Is he delusional? I'm worried....?!
Question: A friend of mine says sees signs from God often. Years ago, a close family member of his passed away. My friend keeps saying he sees the number 33 (his family member's highschool sports number) and that it is a sign from God. He'll notice it on clocks, on the television, in certain parts of songs at 33 seconds. He mentioned that he stays up late at night and will ask himself a question, and then turn on the television to a certain channel for a "sign" or clue. He even got a tattoo of the number 33 on his chest based on a decision he made an image on the tv that "answered" him.
He's told me about being depressed before but he never disclosed any of this until it had worsened. He said he thinks about death...but he refuses to speak with a counselor or take any medication because he says he must be strong enough to conquer this on his own.
Is he delusional? What could be going on here with these thoughts of his?
Answers: A friend of mine says sees signs from God often. Years ago, a close family member of his passed away. My friend keeps saying he sees the number 33 (his family member's highschool sports number) and that it is a sign from God. He'll notice it on clocks, on the television, in certain parts of songs at 33 seconds. He mentioned that he stays up late at night and will ask himself a question, and then turn on the television to a certain channel for a "sign" or clue. He even got a tattoo of the number 33 on his chest based on a decision he made an image on the tv that "answered" him.
He's told me about being depressed before but he never disclosed any of this until it had worsened. He said he thinks about death...but he refuses to speak with a counselor or take any medication because he says he must be strong enough to conquer this on his own.
Is he delusional? What could be going on here with these thoughts of his?
It's a fine line between faith and delusion. If nothing else, he sounds obsessed with this number and is showing signs of delusional beliefs. The TV does not give signs. The best I can suggest is to talk to his family or someone who is close to him and try to get him into a psychiatrist. Depression plus what you are describing isn't a very good mix. And to add in response to your first answer... as someone who has had psychotic depression, don't screw around. If the TV says kill yourself, that may very well be what he will do.
ok because i am religious i will not say it isnt god... dont care wat anyone else thinks or says... everyone has an opinion... keep your negativity to urself and act grown... but if it is not god... then he may be creating something in his head which he is unaware he is really doing... its kinda like with cults.. the reason they work so well is because everyone is looking for an answer to life... and they will take wat they can get even if it doesnt make sense... the only thing u can do is be supportive of him... he isnt hurting anyone... or trying to kill his self... he just believes god is sending him a message of strength... which can be a very good thing and im sorry but once again u never know... so be supportive ... if he is going a lil nutty then fighting with him about it or trying to disprove his alligations are only gonna push him further... its like with the elderly when they go into deminsia... they are seeing things and sometimes hearing things that we obviously can not see... but in their minds it is really happening... by fighting with them over reality u have upset them and hurt them and pushed them further into helplessness... so as long as it isnt self harming or harming to others let him be and support him... talk to him about how he feels and thinks... u really just never know...
Hi. Have you ever seen A Beautiful Mind? I lived through my own version of it.
I believe that God does give us signs, but not in the way your friend describes.
I think your friend needs help. You are doing the right thing by neither confirming nor denying his belief that the TV sends him messages. But you do need to talk to his family or a counselor.