Practical Help !

[Who me]

Why do so few people here offer practical advice to people in need? 

Any suggestion of a physical problem is offered the spiritual advice of pray and read the Bible.

I wonder how effective that is  for a broken leg?

Paul told Timot don't  drink the water that makes you ill. Note he did not say pray about your stomach  problems.

 

Thanks to the Internet it is possible to look up treatments, medication and there side affects.

This includes sites .I,e:- https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/25-tips-for-ocd-treatment/

Which gives advice re OCD and intrusive thoughts.

 

[Michael37]

2 hours ago, Who me said:

Why do so few people here offer practical advice to people in need? 

Because as you point out, they can get it elsewhere. Multiple issues raised here are responded to from the same resources the enquirers have available to them, but we have to be wary of giving advice on matters we are not qualified to address.

For OCD and intrusive thoughts I would prescribe Scriptures if requested, and also recommend speaking with a qualified medical professional.

[Coruscating]

3 hours ago, Who me said:

Why do so few people here offer practical advice to people in need? 

Any suggestion of a physical problem is offered the spiritual advice of pray and read the Bible.

I wonder how effective that is  for a broken leg?

Paul told Timot don't  drink the water that makes you ill. Note he did not say pray about your stomach  problems.

 

Thanks to the Internet it is possible to look up treatments, medication and there side affects.

This includes sites .I,e:- https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/25-tips-for-ocd-treatment/

Which gives advice re OCD and intrusive thoughts.

 

 

I tend to give practical suggestions, so I really want to answer this.

That's an unfair example (the broken leg). Everyone would urge anyone to go to the hospital if they had a broken and untreated leg, even if we surely would pray for that person's leg. 

As for mental issues, one of the most dangerous and common things online is people diagnosing others and themselves. Some people also fake symptoms and the last thing one wants is to give them more ideas. Who wants that responsibility?

Also, we all have seen the power of prayer in someone's life.

When we trust a God of miracles and we are sure of our ignorance, we give what it is rare to find in this world: Faith, prayer, hope, knowledge of God's Word and what we consider safe advice. People who come to a forum like this are in search of that.

 

[Marathoner]

2 hours ago, Who me said:

Why do so few people here offer practical advice to people in need? 

Any suggestion of a physical problem is offered the spiritual advice of pray and read the Bible.

I wonder how effective that is  for a broken leg?

Paul told Timot don't  drink the water that makes you ill. Note he did not say pray about your stomach  problems.

 

Thanks to the Internet it is possible to look up treatments, medication and there side affects.

This includes sites .I,e:- https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/25-tips-for-ocd-treatment/

Which gives advice re OCD and intrusive thoughts.

 

There is only so much practical advice one may give on an internet forum which operates on anonymity. I can't speak for anyone else, but I dispense "practical" advice here on the forum, which includes knowledge drawn from my experience working with the homeless and those in need. Note that my sphere of knowledge in that area is limited to the United States --- things are different elsewhere, including psychiatric treatment and diagnoses --- so that only goes so far. 

There's also nothing we can do if the one seeking help isn't receptive to practical counsel. That's pretty common. 

[Marathoner]

3 hours ago, Who me said:

Thanks to the Internet it is possible to look up treatments, medication and there side affects.

This includes sites .I,e:- https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/25-tips-for-ocd-treatment/

Which gives advice re OCD and intrusive thoughts.

It must be pointed out that law and regulations regarding medicines differ according to the country of origin. Medications that are legal for use and prescribed in some Asian countries, for example, are banned here in the United States. Worthy is an international forum, and we must keep that in mind; I will point a member to the Mayo clinic's website if I know that they live in the United States. Why? 

Because the Mayo Clinic operates in the U.S., that's why. Their site is an excellent resource for referencing the side effects of medications legal for use in the U.S. I use their website to print the side effects of medications my clients take. Their information complies with U.S. law so it's relevant. Just as well, side effects are not universally reported from one jurisdiction to the other. Care must be taken with regard to the source. 

Edited July 8, 2024 by Marathoner

[Tristen]

I believe in the power of prayer - that prayer can be the key to accomplishing whatever is required to solve a situation. By prayer, we encourage God to bring His resources (power/angels/information/wisdom/people) to bear.

Oftentimes, I don't have enough information, or wisdom, or opportunity, to contribute to a specific circumstance. However, I know Someone who absolutely does know the answer to every problem - and has both the information and resources required to instigate a resolution. I therefore do what I can do - which is to entreat Him to become involved in the situation.

To me, prayer is a very "practical" strategy.