Help! I am losing my mind!

(Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)

  • Introduction
  • Factors that may cause Symptoms
  • Application of Truth
  • A Brief Outline of Action
  • Practical Exercises
  • Some Concluding Thoughts
  • Additional Scriptures
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    Introduction

    Why are ADD/ADHD such popular subjects? We all, if we are honest, can attest to having difficulty paying attention, whether it be in conversation with a friend, in a school class room, in a church service, or at work. We have all experienced times in which we could not think as clearly as we should.

    The factors may vary greatly. The lack of ability to pay attention may last for only a few minutes. I remember being in a freshman college speech class. When I was right in the middle of giving my speech, I went totally blank. The teacher made me stand there for several minutes until I could remember enough to finish my speech. An attention deficit may even last for days, months, or even be an ongoing experience. The difficulty may be rather mild or severe. We may have had an attention problem from birth or it may have developed over a period of time or it may have just suddenly appeared.

    We may notice the attention problem only at certain times in our lives such as when we face certain stress situations. We may be aware of the difficulty when we are studying Math, but not notice it when we are studying English. We may be more conscious of it when we are around certain people and not conscious of it when we are around others. We may be more alert in the evening and less alert in the morning. One may say, "Well, I am not a morning person." Some of us are sane at the first part of the week, but lose our sanity by the week-end.

    Another reason why ADD/ADHD have become so popular in diagnosis is that are considered psychological disorders, mental disorders, or learning disorders. Therefore, many think that they require the care of a professional (psychologist, physician, or therapist). This is not to say that the symptoms are not real. Finally, with ADD/ADHD considered disorders, children and adults are often given an excuse for not doing what others expect of them.

    This article is not to be a guide in the diagnosing of ADD or ADHD or medically treating the ailment. The purpose is to examine the symptoms that are often associated with the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD and bring some solutions to those symptoms. The true relief from the symptoms is more important than the classification of diagnosis.

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    FACTORS

    that may cause symptoms associated with ADD or ADHD

    1. A result of generational curses (an inherited tendency from our forefathers nature or character).

    2. A result of learned behavior through modeling of parents or other significant individuals.

    3. A result of the lack of mental discipline through laziness or lack of training.

    4. A result of trying to straddle the fence (serving God and the flesh = "doublemindedness").

    5. A result of "excitement addiction" used to compensate for a significant sense of loss (boredom with the normal and necessary).

    6. A direct result of spiritual (demonic) possession, oppression or obsession.

  • Through yielded ground to the enemy through sin, hurts, and traumatic events.
  • Through the possession of evil artifacts (music, art, books, statues, and etc.)
  • Through the fallout of the sin of parent or others in authority (holes in the covering).
    •  7. A result of being caught in spiritual legalism (performance trap = fear of loss of acceptance).

    8. A result of an improper diet, especially the use of sugars, starches, and refined carbohydrates (symptoms often may be associated with hypoglycemia).

    9. A result of fear of failure (worry or anxiety).

    10. A result of a guilty conscience.

    11. A result of purposed rebellion toward discipline of the mind ("I hate school and won't study").

    12. A result of fantasy or uncontrolled wishful thinking (discontentment).

    13. A result of improper (too much or too little) exercise or rest or sleep.

    (The following Scriptures are keyed to the above FACTORS by number)
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    The Application of Truth

      IITimothy 3 16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

    1. Exodus 20:5 "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;" Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Romans 6:11 "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

    2. Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Psalms 119:130 "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalms 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

    3. Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." Proverbs 21:5 "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

    4. Matthew 6:24 "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." James 1:8 "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

    5. Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

    6. Psalms 51:3 "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." Ephesians 4:23-27 "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil." 2 Corinthians 10:5 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" James 1:21 "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."

    7. I Peter 1:13 "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" Hebrews 9:14 "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Titus 3:5-7 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Galatians 2:20-21 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."

    8. Proverbs 25:16 "Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it." Proverbs 25:27-28 "It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Proverbs 23:3 "Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat."

    9. II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

    10. Titus 1:15 "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." I Timothy 1:19 "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:" Acts 24 16 "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

    11. Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" Proverbs 23:12 "Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge."

    12. Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Philippians 4:6-8 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

    13. Philippians 4:5 "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." I Timothy 4:8 "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." Psalms 127:2 "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."

    (The following outline is keyed to the above FACTORS and Scriptures by number)


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    A Brief Outline Of Action

    1. Acknowledge and declare each curse in broken in the name of Jesus.

    2. Do a verse by verse study of the book of Proverbs.

    3. Institute daily Scripture memory and meditation.

    4. Make daily commitments to place God first in your life.

    5. Practice waiting on God.

    6. Acknowledge all personal wrongs and ask God to restore surrendered ground. Destroy (by fire) all evil possessions. Pray for those in authority over you.

    7. Learn the meaning of depending upon the grace of God.

    8. Cut back on the use of sugars, starches, and refined carbohydrates. Begin to fast and pray on a regular basis (once a week).

    9. Turn over all your problems that produce fear to God.

    10. Confess your sin, ask forgiveness, and make restitution if appropriate.

    11. Practice setting aside an allotted time for intense study.

    12. Practice thinking on what God would have you to think upon.

    13. With a physician's consent, start a regular exercise routine and be sure that you are getting an ample amount of rest and sleep.

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    Practical Exercises

    I. PREPARATION:

  • Ezra 7:10 "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments."
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  • Prayer (ask God for . . .)
  • For wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
  • For the ability to learn and comprehend.
  • For the Holy Spirit to be your teacher.
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  • Plan in advance.
  • Set aside the time and location.
  • Have the materials needed.
  • Clean up and put up in order.
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    II. LOCATION:

  • John 8:1, 18:1-2. "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples."
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  • A quite place.
  • A peaceful place.
  • A comfortable place.
  • A well-lighted place.
  • An uncluttered place.
  • A place where you won't be interrupted.
  • You may have soft, harmonious, spiritual music.
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    III. TIME:

  • Deuteronomy 6:7 "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
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  • At a designated time (for discipline).
  • Early morning before you mind becomes cluttered with the events of the day.
  • Allot yourself appropriate (scheduled) breaks.
  • Don't push yourself to exhaustion.
  • Break up the material into bite size study sessions.
  • What you study the evening is what you process during the night.
  • Review at various times during the day.
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    IV. ATTITUDES:

  • Psalms 119:98-100 "Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts."
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  • Choose to enjoy studying and learning.
  • Realized that learning will bring a sense of accomplishment.
  • Understand that everyone has his limitations in learning.
  • Don't compare yourself with others.
  • Depend upon God to help you reach your full potential.
  • Don't fret over past failures.
  • See yourself making progress.
  • See yourself becoming wiser than your teachers.
  • Understand that one must study to learn.
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    V. METHODS:

  • Isaiah 28:9-10 "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:"
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  • Use the principle of constructions.
  • Attach new thoughts to previous thoughts (or constructs).
  • Attach new thoughts to as many previous thoughts as possible.
  • Example: Use ANTTAMPTAP (the first letter of each word of a sentence).
  • Use acrostics. example = GRACE
  • God's
  • Reservoir of
  • Abilities for
  • Christians to use
  • Effectively
    •
  • Use doodling............doodle graphic
  • Use sentence structure diagram = noun / verb / object
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  • Use repetition, use repetition, use repetition.
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  • Use outlines.
  • The skeleton.
  • The sinew.
  • The flesh.
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  • Use visualization (create mental images associated with the material).
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  • Use a multiple of senses.
  • When reading, look specifically at the first letter of each word.
  • This triggers the sorting mechanisms of the brain to clearly categorize each word and bring proper definition of meaning.)
  • This also helps avoid (1) skipping over words and (2) the unconscious substitution of words or meaning of words.
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  • Read aloud important material.....
  • This involves word and sentence construction.
  • This involves oral word formation with use of speech mechanisms.
  • This involves sight and also hearing.
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  • Write it down in longhand.
  • This involves word, phrase, and sentence visualization.
  • This involves the mental and physical mechanisms of writing.
  • This involves repetition of reading, writing, and re-reading.
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  • Discover a practical application of the material (try to see how you can use the
  • material).
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  • Integrate material with music, rhyme, or rhythm.
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  • Attach material to your emotional system.
  • Use dramatization or elaboration.
  • Use sensationalism.
  • Use romanticism.
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  • Use the material as soon as possible in a practical way.
  • For example if you have been given the name of an individual in way of an introduction, use his name immediately in a sentence.
  • Share in an exciting way what you have learned with someone else.
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  • Have a friend or someone in authority to hold you accountable for the material.
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    Some Concluding Thoughts

    I. Understand that God is the source of all true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

    II. Understand that God is to become our teacher.

    III. Understand that wisdom is seeing from God's perspective.

    IV. Understand that wisdom is more important than knowledge.

    V. Understand that both wisdom and knowledge begin with the fear of the LORD.

    VI. Understand that knowledge alone produces pride.

    VII. Understand that wisdom, knowledge and understanding should be shared in love.

    VIII. Understand that God's Word is means of receiving peaceful knowledge.

    IX. Understand that some knowledge is to be filtered by the Word.

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    Additional Scriptures

    Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

    Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

    Job 38:36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

    Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

    Psalms 10:17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.

    Deuteronomy 31:12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.

    Deuteronomy 17:19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.

    Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

    Proverbs 8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

    Ecclesiastes 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

    Ecclesiastes 7:25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness.

    Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

    Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

    Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

    Job 36:3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

    Daniel 1:17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

    Proverbs 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

    Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

    Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

    Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

    Proverbs 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction

    Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

    Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

    Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

    Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

    Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

    Psalms 94:10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

    I Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

    II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

    I Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

    II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

    Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

    Psalms 119:45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

    Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

    Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

    Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

    Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

    Isaiah 32:18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

    I Timothy 2:2 (Pray for) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

    I Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

    Psalms 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

    Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

    II Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

    Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

    Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

    Proverbs 24:14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

    Proverbs 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

    I Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

    II Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

    I Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

    I Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

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