Depression is a growing mental health epidemic (National Institute of Mental Health) in our country, and growing amongst our youth-teenagers. My encounter with this issue became real during my teenage years growing up in St. Paul with people I knew. I'll be not honest if I don't admit that I get depression because everybody gets depressed. However, not everybody has severe depression (chemical, manic, etc...). Some causes (e.g. such as stress-psyweb)), which can be prevented if we know how to lay our worries, burdens, problems, or daily stresses in life to Jesus (Matthew 11:28)-all times!. Probably everybody does know someone that has severe depression, which I hope to share some stories that many can relate to and better understand to help these people. Due to confidential issues, I rather not give any names, but share my personal experience with the people I knew from the start of my teenage years to right now.
A lady I know that has severe depression goes through seasons or phases. She has her high and low times, like many of us; however, they go extreme. I think it started in the beginning of her first year in high school. She was involved in sports and other after school activities, which became too much for her that the stress caused her to go a little �overboard�. Her family had to take her to a psychiatrist and would be sent to the hospital for in-patient treatment with high security closed doors facility hospital in downtown St. Paul. She is an adult now and still goes to this type of treatment once awhile whenever she reaches this extreme high phase/season.
Another victim is a friend of mine, who accepted Jesus in his life in the first year of college. Accepting Jesus into ones life is just the beginning of a closer personal relationship with God, but your issues/problems in life does not go away overnight. Instead, it does become less visible through progress and growth in time. I do my best to minister, encourage-speak "positive" words of life into him, and more importantly do this with love -a cure for depression. One time, I prayed with him and God showed me some inner hurts/wounds from the past-verbal and physical abuse. I told him that in order for him to be healed from these wounds, he needs God's Word (eg. rubbing alcohol to a cut), which will take time as he does it daily.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing sould and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.-Hebrews 4:12
God's words are "positive" to combat the lies of the devil, negative thinking, and the past hurts received from past verbal abuse. I reminded this friend that forgiveness is another healing process that one needs to do of the oppressor, aggressor, or the one who caused the physical/emotional abuse. This is another step that takes time, and reading about forgiveness that was displayed by Jesus on the cross in the Bibles is necessary to do.
"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,."-Isaiah 61:1-2
People in the Bible with Depressions:
Abraham (Genesis 15)
Jonah (Jonah 4)
Job (Book of Job)
Elijah (1 Kings 19)
King Saul (I Samuel 16:14-23, etc.)
Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah)
David
for more...(Depresion-Bible from Christian Answers)
In general, when I was growing up, I never thought about God being part of the solution to depression. I totally depended on medications as the only solution for anyone with severe depression. Yes, it is a chemically relevant mental illness, and medication is necessary for the chemical balance of a person with depression. However, there is needed of other combinations to deal with depression as this testimony below describes"....
Here is an encouraging testimony:
"...It was only when I hit bottom that I quit trying to pick myself up and let God do it. He set me free through a program of medication, counseling, prayer, and learning to listen to His truth rather than my emotions," said Nancy (Hagerman)....
"...The second half of the book ("In the Pit") deals with the steps to recovery I took. Though I am still bi-polar and remain on my medication, I am no
longer in bondage to the moods. With God's help I am now much more in
control. The steps are:
1) Remember God loves you,
2) Seek medical help,
3) Exercise (tips) and watch your nutrition (tips),
4) Find a reliable friend (e.g. accountability partner),
5) Tell
yourself the Truth(e.g. daily reading of Bible-renewing of mind!), and
6) Stand firm.
The last chapter offers an invitation for those in emotional pain to rest in God's faithfulness."
**including the dose of Sunlight (Vitamin D) daily for 15 minutes (see "seasonal depression" down below)
I got this health bulletin from Blue Cross Blue Shield as I get health insurance from them via mail, and it said people who take medications needs to be aware of what you combine them with-including food. They recommend you to talk to the pharmacist for facts on side-effects and what/when to take your meds-especially if you take more than one prescription.
*Indapamide (ap0-indapamide)-for high blood pressure
Norvasc-for high blood pressure
Topomax-treat bipolar disorder (psyweb
*these are not anti-depressants, but are medications people I know take with other depression drugs.
With depression, when it becomes severe, suicide starts becoming an issue, which I will go more extent of my personal indirect experience with people I knew/know on another website. Below is another story relating to depression and suicide:
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 00 15:30PM MST
To subscribe to this list http://www.breakpoint.org/transcripts.taf?_function=dailyintro
BreakPoint Commentary #000113 - 1/13/2000
Remember Phyllis Diller, the self-deprecating
comedienne with the crazy hair and zany wardrobe?
Seems like she's been around forever, and she still
is around. She was on "Larry King Live" last week,
looking better and younger than ever. She doesn't
have those startling features to make jokes about
anymore, thanks to the multiple plastic-surgeries
she told us all about.
But Phyllis wasn't on the King show to be funny: She
was one of several guests on the program that evening,
the others being medical experts. The subject was
depression. It seems that Ms. Diller, though looking
anything but glum, dressed in bright red and
making clever quips, was recently in the grip of a
deadly depression.
It's hard to picture the lively funny lady as very
ill, but Phyllis has had many health problems and was
hospitalized. She had a severe reaction to a drug and
was paralyzed. Finally, she wanted out.
She asked her doctors to give her a drug so she could
"just float away." They refused, citing the law. "Dr.
Kervorkian was in jail," she added. So, thankfully,
the good "Dr. Death" did not make a call to her
hospital room.
"Why did you want to die?" they asked her on the King
Show. "Did aging have anything to do with it?"
"No," she said. It was being paralyzed. Helpless. She
could see no way out.
So what happened? Her body healed, the paralysis
left, and now she is in good health again. Larry King
asked if she was glad her physicians didn't do as she
had asked. Phyllis grinned and assured him: "You
better believe I am!"
People who want to die, like Phyllis Diller, see no
way out. They are suffering and want to end it. But
God allows suffering, pain, and dying in this world
for many purposes. Some people take this time to
reflect on their lives, to make amends, and to heal
family rifts. Friends and family may have a
meaningful experience with the suffering person,
maybe for the first time.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed"-1 Peter 4:12-13
Bible Verses about Depression and Anxiety
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."-Psalm 37:3-4
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. �after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfest. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.�-1 Peter 8-11
And people who would never have done so before often
seek and find God in a crisis.
If someone cannot bear the pain, doctors should
relieve it. If they cannot cope with their situation,
then others should help. But no one has the right to
"play God" and end a life.
At the show's end, Larry King said to Phyllis, "We're
glad you're still here." She was glad, too. And so
are we all.
Are you lonely?
I hear this a lot-"I'm lonely"...My family, friends, and strangers tell me this, so I encourage them on what I do when I feel lonely. I listen to positive, inspirational, and encouraging music-particularly praise&worship music (leave it on 24/7-all day in my house)-sing to God!
Related Sites:
Some additional counseling resources, I've personally recommend so far in my life I've encountered through my local church or other means:
Bi-Polar
Suicidial Thoughts?
Health
-Cancer
Women
Youth
Teen Suicide
Articles
5 Minutes Bible Study - Strength In The Broken Place
-Message
Medical Findings
Ministries
Music
-Contemporary
Religious
-Holidays:
CHRISTMAS:
Future and a Hope
Movies
In a Black Dog Full Trailer
From:
To: BreakPoint by Charles Colson
Subject:[breakpoint] The Funny Lady Is Dead Serious, 1/13/2000
The Funny Lady Is Dead Serious: The Real Risks of a Too-Easy Exit
by Charles Colson
"If there's an organ in the body that causes loneliness, I'm sure it's located near the stomach. When I'm really hungry I'll eat anything—lettuce, ice, dried pasta, frozen peas. The same is true when I'm lonely. I'll look anywhere or do anything to stop the hunger...
At Last!
..I know too many singles who pretend they aren't lonely and pretend they don't care about marriage. At times, I fight the same temptation. It's easier to deny the angst of being without a soulmate than to step into the abyss of loneliness. Stifling a desire makes us feel in control; acknowledging a desire makes us vulnerable. Yet a desire that isn't open can't be filled. Adam's experience reminds singles that loneliness is normal and necessary...
Loneliness—What Is It Good For?
..If many of us had the choice, we'd marry as soon as possible; we'd do anything to get rid of our singleness. I've begged, bargained, screamed, yelled, cried, and pleaded with God, yet he hasn't budged. At times I doubted he even cared, until he mercifully reminded me of his goodness and his love for me.
So why should we smash the idols and look our loneliness in the eye? Because God wants to do more, say more, and change far more in us than just our marital status. He wants to use our loneliness in a profound way. As singles, we're in an awesome window of time to discover who we are in God's great story and where we're headed. We need to cherish the freedom to listen to God's voice without the hindrances of a demanding spouse or a wailing toddler. Loneliness can be one of God's greatest gifts to singles....
An Unexpected Gift
Loneliness is a gift from God because it's a continual reminder I'm created for so much more. Not just union with a spouse, but also a deeper connection with my family and friends—and most of all, intimacy with my Creator. Loneliness pushes me forward when I'd otherwise be tempted to settle for lackluster relationships and an isolated existence...
Jesus' Loneliness
I am amazed at Jesus' example during the last night he spent with his disciples. Just hours away from the most grueling, brutal suffering the Roman world offered, Jesus knew full well what lay ahead. The Evil One was tempting him away from the cross at every moment. When I'm facing a great trial, I need loving, supportive friends around me. I believe Christ needed the same that night. In fact, he told his disciples he yearned for some time to share supper with them. The end had come. There would be no more exorcisms or mass feedings for now. Jesus' predictions regarding his death were about to come true. The horror of the Passion was about to begin....
Adapted from The Single Journey by Peter M. Nadeau. www.singlejourney.com.
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com LA: Psychology-Psychiatrist, Behavior, Counseling, Mentally, Mind-Control, etc..etc...
"Bipolar Coaster: Ride at your own risk.
Closet Extrovert
If it seems as though I am confused: I am.
Being bipolar is like living in an ongoing identity crisis. Not only do those around you never know what mood you might be in you don't either because even something that has been experienced in the past where a mood could be predictable for the most part can end up being unpredictable without warning. It's a complexity that I don't even pretend to understand. Things that I anticipate are going to make me upset somehow have not been that bad but I've had just the opposite too where things I've figured would be okay have plunged me into depths of depression that I didn't see coming. ...
I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." John 17:20-23
The most frustrating identity crisis for me however started as a young adult and has continued since and it has to do with the Church. Faith has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Feeling like I didn't fit in anywhere and understanding that God didn't care who I was or where I came from - I wanted every bit of that kind of love. At an early age I even reached out grasping the idea of sin. ...
His love and the power of the Holy Spirit are not limited - nor does this love and power discriminate and for that we should be grateful not further overcome by pride and strife.
Am I looking for the perfect church? No, there isn't one. I am however longing and praying for the perfect Church. In Christ's presence the Church will be perfected and the unity we have failed to achieve here will in His presence be reality. In Christ - this is where I have no identity crisis - I am His. I can't fully describe the peace, hope and contentment that brings because I have been so overwhelmed by it. I has brought such joy to my life...it has truly been incredible. His grace is amazing....
I have to say too that despite how split the Church is and not feeling as though I fit in - knowing God and knowing Him better because of each and every church I have been a part of is such a blessing for which I am very grateful. However, all the glory, the honor and the praise to Jesus!
With love and hope in Christ,
Kristi
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Issues: "Low" Self-Esteem, -Image, -"ish", etc...
GoodnewsEverybody.com: Death- Grieving, Mourning, Reflection, etc..
It Had to Be Jesus : Turned from Suicide - CBN.com
"At only 19 Kellie Borden learned that she had a pre-cancerous condition. She wanted to end her life, but God had other plans. See how Jesus Christ changed her life. The Christian Broadcasting Network . To see more testimonies from CBN and The 700..."
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Life-Meaning, Natural Gifts-Talents-Skills, Plan, Purpose?
"For a very long time, I had doubts about whether or not my sister, Jill, made it into Heaven because there are at least a few religions who teach that those who commit suicide are condemned. There are several people that told me the same thing. HOWEVER, after a lot of soul-searching, poll-taking and research... I FIRMLY believe that Jill is indeed in Heaven -- as are many like her, who took their own lives although they had been "saved" by Christ's Grace. ...
"Video I have up on Youtube with many many views. About the dangers and warning signs on teen suicide...
JOY, get a good dose of laughter
Minnesota Depressive & Manic-depressive Association Support Group, Thursdays @8-9:30p at Boardroom (basement) at Stevens County Medical Center
-for parents
"STRENGTH IN THE BROKEN PLACE by Dr. Harold Sala
To all who mourn in Israel he will give: Beauty for ashes; Joy instead of mourning; Praise instead of heaviness.For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3, Living Bible
It sounds like something Billy Graham would have said, but actually it was Ernest Hemingway who said, The world breaks everyone, and some get strong in the broken places. In this, he was right. Ours is an imperfect, broken world. Your wife tells you that you were not the father of your son. A doctor breaks the news that you have an inoperable cancer and will lose your leg. Your son is arrested for shoplifting. The promotion that you deserved went to a less qualified individual.
Everyone is broken eventually, but only some mend stronger because of it. Out of the presses of pain wrote A. B. Simpson, Come the souls best wine./ The eyes that have shed no rain,/ Can shed but little shine. When Amy Carmichael became an invalid, the result of a fall, she spent the next ten years of her life bedfast. Instead of crying out in anger, she ran to the Shepherd of her soul for strength and comfort. Those years which she spent immobile were some of her best as she wrote, counseled the unending stream of people who came to her, and prayed for India and the world. Some get strong in the broken places, said Hemingway.
When sickness put him in bed, L.B. Cowman put a map over his bed and prayed around the world. He also wrote of his suffering and how God met Him. His little book, Streams in the Desert, was so loved by Chang Kai Shek, the Chinese leader, that both this book and the Bible were placed in his casket at his death. Yes, some do get strong in the broken places.
George Sweeting says, An ordinary bar of steel costs only a few dollars. If it is hammered into horseshoes, its price doubles. Made into needles, its value escalates a hundred times. Fashioned into springs for fine watches, its worth becomes incalculable. Sometimes God allows the breaking which eventually produces something of great value, having been in the fire, having sustained the blows of life, having grown strong in the broken places, as Hemingway put it.
Who said that life is fair? Who are we to determine if life is just or equitable? When Hemingway felt devastated by the worlds breaking, as he termed it, he ended his life in suicide. When L.B. Cowman and Amy Carmichael felt the crushing, unexpected blows of life, they turned to God and found solace and strength. To those who suffer, God promised Beauty for ashes; Joy instead of mourning; Praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory (Isaiah 61:3, Living Bible).
Of one thing you can be certain. Nothing that happens to you as Gods child can happen apart from His knowledge and His will, and nothing which life throws at you can carry you beyond His grace and care. God doesnt fix everything, but He gives grace for everything, and that makes the difference which produces strength in the broken place.
When trouble knocks at your door, dont waste the suffering. Allow God to demonstrate that at the point of your pain and helplessness comes His healing strength and sustaining presence that allows the broken place to get stronger.
When Jacob feared for his life as his brother Esau and some 400 armed men approached him, he turned to the Lord, and that encounter was characterized by his struggle with the Angel of the Lord. From that point on, he walked with a limp—the sign of his broken body and spirit, but God gave him a new name, Israel, and used him to give birth to a nation.
Never forget that following the brokenness of an imperfect world, God gives strength in the broken place.
Resource reading: 2 Corinthians 4 "
Are you ready for this?? -John 1:40, 41
"John 1:40, 41 Sometimes the difficulties in our lives are the result of discipline, so that in brokenness, we would return to God. Other times, our trials and struggles are designed to educate us about human suffering so that we can learn compassion and be a blessing to others. Much of the time, human suffering is a mystery, but this gives us an opportunity to demonstrate obedience and walk by faith not by sight."
"Some people are more likely to get depressed than others, because of a chemical imbalance or other factors. Meanwhile, others may never get clinically depressed. The bottom line: The chances of getting depressed vary significantly from person to person."
"At the most basic level, nobody really knows what causes depression. The dominant theory is that it is a result of low levels of certain neurotransmitters"
"A variety of psychological factors appear to play a role in vulnerability to these severe forms of depression. Most likely, psychological factors are completely responsible for other forms of mild and moderate depression, especially reactive depression. Reactive depression is usually diagnosed as an adjustment disorder during treatment.
People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are readily overwhelmed by stress are more prone to depression. Psychologists often describe social learning factors as being significant in the development of depression, as well as other psychological problems. "
"Depression is a medical disease, caused by a neurochemical or hormonal imbalance.
Depression is caused by certain styles of thinking.
Depression is a result of unfortunate experiences."
"Though some Christians protest that depression is a "spiritual" problem, they're wrong. For those who have inherited a depressive gene, even if they applied every biblical principle and were counseled by St. Peter himself, they would still wrestle with depression. We live in a fallen world where God does allow suffering. I have good friends who inherited diabetes. For thousands of years, whoever inherited insulin-dependent diabetes almost immediately died. Now, with modern medicines, they can live. But if they forsake their insulin, God will allow them to die within two days."
"SAD is most likely to affect people in higher latitudes and coincides with the darkest months of the year, making the seasonal reduction in light the obvious culprit. But how this registers on the brain is still a matter of speculation. One theory is that serotonin levels drop off in winter. Another is that melatonin secretion may be the cause. Yet another theory posits that circadian rhythms are thrown out of whack."
"Adequate levels of Vitamin D in the body strengthen bone density, reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of diabetes, help ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and help in combating depression. Interested now?"
*must see touching video above!!
Jeremy Camp: Let It Fade (live)
"Entire song- recorded live at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN (2/6/09) "
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Life: Peace, Quietness, Reconciliation, Rest, etc...
It's a Wonderful Life - Part 11/15
"On Christmas Eve 1946, George Bailey (James Stewart) is deeply depressed, even suicidal. Prayers for George Bailey are heard by angels appearing as stars in the night sky. Clarence Odbody, an Angel Second Class, is sent to Earth to save him—and thereby earn his wings. Joseph, the head angel, is told to review George's life with Clarence."
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Financial "Wisdom", Advice, Budgeting, Investments, Savings, Tips, etc...
It's A Wonderful Life Ending
"A beautiful ending to a beautiful movie. "
*see an answer to prayer
*just saw the theatrical version last night (Friday, December 11th of 2009)
*see Purpose
-Drama/Skits
Mirror, Mirror - Christian Music Video - Ground Zero Master's Commission - Barlow Girl
"Mirror, Mirror - Christian Music Video - BarlowGirl - This Christian music video tells that we should not let others influence our lives - Ground Zero Master's Commission"
"One in five people are living with depression. It is a worldwide epidemic. Winston Churchill refered to his depression as the "Black Dog". It lurks behind even the most prominent leaders and celebrities, its breathe infiltrating every part of society imaginable. David Young, a merciless new breed of reporter, takes on the story of his career, to expose the secrets of depression. Finding himself face to face with the Black Dog, David realises his only hope can be found through God's salvation. Depression is a growing epidemic. Public awareness and interest is rising as more and more people all around the world ask "Why?", "What can be done?". "In a Black Dog" is an excellent resource for Youth group use in the Church and evangelistic outreach. Dealing with the subject of Depression, it exposes the hidden truths behind the suffering of millions of lives worldwide. "
*see Ministry: Deliverance
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Matthew 7:7