Quote from the Desert Fathers

This quote may be pertinent for those of us with dependent personality disorders:

Blessed Archbishop Theophilus, accompanied by a magistrate, came one day to Abba (Father) Arsenius. He questioned the old man, to hear a word from him. After a short silence the old man answered him, 'Will you put into practice what I say to you?' They promised him this. 'If you hear Arsenius is anywhere, do not go there.'

God bless you

oms

What About the OMS Family?

O My Soul:

This post is on the lighter side as I continue to think about Dependent Personality Disorder and how it effects me and my family. I have noticed that as the depression and anxiety lessens something else emerges. I notice a need for others in a possibly unhealthy way.

This first video is a movie trailer from the movie, "What about Bob?" It sets up the second video which is a portrayal of a Dependent Personality Disorder acted out by funnyman Bill Murray. His explanation of symptoms, his relationship to his counselor and his counselor's family is humorus but enlightening. I sort fell that as I journey towards health - I'm making my poor wife a little crazy. I'm becoming the fun one with the kids. They love the new dad, mom is just mom. Just the other day I was playing with the kids when the youngest (pre-school) yells from the bathroom, "Hey MOM! I need a wipe in here."

If that is not enough, here is Bill Murray in the trailer for What About Bob? And then a case study of Bob as suffering from Dependent Personality Disorder. Enjoy.

Oh. And pray for the whole OMS family. We would appreciate it.


Trailer:



Case Study:


And remember:
Hope in Christ &
God bless you.

-oms

Dependent Personality Disorder

O My Soul:

I've mentioned two overshadowing events in my life here and here that have shaped my soul to this day. I am coming to learn that I may now be dealing with symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder in adulthood.

Here are the diagnostic criteria for Dependent Personality Disorder used by psychologists:

A pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

(1) has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others

(2) needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life

(3) has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. Note: Do not include realistic fears of retribution.

(4) has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)

(5) goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant

(6) feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself

(7) urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends

(8) is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself


Are you, like me, unfamiliar with what a personality disorder is? This video may be helpful to give a general description of a personality disorder and the different kinds that exist.




I'm still processing this so more later. Until then,

Hope in Christ &
God bless you.

-oms