is giving him exactly what he wants, a place in your life on a daily basis.

Patricia - posted on 10/02/2012

Could it be something she is hearing at school or seeing? I would first have a heart to heart talk with her and see if she will tell you anything that might explain this.



I am a big believer in prayer. I went thru a time in my life that I had some frightening experiences and thoughts in my head. I had the pastor of the church and many people praying over me. It helped. I got thru it.



I would say the hand washing constantly sounds like an OCd thing. My Daughter has OCD and often talks about obessive thoughts, but it is usually after someone has told her something or she has seen something.



Have you spoken to a Pastor of a church yet?

Carla - posted on 10/02/2012

Most pastors give a warning if his message is going to be a little 'sensitive'. My grandchildren are 5,6,9 and 11. They all know about hell, but they know it in context of 'satan is evil and God will throw him in hell'. They know they belong to Jesus, so hell isn't a worry. They have never heard a homosexual message, nor have they heard anything about suicide inside the church walls.



But yes, Bobbie, I think all parents should go through the sermon on the way home from church. You might even be surprised that they got something different or better out of it than we did!



We need to be vigilant parents, if you are having a private conversation about someone who committed suicide, the children should be out of the room. Our son took cable out of their house entirely, and spend what they would pay a month to the cable company on good, wholesome DVDs that teach Christian value. When any of them are at our house, we control the remote. No Hannah Montana, no Victorious, no to a LOT on the 'family' channel, I think it's Disney family or something like that.



Veronica wanted to know if any others had experienced this. It sounds like none have. So I ask that everyone pray for Veronica and her family, that God will reveal the cause, and also the cure.



God bless, all

Bobbie - posted on 10/01/2012

All I can say is "what?!" This sounds like a bunch of religious fever from the pulpit giving her words and things to deal with that she is not ready for. Then you as the mother are not ready to deal with the day to day effect of the preachers words. Only in church did I hear such words when I was 7. I heard how men spilled their seed, laying with a woman or laying with a man and how laying with the same sex was to face damnation. Those same preachers say things such throw yourself on his mercy, rather to die than to sin,....... THIS IS WHERE SHE IS GETTING MIXED MESSAGES NO DOUBT. I suggest that after you religious outing to hear someone preach you ask her IF SHE UNDERSTOOD ALL THE WORDS AND DOES SHE HAVE QUESTIONS. poor kid

Teresa - posted on 10/01/2012

What is she being exposed to? How does she know anby of this? How does she know about Hell enought to scare her? My 8 ear old knows there is a hell but he doesn't know the particulares yet, that's too scary for him right now. How does she know about killing herself? Where would she have heard this? I think you need to look a little closer and find out where she is hearing this stuff. 7 year olds should not know about this kind of stuff. It sounds like she is listening to CNN too much, which at 7 is, any CNN is too much. SHe is getting this ifo from somewhere. Find that source first.

Carla - posted on 09/29/2012

At 7, a child can understanding right from wrong, IF you have taught them from infancy 'this is right, this is wrong, and this is WHY this is right or wrong.' 13 is what is historically considered the age of reason. In the Bar Mitzvah celebration they say 'today I am a man.'



I think what Bernadette is alluding to, in contacting a priest is exorcism, and I would strongly suggest exorcism to be the absolutely LAST thing to be considered. The casting out of demons is something that has to be Holy Spirit discerned, that is to say, the Holy Spirit speaks to the parents' heart about this, and would be reserved for the worst case scenario.



There are some children that are more sensitive than others. If a tragedy has happened within their sphere of experience, they can be traumatized. If they see or hear someone talking, they can become frightened. I remember when Khrushchev (prime minister of Russia in the 50s and 60s), on a tv commercial saying, 'We will bury you' (meaning the US). I was 9 or 10, and it absolutely struck horror in my mind. No one knew how it had affected me.



Pray for her, do what you can to put her fears to rest. God bless, honey

Dove - posted on 09/28/2012

I respectfully disagree that homeschooling and baptizing our children is the automatic answer. Yes, baptism is a GOOD thing when the child makes that choice. Baptism doesn't save anyone though. It is the outward showing of an inward decision.



And while I won't 'dis' homeschooling in general or specifically.... My children have been a part of the public school system for up to 7 years so far and while they ARE exposed to things that we don't necessarily agree with.... they can be exposed to those things anywhere and at any time. Much better, imo, to equip our children with the tools they need to spiritually survive in this world than to shelter them FROM this world. Otherwise... how will they be able to be the 'light' of the world. :) Homeschooling CAN be a viable option and can be in the best interest of many children, but for others it is not practical or possible.... and homeschooling does not save anyone's soul in and of itself.

Linda - posted on 09/28/2012

Bernadette, you have some excellent suggestions! We definitely need to monitor what our children are exposed to! However, I do have to point out that neither baptism nor homeschooling will save our children's souls. They can only be saved as they put their trust in Jesus as their Savior, repent of their sins, and believe that Jesus died for them. Once they have committed their lives to Jesus, baptism is merely the outward symbol of the change which has already taken place inside. If that change has not taken place, then when they are baptised, they will simply get wet.

Bernadette - posted on 09/28/2012

Oh, I forgot to mention that your daughter is at the age of reason. She should be taught the Ten Commandments to know right from wrong if she doesn't know it so she ca examine her conscious. Encourage her to to ask forgiveness from God when she realizes she has offended him and her neighbor; have her also ask the person who she has wronged for forgiveness and do a kind deed for them out of love. This really works not only for children but for parents and other members of the family. Satan hates love, forgiveness, and anything good; therefore, the Devil will have lost the battle and the victory will belong to God.

Bernadette - posted on 09/28/2012

Your daughter is in a spiritual warfare. Satan is the father of lies: causes confusion; fear; encourages self harm and wanting to kill ones self; causes people to believe that the practices being gay is okay when its not; understand and causes individuals not understand God's truths.



Do you go to church? If yes, help her understand what she hears. Get her some spiritual direction from your pastor. If not, find one, preferably a Roman catholic Church and speak to a priest about your concerns and how should you address them.



Is your daughter baptized? If not, get her baptized asap!!! She needs the Spirit of God living in her.



Does your daughter know the prayer the "Our Father"? If not teach it to her.



Teach her the "Guardian Prayer" ...Angel of God my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard to rule and guide.

Author Unknown



This nighttime prayer is comforting not just for children but for adults also:

Lord, please guard our roof tops and our floors, the twelve Apostles the windows and the doors.

Four angels around our beds, two at the fee and two at the head. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, please bless the beds that we lie on.

Author Unknown







Watch what she puts in her mind, what she hears, and who she associates with. She is too young for her mind to process everything correctly. Children this day and age are exposed to too many things that they have no business being exposed to by parents, family, friends, school mates, T.V., music, videos, etc. What is rated age appropriate in today's society is not. Over the years, people have been desensitized to the ways of walking in holiness.



If she is not home schooled, she has experienced too much of the world that is infiltrated by Satan especially in the school system. If you are not home schooling her, get her out asap and save her soul by home schooling her!!! With the help and grace from God, you can do it!!!



I had to do this with my oldest when he went out to kindergarten. He is now 25 and a well rounded, respected, morally sound, and faith filled man; in total I have 8 children all who have been or are still being home schooled. Educators and other adults view them as a breath of fresh air because they haven't bee dumb-ed down by society and have sound characters.



Your daughter may need to see a physiologist especially if she has had a traumatic experience such as divorce, molestation, etc, to get to the root of her fears.



I'll be praying for her and you. Best wishes.

Christine Tina - posted on 09/28/2012

I totally agree with you Kasondra , well said . The devil knows that if he gets our children while they young he may well have them for life and make them miss out the plan God has for them.Unfortunately our society is so distant from spiritual issues .Demonic attacks have been given medical names and people spend their lives taken unnecessary medication thinking soemthing is wrong with them when all they need is deliverence.I would suggest that you find a pastor that can pray for your child and home and family.If you can get books by Rebecca Brown / Harvest Warriors Outreach Ministries they will help you understand the spiritual side of things from our a christian stand point , based on what she has gone through an how to pray for deliverence. Also what cartoons , movies or music is she exposed to? What toys does she have ? Do you have art or souveniers in the home from other countries ? do you know what they represent ?May God reveal to you the true source of the what is behind the attacks and may he completly deliver your baby to serve him always ! May he bless her with discernment that she may minister to others in this situation!

Bobbie - posted on 09/24/2012

Just remember also that the body is part of her soul as well as her mind. OCD is very common in sensitive children who worry about all things that they feel they can't control. Washing her hands is the very first sign of this illness. I that along with prayer and comfort you also have her see her pediatrician for his input as to care. I am not speaking medication. There are many helpful tools that a parent can learn to help her face these fears

Victoria - posted on 09/23/2012

Fears are a common attack to overcome at this age, especially fear of dying or a parent/loved one dying.

The harming herself & suicidal thoughts are another level of attacked.

I strongly recommend you take her to meet with a Christian counsellor and/or Pastor.

You need to find the root, so as to better come against it, the scripture where Jesus says prayer & fasting was needed comes to mind also.



I will keep you & her in prayer.



Pastor Victoria MacPherson

Kasondra - posted on 09/23/2012

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. My son is a lot younger but started having some issues as well. He mostly was seeing men and big black birds. Anytime he would see them he could always explain something else about them but it was never going against the other descriptions he had said previously. Again, I know he is a younger and not going through as much as your daughter is. I will also say that this reply is coming from a Christian, God fearing mother and family.



I did contact my brother (he has been through situations similiar to this) he agrees that anything like this is the Satan. Satan tries to stop children from fulfilling God's will at a young age. When my son was a little over a year my brother came to me and said he had a dream and that I better raise my son fearing God because he has a great calling. Now Im not saying my son is going to great up to be some awesome person but Satan knows how to put fear into people at a young age. Pray over your daugther and your home. Demons can stay in an apt or home even after a family has left. Also make sure any outside influence (not saying you should completely shield your daughter from everything that can cause even more probelms). However, do watch her back. There is some much that we may not see in the music or movies we watch or listen to. Your daughter has such a calling on her life and Satan does NOT want her to succeed. I do think prayer and fasting goes along ways in situations like this. However, get outside help from pastors, friends, doctors/counselors but make sure they agree with what you know and believe. My sons teachers helped me they have heard problems like this as well. She said her friends went through the exact same thing and they began playing worship music throughout the house even when they were gone; they had also being reading the Bible out loud on a regular basis. Satan and all his helpers are going to flew from where God is so make sure God's presence is always aroung your family. We will be praying for your family and knowing you will overcome this battle!



I hope this helps even just a little.

Linda - posted on 09/21/2012

Veronica, has your daughter accepted Christ as her savior? Does she know how to go to Him with her troubles? Because I really would have very different advice if she has vs. if she hasn't.

Carla - posted on 09/20/2012

Thank you for the clarification, Katie.

Katie - posted on 09/20/2012

exposure therapy isnt for general fears it is for ocd and anxiety disorder. A person with these disorders feel that they have to do their behavour such as tapping or exssesive hand washing to prevent somthing bad from happing. A therapist exposes them to their fear such as public bathrooms, discussion to bad things happening,, eating in public, or whatever thier irrational fear is and has them sit with the anxiety without compulsing (hand washing, tapping, or whatever their habbit is) and it helps them learn that their anxiety will come down on its own. Through this they learn ways to live with their anxious thoughts without them controlling every part of their lives. So if your fear of snakes lead you to beleave that you had to slap yourself in the face every time you saw a snake or your children would die then the therapist would ahve you sit with a snake without slapping yourself untill your anxiety came down on its own. This needs to be done by a profesional though because while your therapy would eventually lead to this after a few weeks you would have smaller exposures first so you could learn skills before you did anything this extensive.

Carla - posted on 09/20/2012

I don't know, Katie--I look at snakes at the zoo, and they give me chills, but I can look at them. If I see one in the back yard, it's a TOTALLY different story ;)

Katie - posted on 09/19/2012

If she has ocd then exposure therapy may help. It is where a theripist exposes them to the irrational things you fear untill you learn that our anxiety will come down. It eventually desensitizties a person to what they fear so they stop the ocd behavour.

Lupe - posted on 09/11/2012

Pray with her. pray as a family, that will give her support and show her she has her family seeking God for her.

Dove - posted on 09/09/2012

Seeing a counselor does not automatically mean meds. Mental illness isn't any more 'of God' than physical illness is, but because of the sin in this world it DOES exist. It is real and prayer (while incredibly awesome) is not always the only answer.



If she is threatening to kill herself you need outside intervention for her.... unless you are capable of keeping an eye on her 24/7... she is in very real danger right now.

Ferris - posted on 09/09/2012

Veronica,

I am sorry your daughter is going through this. Was there possibly something that triggered your daughters behavior? You say she started this last year. Did a big life (move, new school) change take place? Is it possible she was molested? I ask because of the self harm, the mentioning she wants to kill herself, the "If you don't do this you will die" statement.

I would have a talk with her and try to pinpoint if there were any changes, or new people in her life when this first occurred.

Whatever the case may be God knows and He alone knows the answer to help your child. So, pray and trust God's leading. Advice from others is good, but He is the ultimate authority. Having said that, here's what I would do:

I would just bathe her in prayer. Anoint her with oil. Take her to a trusted counselor. Most of all I would really talk and pray with her daily, so that she knows she can trust you and turn to you. That the two of you are going to battle this together.

Carrie - posted on 09/07/2012

Veronica,

I TOTALLY agree with you. We have also been down that road. Where we ended up- was in fact Christ is the only answer- in our case. Sure doctors are good and can be used by God, but they only have so much knowledge and wisdom (mostly through wordly education). And even the Christian doctors are clueless about the spiritual realm and spiritual attacks. We have been through three different counselors, I am sorry to say, they didn't help and they all were all "whacked out".

I believe in the Word of God and in prayer. I have been praying over our children alot more and over the summer they learned alot of scripture verses to help them. And they are ages 3, 6, and 8. It's good to hear them say one out loud when they get frustrated or fearful.

My personal opinion- I believe mental illness is from the devil and attacks of the mind from demonic forces.

Veronica, I can understand where you are and I can relate to your daughter. I like word pictures... I don't know if this will make sense, but we are like God's garden and to keep it healthy, well maintained, and able to grow, we have to remove the weeds. (I've had to ask the Lord to uproot all weeds and bad seeds in my life). I pray for your daughter that the weeds that want to be rooted deep to smother her beauty in Christ Jesus and to keep her from growing and living fully will be uprooted and replaced with seeds from the Word of God so that she will live fully for the Lord and allow His beauty to shine through her! I pray that she will be a living testimony of how she has overcome!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Angela - posted on 09/07/2012

So consult with a psychologist instead and get counselling rather than medication.



As for your statement "mental illness is not of God" well do you think physical illness is of God? Of course it isn't! But God is impartial and anyone may be stricken with illness or poor health! (Matthew 5:45).



I think the main issue with parents whose children have mental illness is denial. It's not comfortable that your young child may have to consult with a mental health professional. Blame Satan instead rather than attach a perceived stigma to your child!



By the way, when I say "your child" I'm using this phrase in a generic way or a general way, I don't mean YOUR child!

Veronica - posted on 09/07/2012

THanks to everyone that has replied, firstly I will add I work in the area of mental health and I can tell you that mental illness is not of God and I quite often can see demonic workings in the lives of the many that I see. I have taken my daughter to counselling but it has not helped greatly. Secondly my daughter is too young to be going down the route of psychiatrists and medication. If you work in the area of mental health you see many with different disorders but the majority will often say things like "they see demons or the devil". So no one can tell me otherwise. Gods word says "some kinds only come out through prayer and fasting". Don't get me wrong there are good days and who knows why it started, all I want to know if anyone had similar experiences with their daughter and yes I am of a sound mind. I believe all things are possible with God as his word says. It is all too easy to go down the other road, yes God gave us medication and Doctors but I have seen what medication, psychiatrists and the like have done to many - it is a bandaid fix and all they become dependent on this.

Carla - posted on 09/06/2012

Kids' minds are different than adults. There could be a perfectly rational reason for all this. What is she watching on TV? Who are her friends? Has there been a death or illness in her sphere of family/friends?



Plan an afternoon where you and she can just sit and talk. Ask her WHY she is afraid. If she doesn't want to open up, maybe you can relate a story about your childhood that would be appropriate. Sometimes knowing they aren't alone will make them share and open up. Pray with her at night, together anoint her room, her pillow, telling her she is protected and safe because of Jesus. We don't teach our children enough--expecting Sunday School to do it all. Kids need to hear it from their parents. Encourage her, when she's frightened, to come to you immediately, and pray immediately over her.



7 is too young to medicate for a perceived mental illness. This is probably something that can be handled by love and prayer and a feeling of security.



I know my advice is contrary to others, but, that's the beauty of this community, you get a LOT of different options ;)



God bless, sweetheart, stay in contact.

Dove - posted on 09/05/2012

Please speak to her doctor asap. She NEEDS help now. There are good counselors out there that can help her through this. Pray about which one to talk to first.

Angela - posted on 09/05/2012

I would disagree with Michelle (below) who says "prayer is not going to fix this" - BUT I would wholeheartedly agree that your daughter sounds as though she needs some medical help. Remember that conventional medicine is frequently part of God's plan for treatment and healing. This might be psychiatric assessment, counselling, psychological therapy - even nutritional monitoring (many children are affected adversely by food additives).



I wouldn't even call it a Satanic attack - although the devil would be delighted that he's getting the "credit" for it! The hand-washing is OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and it's quite possible that many of the other issues are linked to this.



Please do not refer to these episodes as being attacked by the devil when you speak to any health professionals. Even Christian doctors will raise their eyebrows at this turn of phrase - be careful not to overdramatise the issue or it won't just be your daughter they'll refer for counselling!



Good luck, we'll pray for an outcome that will give peace of mind to your daughter and yourself.

Carrie - posted on 09/05/2012

Veronica,

The Word says that the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. He is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He does try and find an open door to come in and bring fear, anxiety, confusions, and other lies...

With that being said. Continue to call upon the name of Jesus. Ask the Lord to intervene on behalf of your daughter-mind, soul, spirit, and body. Ask Him to be a "wall of fire" around her and pray the Lord removes every evil spirit that has come to confuse her in any way. Pray that the Lord will remove all lies, then seal her and cover her in the blood of Jesus. Pray that she would trust in the Lord and believe on Him and His Word for her life.

I would try to find scripture pertaining to everything she is going through that she can memorize and meditate on. Encourage her when those thoughts come in from the devil to say out loud, "get behind me, Satan, in the name of Jesus". Know that only in the name of Jesus that everything has to come under authority! And she can say the verses out loud when he attacks her mind, as well. The power of the Word is greater than all lies!

I can think of some scriptures " For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." and " Do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold you with my righteous right hand" (Is. 41:10).

The Word says, that "you will bring him into perfect peace, whose thoughts will stay on thee". I pray for peace God for Veronica and her daughter. I pray that "perfect love will cast out all fear" and that her daughter will know Your perfect love during this time, for it is higher, wider, longer, and greater than any words and fears brought on by the devil. Let Veronica's daughter know the authority she has in the name of Jesus, to say "no devil, get away from me because Jesus is greater, I know Him, I know His perfect peace, and I know His love". I pray that she will rest and remain in your peace, your protection, your covering, and your love. Remove all forces that want to deter her from that. Let her feet, mind, body, soul, and spirit stay on the narrow path for it leads to life and to light. Thank you for doing so, Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be blessed!

Michelle - posted on 09/05/2012

Hi there I do totally understand how you feel your child is going through something you can't fix and it is scarring you however this being said it is not the devil attacking your child sounds to me like your daughter needs to see and psychiatrist to deal with this issue so she can get the medical help that she needs. She truly sounds like she is suffering from a mental illness and will need medication to help her. Please seek medical help don't just pray as prayer is not going to fix this.