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I would like to dedicate this thread to people who have suffered from depression whether mild or severe.   Some may have experienced depression while in the Assembly because they felt required to suppress doubt.  Others may have fallen into a funk after they left the Assembly while trying to come to grips with the sense of loss.  Others may have a physiological problem or psychological reasons they tend towards depression.

What is your story?  What helped?  Do you overcome the depression or do you simply manage it?

     A typical conversation between a sufferer of depression and a caring friend or relative who wants to help, but has never personally been depressed, starts like this:
     "Are you feeling depressed?'
     "Yeah..."
     "What about?"
     ...and that is where communication breaks down.  More often than not, clinical depression is not "about" anything in particular.  Although the severity of the depressive state may be situationally affected, the basic affliction is difficult to assess and is frequently attributed to a chemical imbalance in the body.  The sense of unfounded hopelessness is impossible to explain to someone who has neither experienced it nor been trained to understand it.
     The well meaning friend will often try to "cheer up" the suffering patient (clinical depression is an illness), but may find the result to be the opposite of what was hoped for.  The course of depression, short term and long term, can be unpredictable.  The two non-professional approaches most likely to help are attentive listening (without comment) and a gentle touch (a hand on the arm; a shoulder to lean on).
     What the depressed do not need is to feel that they are being judged and condemned for not "bucking up" and pulling themselves together.  Severe depression defies the mind-over-matter approach.

     Although it was not diagnosed until the mid-1980s, little analysis was needed to establish that I had suffered clinical depression of varying degrees since childhood, probably having begun in the early 1950s.  Over the past several years I have been helped immensely through the ministrations of a Christian counselor.  I am presently seen quarterly by a psychiatrist for the monitoring of two prescription anti-depressants.
     Don't worry about being politically correct with me-- I enjoy valium jokes as much as a "normal" person would.  ;)
I usually get my shrink to give me one of those pens from the pharmaceutical companies, then show people my "personalized" Prozac or Wellbutrin pen. ;D

     I'll share some of my experiences as a "depressee" next time I post on this thread.

God bless,
al

I left fellowship about ten years ago.  When I left, I still believed in the assembly.  My faith was simply ruined.  They were gona make it.  I was toast.

My hair fell out in great clumps.  I had an ulcer and was treated for it for a long time.  I had great boils on my neck that burst and bled when I splashed water on them.  I lost weight (hardly able to eat) though I wasn't 'overweight' to start with.

Depression can take many forms.  I wrote myself through mine but cried constantly.  I went to see a counsellor and did all the homework she gave me.  Still, I think what I fought most was the assembly's doom for those who leave.  Something terrible was going to happen.  Without doubt, I was gona die a terrible death, or wish I had.  Still, what I feared most, was running into 'one of the faithful' and so I moved, got a new job and broke all connection with those I knew, even outside the assembly - sisters I knew from the campus.  I saw a leading brother on the Ctrain shortly after I left and it was like seeing a ghost.  I was so glad when he got off the train and didn't see me.  It was like I'd almost made contact with a dangerous alien species.  Sounds cruel, I know.  But all I knew was that he would not understand.  And I knew exactly what he'd say.  Doom.  Doom if I didn't 'repent'.

Delila

Upon hearing some of the struggles that so many people had to go through: depression, I had to write a bit of my experiences and God's mercy.

***

FIRST THING, if  you know anyone who is depressed, don't try to 'heal' them. Just be a good listener and be supportive. Hug the depressed, call them, tell jokes, walk with them, but do NOT try to FIX them. Some depressed people needs medical attention and help. Others needs hours, years of support and love. It will REQUIRE spiritual stamina, love and patience.

For those who try to FIX people or think they have the spiritual wisdom of Christ ask yourself this: Do you people who asked depressed people to repent ---- THINK we LIKE this?!!! It's not our eyes upon ourselves -- it's a crippling stronghold that holds our heart in a vice.

I found many in the ministry woefully ill-equipped to help those who struggle with this terrible prison. The biggest stumbling block to help those is PRIDE. You think you have all the answers. You think you are spiritually mature to help. Unless you go through it, you have no idea how bad it really is. it's not just being sad, it's sleeping 18 hrs straight, it's waking up feeling dead, it's a loss of appetite, it's a hollow feeling that you feel sometimes like you're not living in your own body.

It's a slow emotional ebola virus eating your personality away.

For those who don't understand depression, just admit you don't. That is the first step if you want to help those who suffers from depression.

The worse pain I got in the ministry was people saying, "You need to repent. You need to get your eyes off yourself." Maybe for the pity party-type you can say that, but for those who are depressed, you might scar someone for life with added guilt. There is NO measuring scale to the degree of soul damage a misplaced word, or action can have on a clinically depressed person. God have mercy if you shoot off your tongue to quickly to a depressed Christian.

SECONDLY, for all those who are depressed. God loves you, and God will help you get through this.

My sisters all suffered from depression, and my mom is maniac depressant to the point where it crippled my childhood. It's a literal curse upon the family. Some of us will never understand the emotional scarring, burdens and weight of our souls, but I truly believe through the supernatural touch of God we can find healing, and true joy. I lost my childhood, and didn't hear the words "I love you son." from my mother until I was 25. (Listen to Mark Shultz's song WHEN YOU COME home...it'll tear my heart everytime)
 She never said it...because at times I had to watch with tears, with the full realization of helplessness that I could not help my mom. The guilt ate me alive. Needless to say, it laid a foundation for a very unstable childhood.

Only recently through the prayers of many Christians my mom is slowly breaking free with prayer, and the reading of her bible. My sisters are now all saved. I am more stronger, more joyful and more on fire for God than EVER. God's grace came through! THANK YOU LORD!

I will say, if you came into the ministry depressed, it wasn't the ministry's fault you are still depressed. You were depressed before, but the ministry in it's perspective of depression and it's methods for dealing with it was absolutely preschool-like. I will gladly say if you got out of the ministry you have a much greater chance of beating depression than being in it. For sure: not a healthy place for depressed people. I hold responsiblity of these faulty perspectives to George and Betty Geftakys. Their ministry and perspectives have caused many souls to be harmed.

FAMOUS CHRISTIANS WHO STRUGGLED WITH DEPRESSION; Oswald Chambers and Martin Luther struggled with it alone, but God used it somehow. God used it in my life too. It has given me incredible empathy for those who suffer. I am not so quick to FIX people up. I am humbled to learn how to care for a soul AND admit I don't know it all. Pride will cause not healing for someone trying to help someone who suffers from depression.

Finally my own tips on dealing with depression:

Here are a few pointers:

1) Get a great network of support. People who simply will just pray for you without question is the best. I have two women I know without a doubt they can just pray on the spot for me. TALK and hang out with people. YOU HAVE TO GET out and interact with people otherwise you'll go crazy. People who LOVES you, cry tears in prayer hugging you... are the people you want.

When my sister was close to suicide, I cried my eyes out out loud in front of her. I bared my soul in agony for her. I cried HARD. You need that gut-level, love and commitment from people to help you get through this.

2) Diet and exercise. Sounds like 9th grade health class, but it works. I'm a stickler for exercise and a great diet. If you feel great physically it will help mentally, and emotionally. All those endorphins does help. Also you'll feel better about yourself and it will give you one less thing to be depressed and worried about. (Also great for bragging to your friends that you have a heart rate of a marathon runner. Some people think I do it for vanity. Hardly. It's about not being depressed)

3) Truly spend time with the Lord. Reading God's word and be entirely honest with God in prayer will help. Depression is a strange trip. It's emotional, and spiritual. I remember one time I came back exhausted on every level: emotional, physical, mental after from childrens' camp - my mistake was burning myself out without help - and when i drove to work the next day I heard a voice say, "Hit the car".

Let me tell you: Spiritual warfare. it's real. It's the devil and you better deal with it and get help.

4) I know depression is difficult. it might lead you to seek solace, comfort, and relief in sin. It doesn't work. Also don't bash yourself for how you feel, but bring it God. I know it's not easy...but you will make it.

Remember when Christ asked the man at the pool? Its was almost a sarcastic question. DO YOU WANT TO BE MADE WELL? The man has been in the same crippling condition for years...it's pretty obvious isn't it? YES it was. But Christ wanted the GUT-level cry and request of the heart. There is something attractive to God that he must work when faith, humility and sincerity is mixed into a prayer request.

When I cried my eyes out to God -- He came through with a song, with a person, with a passage to lift me up.

FINALLY:
Any of you who are depressed: God's value for you is remarkable. If you think your life and contribution to us, and this world is meaningless you're wrong. Your life, your soul, your smile and laughter will be missed. God intends for your life to shine and it will. Don't give up: you are beautiful in God's eyes. God loves you and will help you through this.  

You will one day break the chains of others and set them free.

There is ALWAYS hope my friend.

May God richly bless you, and show you to be the God of Miracles.

Gordon,

What excellent advice.  We can not fix people.  We can love them and there are so many ways to show this love.  There is nothing like the wisdom of experience, painful as it is to gain such wisdom.  You speak healing words.

Thanks,

Delila

I am diagnosed with Major Depression, and am on a cocktail of anti-depressants.  My depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  I go through depressive episodes 2-3 times a year, and the episodes can last up to a month.

Eulaha,

do the meds make you sleepy?

delila

The 400mg's of Serequel make me sleepy, which is why they are taken at bedtime.  But when I first started taking the meds, they caused drowsiness and make me feel listless.  After your body gets adjusted to them, however, those side effects generally subside.

I have been thru several medication changes in the past year, and I think I've finally found the right combination and dosage. :)

Eulaha,
I'm glad you've found something that helps.  I have never tried depression meds, though they were suggested by a doctor to me years ago.  Now is probably the first time in my life that I don't think I need anything like that.  But I'm glad these meds exist for those who get help by using them.

Are there other things that help you when you're depressed?  
Me: working out, writing, and my children I think are the biggest healers for me right now.  Counselling has also helped a great deal.

Delila

     My clinical depression was first diagnosed in the early 1980s, after years of unexplained symptoms of chronic fatigue, a variety of physical ailments that came & went and a general feeling of hopelessness that I had worked hard to deny/contain ever since I had accepted Christ 20 years earlier.  After a number of tests, my family physician diagnosed clinical depression and referred me to a community mental health clinic.
     My first experience with mental health professionals was a fiasco.  The psychiatrist in charge of the clinic was much more concerned about the legal ramifications of treating me than in my condition, and the staff counsellor I was assigned to would fall asleep during our sessions.  I was not in a state to appreciate the ironic humor of the situation, so reported back to my family M.D., who agreed to treat me as long as my condition didn't worsen.
     Before too long I was unable to work and had to resign my job.  My wife was an angel of understanding to me and helped our four children to understand what I was going through.  The doctor tried a number of antidepressant prescription medications with varied degrees of success.  Some seemed to work, but the effect was temporary, leading to a number of changes in dosage and in the types of medicines.
     After several years of being unable to work full time, I went on Prozac.  When it had apparently worked well for others for over a year, my doctor tried it on me.  After about two months, I realized one day that it had been over a week since I had experienced a suicidal thought.  Up until then, considerations of suicide had been a daily staple, sometimes occupying most of my waking hours.
     There were no logical grounds for my wanting to end my life.  It was purely fueled by emotion.  It wasn't that I wanted to die, but that I was absolutely discouraged by living.  Nothing about my life was so bad-- I just constantly felt as if it was.  The day I realized that I wasn't suicidal I thought, "I wonder if this is what 'normal' is?"
     For awhile there was a trade-off:  I was far less depressed, but I was also far less sensitive toward those around me; toward everything.  Tragedy no longer seemed tragic, the suffering of others no longer touched me.  I began to wonder if the relief was worth the cost.
     I needn't have been concerned:  before long my body was shrugging off the effects of Prozac, and a long period of changing dosages ensued.  During that time, my physician sent me to another psychiatrist.  This one found me suffering seasonal affective disorder (SAD), meaning that my depression is deeper during the dreary months and shorter days of winter.  I also was experiencing extreme claustrophobia and panic attacks.
     Several years of experimentation with second-perscription supplements to Prozac, varying Prozac dosages, and a couple of changes of  psychiatrists have brought me to a fairly reliable balance of Prozac & Wellbutrin.  A couple of years of seeing a Christian counsellor worked wonders of self-discovery and behavior modification.
     While I am reconciled to probably needing prescribed medicines for the rest of my life, the greatest benefit has come as a result of my spiritual reconciliation to Jesus Christ during the past year.  Medicines and counselling had made me more or less fit for day-to-day living in society, but only the love of Christ has made me truly whole.
     The depression is still with me, worse some days than others, but I cling to the confidence that He who has begun a good work in me will continue it...  My deliverance is a daily occurrence.  I don't mind it this way-- I have no reason to get cocky or to think I have (or can have) arrived.  In my case that's a good thing.

Verne,

     Thanks for asking.  I neglected to clarify that.  First of all, my condition isn't a "was"-- it's an "is."  The struggle is daily; hourly.  
     The answer to your question is BOTH:  My depression, apparently based in a chemical deficiency or imbalance, far predated the assembly.  My father and others in his family exhibited similar symptoms, but in those days one simply did not admit to them.  Widespread diagnoses of clinical depression is a relatively recent development.  Anyway, I have carried these symptoms since at least my early teens, possibly longer.
     There is, however, what the mental health practicioners call "situational" depression.  Some apparently are depressed only because of their circumstances, in which case treatment consists of changing either one's situation or ones attitude toward same, or both.
     But the clinical, chemical-oriented, depression patient may also be influenced, usually negatively, by situation.  The mental/emotional turmoil and the continuous physical exhaustion caused by assembly lifestyle, particularly in leadership, took a heavy toll.  Recovering from that "slough of despond" has been a long and difficult process.  
     The hardest part may be discerning what symptoms are brought on by the physical ailment and which ones are the product of an unclear grasp of spiritual reality.  Assembly teaching offered no help toward this end, and in many ways contributed to its confusion and difficulty.  Additionally, the pace required of me was draining, the resulting constant fatigue discouraging.
     Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift...

Hi Al-

Looks like you and I have something in common (did you ever think that would be possible?? lol ;) ;) ;) ;))

All kidding aside, depression has been a debilitating illness for me for a long time.  I try to live my life day-to-day, because with a chemical imbalance, you never know what tomorrow will bring in light of your mood.  Every day that I wake up in a fairly good mood, I feel like a winner!

Eulaha,
     You & I have quite a lot in common, dear sister-- just because I was a misguided jerk when we first met on this BB never meant I was doomed to stay that way! ;) ;D  I have come to love you dearly and hope for your happiness...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

     For the sake of those who don't suffer depression but hope to understand & help those who do, a description of some of my syptoms (syptoms vary from case to case):

--not wanting to get out of bed.  for days on end.
--not wanting to bathe, brush teeth, comb hair, change clothes.
--not feeling like reading, listening to music, etc., or talking with anyone.
--wanting to sleep & sleep & sleep.
--fearing that staying awake may lead to suicide.
--wanting to die.  not to be with the Lord-- just to die.
--being angry, snappish toward those who try to help me.
--being angry if they don't try to help me.
--self pity.  big time.
--crying a lot, with little or no provocation.
--having no appetite.
--being ravenously hungry.
--being angry toward God & wanting to sin just to defy Him.
--BAD headaches.
--cold chills, shaking & sweating.
--nausea.
--light-sensitivity; noise-sensitivity.
--achiness.
--hearing ringing, whistling & other sounds that aren't there.

     These do not occur simultaneously or in any particular order or with any regular frequency.  I have discussed my symptoms with several doctors, and they are not unusual in cases of clinical depression.  The seriousness of any or all of them will vary from one person to another.
     Prescription medicines to reestablish the brain's chemical balance have helped me, although the chemical needs change, and thus must the remedies.  It is an ongoing experiment, as diet, rest, weather,  stress factors (family, home, health, job, etc.) and many other variables make precision diagnoses impossible.
     Counselling is also helpful, provided the counsellor is genuinely interested and well trained (some are, unfortunately, nuttier than the patients ::)).
     As I stated in a previous post, the single most effective help to me has been learning anew how to know, trust and commune with the living Christ.  My depression has been severe at times, and life-threatening, but if it took that to get me right with God, I have no regrets.  No cost is too great for gaining intimacy with Him.  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning, and it is joy unspeakable and full of glory... the half has never yet been told!

al :D
 

Yikes, Al!

Do you really think that God planted depression in you so that you'd turn to him?  I  hope not.  Though it might be part of the curse, as is air pollution and cancer, I don't think God cooked any of this pain up.  Unlike what George taught, I don't see God that way.  I hope that's not what you're implying.  If it is, let's talk.

Delila

     There is a universe of difference between saying that God "planted" an affliction and saying that He allowed it.  However, what I am saying is that I neither know nor care which, if either, is the case.  I have known for many years that my need is desparate, and I have prayed for many years, "Lord, please do whatever it takes to get what you want in my life."
     Hearing this testimony from someone else, I might consider such a gesture heroic, but I know that I am no hero-- I am terrified of missing the mark.  Under GG that meant a constant fear of weeping & gnashing my teeth in outer darkness while the saints go marching in.  Today, freed of that terror, I desire to not fall short of granting Jesus Christ His due return for the immeasurable price He paid to redeem me.
     My depression & physical afflictions have seemed horrible at times, but the Lord has used their influence repeatedly to turn my heart and mind toward Him.  Maybe there was a kinder gentler way, but in fear & desperation I said, "Whatever it takes..."  Through the years of my backsliding, wandering, denial, apostacy, this was yet my prayer.  This is the way by which He has brought me back to Him.
     I blame God for nothing.  Compared to garnering the wages of sin, my life has been a picnic.  I don't preach "Come by the way I've traveled," but I will say to anyone, "By all and any means, get to where I'm going."
     Theologians are welcome to chime in here.  I'm open.  My personal theology/philosophy is not experience-based, but I see no reason to deny any experience that has resulted in honoring Christ, no matter how difficult it seemed at the time.

               He giveth more grace as the burdens grow greater,
          He sendeth more strength as the labors increase,
               To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
          To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

     He is our very present Help in time of need...

Al, I was acting like a jerk too, and for that I apologize. :D

I don't think God is "punishing" me with the affliction of a chemical imbalance, but I do know that He is using it to cause spiritual growth and maturity.  There are days that all I can do is cry out to Him for comfort.

There are plenty of people who tell me that I'm just making all this stuff up, but God knows the truth.  My family, though they don't fully understand, has been a great source of support. I also chat in a depression support room found by going to:

www.depressionchat.com

There you'll find people going through the same things. :D

Eulaha,
     Thanks for the link.  It's a gift that I hope will benefit many besides you & me.  Cathy & I both have fibromyalgia, & I have chronic fatigue syndrome, both of which have links at the depression site.

     I know what you mean about people thinking you're making it up.  There are no outward syptoms of depression.  If our joints were severely swollen or we had open sores it would be OK with them, but just wanting to withdraw & sleep appears to them as laziness.  Anxiety seems foolish to those who aren't anxious and depression is a myth to someone who wakes up every morning feeling great.
     A few years ago I was introduced to a woman who suffered severely from an ailment that had no evident symptoms.  When she found out that I understood, she would have spent the entire day with me, just happy to have someone with whom she felt free to talk.  People can be very intolerant of whatever they don't understand, & relatively few are prepared to accept what is beyond their personal experience.
     Perhaps that is why some of us are permitted to suffer the things we do:  that we may intercede in one way or another for other sufferers.

God bless you real good! :)
al

     One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly important.

     Bertrand Russell (1872-1970),
     philosopher, mathematician, author, Nobel laureate

In the case of GG, it seemed like the sympton was around for a very long time?

Bertrand Russell was some interesting post-Assembly reading for me a few years ago. I don't completely agree with how Russell went about his essay "Why I am not a Christian" but I did think about "Why I am not an Assembly-ite" when I read it.

I completed a BA in English after leaving the Assembly and, interestingly, the Assembly is partly to thank for my being able to understand and appreciate literature as a lot of it alludes to the Bible and I, like plenty of other people, did lots of Bible reading during the Assembly years.

It's also a characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Shinchy,

I read "Why I am not a Christian" several years before I got involved in the assembly.  About 1963 or 64 if I remember correctly.

I wanted to see what the anti-Christian big guns had to say.

I was surprised to find out that all Russell had to say was a slightly more eloquent version of what I had heard from my barracks mates when I was in the USAF.

Needless to say, I was not impressed.

God bless,

Thomas Maddux

Can anyone give me information regarding your search for a counselor? A few friends have been (gently) suggesting that I seek help, but I am rather frightened. How could I even begin to explain this... phenomenon to someone who is completely uninitiated? How do you communicate that you grew up knowing little more than an extreme and fundamentally tainted belief system? That your entire frame of reference is foreign to the collective memory of your peers? That you have assimilated yourself into society through painful effort? I know that I need help interpreting and discovering what actually happened to me, but... I guess I'm just scared.

Does counselling help enough to merit the search?

Hi Rumple!

  I don't have much time to try and answer your question re. using a counselor or not at the moment, but if you would like to e-mail me I will be able to get back to you by the weekend.
   It is important to know what your particular needs are so that you find the right counselor.
   Just having someone to talk to who has been through what you've been through can help a great deal.
   It is my opinion that those struggling with serious depression should seek professional help.  
    Recovery from one's time in the Assembly might require a special counselor who understands your particular needs.  For others, this forum here, along with reading books that have been recommended by former Assembly members, will be sufficient.
   I have to go, but I just wanted to let you know that I am available to try and help you find the resources that you need.
                               God Bless,  Mark C.  
 

I definitely second what Mark said about professional help. My 2 cents is to find a counselor whose professional beliefs/philosophy is compatible with yours. Someone who will do the real work and not push pills is my kind of counselor, for example. So have your objectives, what you as the patient are willing to work with, in mind when seeking a counselor.

Summer,

     First, some serious prayer for the Lord's insight and guidance.  Depression is a clinical problem, and may be clinically treated with medicine and/or therapy, but for the Christian, the solution is still always a spiritual matter.  All other considerations must be incorporated within God's ultimate purpose in redemption.

     Take a look at:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&q=depression&btnG=Google+Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&q=depression&btnG=Google+Search)
There are a lot of sites listed there, and I am not familiar enough with them to recommend any.  See if any of the descriptive blurbs on the menu page sound intriguing.  Above all, keep praying!

God bless,
al

     As I see it, there is only one kind of spiritual warfare.  You may be a Jew, a Buddhist, an atheist, an astrologist, what have you.  The god of this world has launched an all-out campain to discredit the One True God and to rob every living soul of the opportunity to receive redemption from sin through Jesus Christ.

     See Jeremiah 11:13:  For your gods have become as many as your cities, O Judah, and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars you have set up to shame, altars to make offerings to Baal.  The prophet is telling God's people that all gods are false except for the One True God, and that all altars that are not for Jehovah are for Baal.  The battle may take many forms, but the battleground is always the human soul, and the contestants are always God and satan.

al

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL SITE ON ENCOURAGEMENT , ABOUT A REAL PHYSICAL DISEASE:
CALLED DEPRESSION.
TEN YEARS AGO, I SUFFERED MY FIRST BREAKDOWN AND WAS DIAGNOSIS WITH CLINICAL DEPRESSION.
A YEAR AGO CHRISTMAS , I WAS HOSPITALIZE FOR DEPRESSION.

ANTIDEPRESSIVE CAN MAKE YOU VERY SLEEPY, SHAKY, ENERGIC, LOSE WEIGHT, GAIN WEIGHT.

SOME TIMES IT JUST A MATTER OF ADJUSTING THE DOSES OR CHANGING THE MEDS.

THERE ARE ALSO MANY HERBAL REMEDIES, BUT CHECK WITH THE DOCTOR , FOR SIDE EFFECTS.

IF YOU YO YO ON AND OFF THE MEDS. IT TAKES LONGER AND HIGHER DOSAGE TO STABLIZE AGAIN.
AND THE SIDE EFFECTS ARE WORSE UNTIL STABILIZATION OCCURS.

DEPRESSION IS A PHYSICAL DISEASE NOT A ITS ALL IN YOUR HEAD.

LIKE DIABETIC DISORDERS, WHICH TAKE A DAILY DOSE OF INSULIN. DEPRESSION  IS A CHEMICAL  IMBALANCE, TAKES A DAILY DOSE OF THAT CHEMICAL.

ALL I WAS GOING TO SAY. THANK YOU FOR THIS SITE.
GOD BLESS YOU AND AMEN(I WOULD INCLUDE A PRAYING SMILEY)

MAY 24 4:22 AM EST:

THANK YOU.
I am on the road to recovery once again.
Thanks to God guiding me on that road, Thanks to Prayers of believers, and thanks for God given Wisdom of modern medicine.

 :)JUNE 25: 4:26 AM:

ON WEDNESDAY I ATTENDED A PRESENTATION:
ON DEPRESSION:

IT WAS A POWER POINT PRESENTATION. I HAVE THE WRITTEN FORM.  There was much discussion.

But if any one wants information from the hand out about depression: email me I will be glad to send you some of the points.

such as

Depression is a disease

Serious health problems
Possible causes
Associated disorders
Some stats.
Mood symptoms
Medical illnesses
Medical therapies

Major Depressive Disorder :
Diagnosis is Important
It is controlable.

The presentation with the discussion with the participants went for 2 hours.
It was well worth the session.

     In the history of mankind, "depression" is a relatively recently applied term used to describe a variety of psychological symptoms ranging from mild to volatile.
     The Bible cites numerous examples of what today's mental health professionals might call depression, notably among prophets and kings in the Old Testament, disciples in the New, and the heathen of every age.

     The Christian who suffers symptoms of depression stands to learn much about his or her affliction through science's explanations of the causes of depression; that is, the physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to its manifestation.  The world of mental health science & sociology and Christianity share one common goal regarding depression:  that it not lead to the destruction of life, but beyond that single commonality, the pursuit diverges into two separate paths.  The Christian must be utterly clear on this in order to follow the correct pathway.

     Simply put, the natural goal of the depressed and those who study depression is:  Relief.  Call it a cure, healing, deliverance, emancipation-- it is all one thing:  Make it stop!  Make the pain go away.  Make me feel better.  Make me well.  There is nothing abnormal about this-- it is the automatic response to pain; the same instinct that makes us pull our hand back from an open flame.  But relieving the pain of depression can have costly side effects.

     After determining that my depression stemmed from a chemical imbalance in my body, doctors treated me with a variety of pharmaceuticals, attempting to establish the balance they thought would be right for me.  There were times when I was delivered of my depression, but was also so devoid of other emotional responses that I found it impossible to empathize with others or care about their concerns.  That was overkill-- I could not afford to sacrifice my relationship with Christ or the rest of humanity merely so I might feel better.

     Christian, study the world's findings about the possible sources of your depression.  Learn what you can about the physical and mental aspects of feeling whole, but don't stop there.  You must know that in God's economy, your depression has a purpose.  Categorize depression with every other form of suffering that a saint may be called upon to endure.  Endure is the key word, for the affliction is present, not merely that it may be cured, but that God may be glorified through it.

       Everyone who is depressed suffers, to greater or lesser degree, and most seek relief.  Ask God for added grace that you may be one who can say, "Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.  Be glorified through my affliction, and enable me to serve you faithfully whether or not I am relieved."  That is the side of it the world does not know.  That is the purpose of depression.

al

 :DJUNE 26: 1:27 AM.

AL: I DONT DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

BUT AS ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED FROM CLINICAL DEPRESSION DIAGNOSIS FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS, BUT SUFFERED FROM IT FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS.

THERE IS NO QUICK FIX FOR DEPRESSION.
DEPRESSION (MOOD DISORDER which is going to be called now), IS A VERY REAL MEDICAL CONDITION.

There are Biblical examples, if you read further,
like Elijah , his depression was not simply endured.
It was treated by rest and nutrition, and seeking God's presents.  It was ignored and endured.

There was King Hezekiah, in his depressive state due to his medical illnesses that was leading to death.
It wasnt ignored. Isaiah was sent to comfort him, and
his prayers were answered. God was there for him.

If you look at other examples, whether it was depression that afflicted Paul, he was apostle that if he suffered from depression, he had a lot of reasons.
But he wasnt alone, if you read of the letters, there was this one and that one visiting him, bring him news of the early church. The only time that he ever complained he was alone, was when he asked Timothy to come and visit him.

God doesnt leave us alone during our depressive state.
Depression is not just feeling sad or blue. It is a very real physical condition.
God send a earthly representative to help us, just like Elijah , had a angel to care for him. King Hezekiah had Isaiah, and Paul had the leaders of the early church.

The word depression is over used. But those who suffer Major Depression Disorder. Enduring sometimes is impossible to do alone.
You learn to cope, but sometimes you are in the black hole so deep, that  the light at the top is just a dimmer blinking.  Thats the place where there is no hope, hope is just a thread that is thinning and ready to snap.
That thinning thread is God.  The snap is our ability to hang on. Thank God he has his hand ready to reach down and grab us. God then uses his earthly respresentatives to bring comfort, bring contact, bring food, bring advocacy, bring support. even if it is just a listening ear and a should to cry on.

God does accompany us from the journey from Darkness to Sunshine.

Depression is an illnesses that should never be ignored, and needs proper diagnosis. and treatment, whether it is antidepression, therapy, change of thinking, fellowshipping, and prayer.
or and a combination of all of the above.



There are WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:
 ::) www.camh.net
       www.macanxiety.com
          www.nimh.nih.gov
            www.emha.ca

These are mostly likely to be Canadian Web Sites, but
they are for sites that discuss mental health/illnesses such as depression, anxieties, .

Depression is a control condition, like diabetis which needs attention and management and is nothing to be ashamed of.
Responding to signs and symptoms as soon as possible increases chances of successfully managing your illnesses.

The life time risk for Major Depressive Disorder is 10 to 25% for women and from 5 to 12% for men.
Often begins in early childhood or adolescence,.

Depression has impact on most aspects of everyday life.

15% of patients with major Depressive Disorder die by suicide. It increases for those over 55 to 60%.
80% of all suicides are unintentional.

Depression leads to many other stress related illnesses due to lack or inability to care for self at times.

80 - 90% of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder also have anxiety symptoms., which can include major separation anxiety among older children.

These are just some of the facts. of 11 pages from this power point presentation I attended Wed. June 23rd.

Lenore,

     As a fellow sufferer, I am in no way demeaning the seriousness of depression, whatever the mental health pro's choose to call it.  It can be utterly devastating.  Please allow me a couple of comments in response to yours:


     A coworker of mine used to describe his depressive state as the feeling of hanging by a single thread, above a fiery pit, and watching the strands of that thread break, one-by-one:     >ping<      >ping<      >ping<...     I understood what he was saying.  I have hung there in the oppressive darkness many times.

     The point of my previous post is that the non-Christian world, including its "specialists," sees no goal for the sufferer beyond eliminating the suffering.  But God has a greater purpose for us:  in all these things we are more than conquerors, so that whether by our living or by our dying, Jesus Christ may be exalted, not by our faithfulness to Him, but by His to us.  

     Regardless of how we feel, we can know that our Lord will never leave us nor forsake us.  We may feel lost, hopeless and alone, but at the same time we cling to His promise that underneath are (not the fiery pits of our hellish imagination, but) the everlasting arms.  God's hand is not only "ready to reach down and grab us," but His hand has never let go of us!

     Believe me, Sister, I KNOW how real the hopelessness of depression can seem, but it is still an illusion, brought on by chemical and/or environmental factors, while the truth in Christ Jesus is that I am His and His forever.  It is not "our ability to hang on" that matters, but His faithfulness to never let go!

God bless,
al

JUNE 26, 11:11 PM

Dear Al  :)

I totally agree with you.

Even Christians, the deep pit of depression, can seem hopeless.

Fortunately, I have a wonderful Christian counsellor, who is also a licence pastor, and a licence counsellor.


Exploring one's pass to get at the root of the experiences, whether it is from childhood memories, enviroment, genes, chemical,.
You must admit that when the symptoms are very prevalent, and the ability to cope, or even think, just putting one foot against the other, becomes a human impossibility. The symptoms must be treated some how.
Whether it is through medication and therapy after all God has given people talents to do these things too.
Whether it is just talking it out, and acknowledging that
there is a problem. Give it a name.
There is still too much stigmatism associated with
Mental Health/Illness,  and that in itself can be a battle.
Christian who suffer from depression, has been told that all you have to do is buckle up, get on with it.
Those platitudes do not work, because  while under the depressional symptoms you are not really listening . and you want someone to listen to you.

You are right God doesnt leave us during these times, He is there with us.
During a depression episode, during that hopeless black hole, sometime unfortunately, God can only be a head knowledge,  when you need a earthly representative from God to lean on.
How many Christian's get to that hopeless state, and unintentional killed themselves because their hopeless state became unbearable, because  all they got were platitudes of buckle up, let it roll off your back, etc.
or even God is with you, God will carry you, those saying those words, doesnt do a thing .
To be fair, a lot of people do not understand about Depression, a lot people dont know how to help, and it something they dont even want to talk about.
The Christian community needed to talk about it.
There is a ministry out there to help each other, neighbours, etc.  to offer some kind of assistances to people experience depression. Maybe it has to start with over coming personal misconceptions of Depression.  I still hear "Its all in the head".

Al because you understand what it is and have learn to accept it as part of you, control it in the way your uniqueness. Not everyone is able to yet.
We are dealing, coping, surviving, learning, at our own level.
Not all of us is strong emotionally, even spiritually , relying on God through prayer, but I rely on God's earthly representatives  because without those
the lonilness will only add to the depression, then feeling of being alone becames the straw that breaks the camel's back.   Then thoughts of suicide , even begging to go to the heavenly home, because of the feelings of worthlessness, unwantedness, unloveness,
abandonment, rejection, etc. becames a very heavy burden to carry around.
God has allowed me to know my limits, God also has allowed others to know when I start withdrawning, isolating, disconnecting, because that is the sign that I
need more God's representatives to be his hand to hang on to.  That could be brothers and sisters in Lord, that could be animals with their unconditional love, that could be family, that could even be sitting out on the picnic table at 3 am, looking up at the stars, and being amazed at the beauty of God's creation.

     Please let me clarify one very important point:  What I understand about my depression has nothing whatever to do with my ability to control or overcome it.  Learning about depression has helped me to accept it as a factual condition of my life.  I still have no control over it at all.  When it comes upon me, it is devastating and overwhelming.  I have no inner reserves of strength capable of confronting it.

     Paul said that when he was weak, then he was strong, for the Lord had told him that His (Christ's) strength was made perfect in Paul's weakness.

     Just as I have no control over the course of my affliction (it simply IS what it is), I also have no control over the truth of the Lord's promises:  They ARE what they are.  I can't make my depression seem any less than it feels, and even the prince of darkness can't make Jesus Christ's power of any less effect.

     We are all, each, different from one another, and God deals with each of us where we are.  His promises to us are the same for us all, but His ways of implementing them are tailored for our specific circumstances and comprehension.

     We who suffer attacks of depression must, between those incidents, strengthen ourselves through prayer and knowledge of God's word so that when the darkness next overwhelms us we will have paved the way for the Lord's intervention on our behalf.  Will He have made us more confident in Him?  Will He send someone to help?  Will we find consolation in the companionship of a faithful pet or the beauty of a sunset?  Will we even recognize the instrument of our deliverance?

     Each of us must answer these and other questions for ourselves, asking and trusting the Lord to help us to answer rightly and truly...

al

 :DJULY 6TH 9:57 PM:

AL . You know I am glad I can have a emotional ping pong match with you.

You get at the heart of the matter.
Sometimes it takes time to sink in. But then there are times where facing the truth is not what a body wants to do at the time.

I have taken the last six days, to physically rest.
So my physically state could not further impede my mental state.

Today is my daughter Christie 24th birthday. I have not seen her since last October nor the grandsons either.
I didnt have the finances to send her a gift.
I was just about to wallow in self pity depression for a time.
You know what I did .  I send her 24 ecards for her birthday, on different ecard sites.
Picking out each different as if I was planning a birthday party, different aspects that are including in the party.
Doing that help me get out from myself, and it pick me up . Now I dont know what Christie going to say or do with all those ecards. But she cant say I didnt recognize her on her birthday.
Pray for me Al.

Depression, even though I have lived with this a long time. I am still trying to get a handle on it.
It is such a seesaw type of an illnesses, that even with medication to control the symptoms, you never know what and when you going down.
There are hints, like unable to stop the crying. The energy sapping. The I dont care about anything anymore blues.  Even the why am I still around, How useful am I really.  The claws of unworthiness, not good, loneliness start a scratching.
It is a battle . The only victor of that battle is the battle belong to the Lord.
Once in the depression cat fight. The only strength left is the strength of the Lord Jesus . It is only hanging on to Him that we can go through the battle.
You ever see the picture of the cat hanging on to a bar with one paw.  That Bar is Jesus. I am the cat hanging on by a paw.
It is crazy to picture this but sometimes that is the way it feels. Just hanging on by a claw.

thanks for the ping pong match. Are you keeping score or should I.  I believe it is your serve.

Gidday from the Valley & talk to you later.

I just wanted to add my 2 cents here.

I suffered from post-partum depression in varying degrees, depending on the type of delivery/surgery and stress and life-stressors that my body had to go through at the time.

Depression is not a "choice", like some would like to believe. It's a chemical imbalance. Many well-meaning folks would call me up to give suggestions on how to counter the state of depression, but it only added to the misery and feelings of guilt.

Fortunately, I had run into a doctor who suffered from bouts of depression and learned how to live in spite of them. I learned from him that your mind is a physical part of your physical body and depression can be linked to exhaustion (like in Elijah's case).

Praising God in the depths of depression can seem ludicrous, but I did it anyway, when I could. I learned that God was worthy of my praise because He was God, whether, at the time, I was convinced that He loved me and/or died for me, or not.

It was a valuable thing to learn: God was worthy of praise because He is God. It doesn't depend on anything of me. Even if He rejected me, He was still worthy of praise, because He was God!

Another thing I learned was that in depression, you can't "hang on". You've already lost the rope, but God is there. He hasn't left me just because I think that He has.

My heart goes out to anyone suffering from depression beyond the length of post-partum. It's a nightmarish experience.

Moonflower2

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (depression), Thou art with me." Psalm 23

"If I make my bed (if my mind is) in hell, behold, You are there." Psalm 139. Jesus actually was in hell. Who better to know than He?
 

Moonflower2,

     Those two pennies are solid gold!  You really understand, and have made a contribution beyond value to anyone who suffers depression and will read your post.  Thank you!

al

 :DJULY 18: 6:37 PM: 'HAPPY LORD'S DAY'

I have been doing some web research on depression.
I want to organize the research and take them to my own physician.

But I have save a few of the information on Notepad.

I am giving you some of the information , I hope by sharing , someone can use it for themselves.

Lenore
------

 
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression has many faces, changing the way it appears from one person to the next. Compounding this problem is the fact that most people are unaware that depression is an illness. Also, many have a negative attitude toward mental illness and its treatment.

Depression is a troublesome and sometimes incapacitating condition that affects more than one million Canadians a year. People suffering from a depressive episode will often display a variety of physical symptoms. The depressed person may complain of a sad or blue mood. However, most people have symptoms not readily recognizable as depression, because they have never had a previous episode of depression.

Physical symptoms are most often the sole indicators of depression;
( headaches, vague muscle pains and bowel complaints are common presentations. )
For some people, physical symptoms are a way of gaining access to their doctor.
People often believe a depressed mood is their fault, a character weakness,
a sign of not being able to cope in society,
 and that they will be ridiculed by their doctor,
 whom they may view as an authority figure.
 Depressed patients may be afraid to say they are depressed and are apt to deny the diagnosis of depression.
 Such individuals need continued support before they feel comfortable enough to accept the diagnosis of a psychiatric illness and to comply with treatment.


This web site serves as an introduction to depression. Should you or someone that you are concerned about have any of the symptoms described in this web site, a health care professional should be contacted to assist you in evaluating these symptoms. No one needs to suffer from depression. The treatments described in this web site serve as information, but do not suggest that anyone should start self-treatment. Contact a medical professional to assist you.  


SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION


Anxiety:

A state in which the individual experiences feelings of uneasiness (apprehension) and activation of the autonomic nervous system in response to a vague, nonspecific threat.
 It is a common manifestation of depression, with up to 70% of individuals experiencing combined anxiety and depression.
 Anxiety symptoms can be very distressing to the individual, and may markedly affect his/her mood.

Situational Anxiety:

Actual or perceived threats to the concept of self, such as:
 Loss of status and prestige.
Lack of recognition from others.
Failure (or success).
Loss of valued possessions.
 
Actual or perceived loss of significant others:
Death; divorce; moving; temporary or permanent separation.

Actual or perceived threat to biological integrity:
 Dying; assault; invasive procedures; disease.

Actual or perceived change in environment:
Hospitalization; moving; retirement.

Actual or perceived change in socioeconomic status:
Unemployment; new job; promotion.

Transmission of another person's anxiety to the individual may also occur.

Defining Characteristics Of Anxiety

Physiological: Increased heart rate; elevated blood pressure, increased respiratory rate; excessive sweating; dilated pupils; voice tremors/pitch changes; tremors; palpitations; nausea and/or vomiting; insomnia; fatigue and weakness; flushing; dry mouth;
 body aches and pains; urinary frequency; restlessness; faintness;
paresthesias (eg numbness and/or tingling).
 




Emotional: Person states that he/she has feelings of apprehension; helplessness; nervousness; fear.
 Person exhibits irritability; angry outbursts; crying; tendency to blame others;
 lack of self-confidence; loss of control; tension or being "keyed up";
 criticism of self and others; withdrawal; lack of initiative; self-deprecation.  

Cognitive: Inability to concentrate; lack of awareness of surroundings; forgetfulness; rumination; orientation to the past rather than to the present or future;
blocking of thoughts (inability to remember).  
Anxiety differs from fear in that the anxious person cannot identify the threat. With fear, the threat can be identified. However, fear and anxiety can be present simultaneously in an individual.  

Disturbance of Sleep Pattern
The state in which the individual experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, a change in the quantity or quality of his rest pattern as related to his biologic and emotional needs. Sleep disturbances are common in depression and can be the individual's first complaint.
 One study estimates that as many as 80% of patients who suffer from depression experience frequent sleep disturbances
 Failure to treat this condition is a major cause of noncompliance with therapy.

Situational:
Related to Depression: Lack of exercise, anxiety response.
Life-style Disruptions: Occupational; emotional; social; financial.
Medications: Tranquilizers; sedatives; hypnotics; antidepressants; monoamine oxidase inhibitors; amphetamines; barbiturates.

Defining Characteristics:

Difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep; fatigue on awakening or during the day; dozing during the day; agitation; mood alterations.

Mood: A prevailing emotional tone or feeling. Individuals with depression will often describe their mood as sad, hopeless, "down in the dumps" or empty. Often, the presence of depression can be deduced from a person's facial expressions and demeanour.  

Emotional: Increased irritability manifesting as persistent anger, angry outbursts or over-reaction to minor events. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities is almost always present to some degree. Lack of motivation, indifference and displayal of a pessimistic attitude are frequent. Concentration and memory problems are common, and some patients may worry that they have Alzheimer's disease.
 
Social Withdrawal: Those suffering from depression tend to avoid interactions with family and friends.
Sexual Dysfunction: The state in which an individual experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, a change in sexual health or sexual function that is viewed as unrewarding or inadequate.  

Suicidal Risk: When the diagnosis of depression is suspected,
a person's suicide risk must be assessed. It is a sobering statistic that 10 to 15% of hospitalized depressed patients will eventually commit suicide.  
 

 :): July 19th: 11:06 pm:

The information I am sharing tonight is on

Clinical Depression and Women:
-----------------------------------------

Clinical Depression in Women

Clinical depression is not a "normal" part of being a woman
 
One in five women can expect to develop clinical depression during their lifetime. Regardless of age, race, or income - clinical depression can occur in any woman, and can be serious enough to lead to suicide.

Many people understand that clinical depression causes sadness and withdrawal.
 But depression can also cause anxiety, irritability, fatigue and changes in eating and sleeping habits.
 Depressed people often feel worthless or hopeless, and may experience physical symptoms as well, including chronic pain.


Women are more than twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression. Although all the reasons for this difference are not known, research suggests that biological differences in women - such as hormonal changes and genetics - may contribute to depression. Additionally, social reasons, such as greater stresses from work and family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women, and even the increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty among women may lead to higher rates of clinical depression.


Despite the number of women who experience clinical depression, it is, in fact, not a "female weakness" or simply a normal part of being a woman. The good news is that clinical depression is a very treatable medical illness. Women with clinical depression need to know that successful treatments are available.


Clinical depression is more than the blues

Clinical depression is more than "the blues," which we all experience now and then. It is normal to feel sadness or upset at times of the death of a loved one, from a divorce and in times of illness. Too much work or troubles at home can be stressful. But, most women can go through these difficult times without becoming clinically depressed.

Some people incorrectly believe that only those who have experienced depression for months, or who have completely lost their ability to function, have clinical depression.
 In fact, when the symptoms of depression last more than two weeks, or when the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life, you may have clinical depression.


Does this sound like you?

"All the joy had gone out of life. Everything seemed like such a burden: my family, my job. I lost interest in eating, in being with my friends, even in having sex."  
"I just couldn't concentrate anymore, and everyone noticed how irritable I was. Maybe it was because I was so tired, but I couldn't sleep - I kept waking up so early."  
" I felt so miserable, and felt sure I would feel this way forever. I thought my family would probably be better off without me."  


Not every woman experiences clinical depression in the same way. Different women have different symptoms.


 Why do women suffer from clinical depression more often than men?



While we do not know all the reasons for this, research indicates the following:

Adolescence - The higher incidence of depression in women begins in adolescence, when there are dramatic changes in roles and expectations for teenage girls, along with physical and hormonal changes.

Adulthood - Many women face a variety of stresses, such as major responsibilities at home and work, a greater likelihood of being a single parent, and caring for children and aging parents. Rates of depression are highest for women when they are unhappily married. Being unmarried, including being separated or divorced, increases depression in both women and men.

Menstruation and Premenstrual Syndrome - While many women experience irritability or depressed feelings before their menstrual period, caused by changes in hormone levels, these feelings usually last only a few days. Extreme emotional and physical symptoms are called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and may benefit from treatment by a doctor.

Postpartum Depression - Many women experience sadness following childbirth, ranging from a few days of the "blues" to clinical depression. Although as many as one out of every ten new mothers experience serious depression, in most cases it passes in a week or two. However, long-lasting clinical depression in a mother can have a negative effect on a child's behavior and development, which is another very important reason to seek treatment.

Menopause - Women are at no greater risk for clinical depression during menopause than at other times in their lives. However, women who have a history of clinical depression may be more likely to experience a recurrence during menopause.

Late Life - Some factors in later life can increase the risk of clinical depression. The death of a spouse may lead to depression. Additionally, clinical depression can be triggered by other illnesses including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. Called "co-occurring depression," it should be treated in addition to treatment for the other illnesses. Depression is never a normal part of growing older.

How these factors affect women is not yet fully understood. Regardless of the reasons, depression is not a normal part of a woman's life.


Clinical Depression and Women
 
Women experience depression at roughly twice the rate of men. One in five women can expect to develop clinical depression during their lifetime. Regardless of age, race, or income clinical depression can occur in any woman, and can be serious enough to lead to suicide. The good news is that clinical depression is a treatable medical illness. Women with clinical depression need to know that successful treatments are available.


The Facts Every Woman Should Know


Approximately seven million women in the United States currently have diagnosable clinical depression.i
Only one out of every three women who experience clinical depression will ever seek care.ii
Married women have higher rates of depression than unmarried women, with rates peaking during the childbearing years.iii
Depression occurs most frequently in women 25-44 years of age.iv
Girls entering puberty are twice as prone to depression as boys.
Elderly women experience depression more often than elderly men.v
Depression is the number one cause of disability in women.vi
Research shows a strong relationship between eating disorders and depression.vii
Almost 15% of those suffering from severe depression will commit suicide.viii


Why Are Women At Increased Risk For Depression?


Biological differences in women may contribute to depression, such as hormonal changes and genetics.ix
Social reasons may also lead to higher rates of clinical depression among women, such as greater stresses from work and family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women, and even the increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty.x


Women's Attitudes Towards Depression

According to a recent National Mental Health Association Survey on the public's attitudes and beliefs about clinical depression:


More than one-half of women surveyed believe it is "normal" for a woman to be depressed during menopause.
More than one-half of women surveyed believe depression is a normal part of aging.
Many women do not seek treatment for depression because they are embarrassed or in denial about being depressed.
More than one-half of women surveyed cited denial as a barrier to treatment.
41% of women surveyed cited embarrassment or shame as barriers to treatment.xi


Learn to recognize the symptoms of clinical depression

No two people experience clinical depression in the same manner. Symptoms will vary in severity and duration among different people. See your doctor* if you experience five or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:


Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and/or weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain or digestive disorders)
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Thoughts of suicide or death
* As a first step, a thorough physical examination may be recommended to rule out other illnesses.  

Help Is Available NMHA Campaign for America's Mental Health 1-800-969-6642
National Mental Health Association 1-800-969-NMHA
DEPRESSION/Awareness, Recognition
and Treatment Program (D/ART),
The National Institute of Mental Health  1-800-421-4211
National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association 1-800-82-NDMDA


i American Psychological Association, 1990.
ii National Mental Health Association Survey 1996.
iii Commonwealth Fund Briefing Note 1997
iv Mryna Weissman, Ph.D., Archives of General Psychiatry 1984 Volume 41.
v National Institute of Mental Health, 1996
vi The World Health Organization, 1990
vii Willcox, M. Stattler, DN. "The relationship between eating disorders and depression." The Journal of Social Psychology, v. 136, n.2; p. 269. April 1996.
viii American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.
ix National Institute of Mental Health/D/ART, "Depression: What Every Woman Should Know." 1997
x National Institute of Mental Health/D/ART, "Depression: What Every Woman Should Know." 1997
xi National Mental Health Association Survey 1996.
 

(c) 2004 National
www.nmha.org/ccd/support/factsheet.women.cfm

 :):July 21st: at 11:11 pm

What depression is

Depression can be called a disease of the emotions. It's classification as a mental illness does not make it any less real or painful. It is a common disease and at any time, around one in twenty people will be suffering from it.
Depression is a disturbance in mood characterised by varying degrees of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt, and guilt. These feelings can be quite intense and last for a long period of time. Daily activities may become more difficult... but the individual may still be able to cope with them. It is at this level, however, that feelings of hopelessness can become so intense that suicide may seem the only solution.

A person experiencing severe depression may experience extreme fluctuations in moods or even a desire for complete withdrawal from daily routine and/or the outside world. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and is not a sign of weakness. It is treatable, whether by medication, by therapy and counselling, or both. God answers prayer, and persistent prayer facilitates the process of emotional healing.

For the depressed Christian whose world has fallen apart, prayer may not seem like an option. In this case, the persistent prayer of close friends or relatives will help.

What depression is not

Depression is not "Just in your mind." It isn't a made-up illness, it isn't laziness, or a couple of days of feeling sad or blue. It isn't PMT, or stress. It is not rejection by God, or abandonment. If it is from God, as a result of a specific sin (i.e. refusal to end an adulterous affair), you will know it. You will not be left wondering.

Some causes of depression
(This is not a complete list, there are other causes)

Physical Causes:
Pre-menstrual and postnatal hormone changes
Some types of manic depression have been shown to have a genetic basis
Hormone deficiencies (such as thyroid disturbances)
Generalised illnesses such as kidney or liver disease
Lack of natural light during winter in some susceptible people
Alcoholism
Drug dependency
Food allergies and strange reactions to medicines, chemicals or food additives.
Mental Causes:
Unconscious impulses (from Freudian and Jungian psychology)
Learning the wrong way to cope with difficulties
Learned helplessness (from behaviouristic psychology)
Overload or stress
Spiritual Causes:
(most likely in NON Christians) Sense of despair/futility of life; death of a loved one.

Symptoms

Lethargy (everything seems just too much trouble to do)
disturbed sleep (early waking, difficulty getting to sleep)
waking up tired after a "normal" night of sleep)
lack of concentration
irritability
exhaustion
lack of sexual drive
sensation of utter despair
sense of hopelessness or uselessness of everything
fear of death
phobias
obsessional behaviour
permanent sense of anxiety
feelings of wanting to cry, but inability to do so
thoughts of suicide, or fear of committing suicide
change in appetite and weight
other symptoms, this is not a definitive list

Likely effects of depression in Christians
John Lockley says:

In Christians, spiritual effects follow from the depression, and seldom the other way round. I repeat - in Christians, nearly always the depression comes first, followed by a sense of remoteness from God, rather than depression being the result of "falling away.

"A Practical Workbook for the Depressed Christian,"
 
Being a Christian does not offer immunity from trials, troubles or illness.

God is making us holy and perfect, and this may involve dealing with your past. It is not an overnight process, and it may be painful. We may have leftover baggage of hurts suffered, wrong attitudes, incorrect information and so on. This can slow us down, and can be a source of depression.

You do not have to feel guilty about being depressed. It is not a sin to doubt what you have been told (this is what everyone does before they become a Christian, and God loved them then too), and the doubting process of can build a strong foundation for you to re-build on later.


To the information



Bible Studies
There are a number of studies planned for this location, including character studies on Jonah and Elijah.

Book Study: Nehemiah

Chapter One
Chapter Two

 Book Study: James

Chapter One verses 1 to 4
Chapter One verses 5 to 8
Chapter One verses 9 to 18

 
Book Study: One John Chapter Two

Verses 15 to 17
Verses 18 to 28

 Lessons on Leadership  

THE CHRISTIAN DEPRESSED PAGES
www.gospelcom.net
 

 :)GOOD EVENING ON JULY 31ST AT 6:47 PM , HERE IN BEAUTIFUL ARNPRIOR, ONTARIO. CANADA.
Here is another installment of my web research on depression.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Depression linked to low self-esteem in girls
Canadian Press

TORONTO &#8212; Low self-esteem in teenagers is more likely to lead to depression later in life for girls than for boys, according to a Statistics Canada report released Wednesday.

"Girls who have weak self-concept during adolescence have a higher chance of being depressed in the next six years," said the study's author Jungwee Park. "Those girls also have higher odds of being obese." While low self-concept in boys may lead to physical inactivity and obesity, Park said there wasn't a significant link with depression.

"The only common ground is obesity," Park said of the findings, which suggest a sharp divide in how boys and girls carry feelings of inadequacy into their adult lives.

"It doesn't mean boys are doing the right thing or getting through unscathed, they're just doing different things," said psychologist Dr. David Wolfe.

Teen girls are more inclined to internalize feelings of distress while boys are more likely to take it out on others, said Wolfe. And those coping mechanisms are largely dependent on gender stereotypes forced on teens.

"That's an extremely significant developmental period, and gender rigidity becomes very powerful," Wolfe said from his University of Western Ontario office in London, Ont.

A countrywide study conducted in 1994-95 of teens ages 12 to 19 defined self-concept as a combination of two variables, self-esteem and the extent to which teens feel in control of their lives.

That study found that girls' self-concept tended to be lower than that of boys.

Six years later, the same 1,100 respondents were TAB Quizzed on perceptions of their overall health to determine the effects of self-concept.

Depression stood out as the most alarming consequence of low self-concept among girls who had not reported symptoms of depression in 1994-95. Perceptions of overall health also suffered among young women who reported low self-concept in the earlier study.

"Somehow girls are getting different messages than boys," said Wolfe, who offers sports as an example of how teens are made to conform to rigid codes of behaviour.

Wolfe points to data that shows girls often drop athletics in adolescence while boys improve their social standing by playing sports. Such rules of behaviour can take a toll on kids' self-esteem.

"It's very tough for these kids to navigate," he said.

That's where parents can help.

The Statistics Canada study, entitled Adolescent Self-Concept and Health Into Adulthood, found that emotional support from family members was a positive influence on self-image and health for both boys and girls.

It also suggests that strong self-concept, especially among girls, was a key factor in developing good mental and physical health.

Wolfe says giving a teen the freedom to navigate adolescence while providing support and understanding is key.

It's also important to let the teen be who they are instead of trying to shape them into who you want them to be. Authoritarian parents run the risk of creating the stereotypical moody, distant adolescent.

"Parents are there to remind teens that they'll get through this and be supportive in terms of maintaining their sense of self," said Wolfe.

"It's OK to be who you are."

Psychologist Dr. David Wolfe offers parents these tips on building healthy relationships with their teenagers:

Be honest and open. Talk to your teens about dating and sexuality.
Be authoritative but not authoritarian in your parenting style.
Think harm reduction, not zero tolerance, when it comes to experimentation with adult privileges (substance use, sex, romance, etc.).
Don't believe everything you read or hear about teen behaviour and actions.
Monitor and supervise your teen's activities while respecting their privacy.
Try to initiate positive communication with your teenager whenever the opportunity arises.
Encourage your teen to be involved in extracurricular activities.
Encourage flexibility in gender roles and behaviour. Speak to them about the pressure to conform to peer expectations.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I hope this research has been of help.

Talk to you later

Lenore

 :): Good evening from Arnprior, Ontario. Canada on August 5th, at 11:07 pm.

I have joined a group called Mood Disorder Peer Support Group.  It is a new group in town, only about 5 weeks old.
It is for anyone who suffers from depression, for what ever reason, to come and be part of a support group.

There is a circle , where a small teddy bear is passed around. The person who  has the bear, is the one talking, the person can pass, talk to the bear, or floor, or to someone. They can say anything they want. The ideas is to let the group know how your week was, and what you maybe experiencing or feeling.  This takes quite a bit of time, as our group have gone up to 14 participants.
Then it is a break. Tonight someone with a guitar just played , while coffee and munchie and outdoor breaks occur.
Then there is a joke time, discussion time, learning time of different aspects of depression. Before we go home for the night there is a time of singing.
Everythings spoken is confidential. We cant even tell who is attending the meeting.
For as many people who attend, there are as many stories, and reasons, different stages on the road to recovery.

There are Christian there, and non christian alike, but most agree that it is a higher power that keeps them going.
Christianity is rarely mention, unless it is someones choice to mention it as a life line, but it is not pushed.

Nobody does anything that make them uncomfortable.

I believe as word of mouth keeps spreading, this group is going to be a good group. I prefer it to remain small, but there are so many people who can benefit from a group like this that is structure, yet not.

It is also for families of people who suffer from depression to also come, to help the family to understand, what depression is, and why their loved one suffers the way they do.

Each person attending must sign a confidentiality form.

A box of Kleenx goes around with the teddy bear.

My own personal story was an up and down week in regards to my own depression.
So I am still struggling with this disorder, and a cataylze was a factor from 18 months ago, that required another round of inner battles with me, as well as an external one with this person, who is family.

So in my personal experience, that talking and bringing depression out in the open, and joining a group of like minded people for support, is a good thing.
And when that group makes it fun as well as being a place of safety to discuss some vunerable issues. It is a very positive healing step.

All in all, tonight was a good night.

 :)AUGUST 12 AT 11:01 PM.
                            My next installement of web research of the topic of depression.


............................Major Depression
................................Symptoms

A person who suffers from a major depressive disorder must either have a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities consistently for at least a 2 week period.
 This mood must represent a change from the person's normal mood; social, occupational, educational or other important functioning must also be negatively impaired by the change in mood.

 A depressed mood caused by substances (such as drugs, alcohol, medications) is not considered a major depressive disorder, nor is one which is caused by a general medical condition.
 Major depressive disorder cannot be diagnosed if a person has a history of manic, hypomanic, or mixed episodes (e.g., a bipolar disorder) or if the depressed mood is better accounted for by schizoaffective disorder and is not superimposed on schizophrenia, a delusion or psychotic disorder.

...............This disorder is characterized by the presence of the majority of these symptoms:


.......depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). (In children and adolescents, this may be characterized as an irritable mood.)

.....markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day

.....significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.

.....insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day

......psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day

......fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

.......feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day

.........diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day

.....recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide

The symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation.

...........Criteria summarized from:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association

 ???August 27th at 1:22 am Arnprior time.

The next installment of my web research of Depression.
If I repeat forgive me, and if any have any other research they would like to add.

God Bless you all who struggle with Depression.
=============================


Types Of Depression


Depression always involves a noticeable change in mood. In fact, many mood disorders include depression as a key part. Sadness is part of the experience, but the word "depression" usually implies a profound gloom that goes beyond ordinary unhappiness.
 A depressed person may become irritable or stop taking pleasure in everyday activities. People with mood disorders are also likely to have other problems, such as changes in appetite, sleep or energy.
 (Some medical conditions can also lead to these changes, so it is important that you work with your health-care provider to identify the problem.)


Some [mood disorders ]that include depression as part of the picture include:


Major Depression
Dysthymia
Bipolar Disorder
Cyclothymia
Seasonal Affective Disorder


                            Major Depression


The key feature of major depression is at least one extended period (at least two weeks) of very low mood, called a major depressive episode. In addition to low mood, there are typically many other symptoms, such as insomnia, fatigue, weight loss, poor concentration and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.



                                  Dysthymia


Dysthymia, also called dysthymic disorder, shares the same features of major depression. However, in dysthymia, the low mood and other symptoms are less intense than those in a major depressive episode, but they last longer - at least two years in adults and one year in children and teen-agers.




                              Bipolar Disorder


A person with bipolar disorder has had at least one manic or mixed episode - an extended period (at least one week) of high, expansive or elated mood - the opposite of major depression. A person in a manic state feels energetic and active, has little need for sleep and may behave recklessly and overoptimistically. A person in a mixed state has symptoms of both a major depressive and a manic episode that occur alternately, or sometimes the symptoms overlap in confusing ways.




                         Cyclothymia


Just as dysthymia is a less severe version of major depression, cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a less severe but often longer lasting version of bipolar disorder. A person with cyclothymia has periods of both high and low mood - never as severe as either major depression or mania - over a period of at least two years.






                Seasonal Affective Disorder


Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by moods that shift with the seasons. The most common pattern is a decrease in mood in the fall or winter (as days get shorter) and an improvement in mood in the spring. However, a few people have the opposite pattern, with depression in the summer.





www.intelihealth.com

 :'( October 14 at 12:34 am Arnrpior

I am amazed at times how quickly depressive moods can hit.
There are times when you think you can handle anything life can throw your way, you can get encouraging support.
THe next day your crying buckets, because what the mind preceives of maybe an innocent remarks of others, can seem like a burden to you. The burden can be you dont deserve to be happy, your not worthy of  the encouragement and support,  God is wasting his love on me.  You wait for the other shoe to drop.
THe mind and emotions become a jumbo of thoughts, and lies, that you begin to believe in. You begin to feel attacked, degraded, taking things personal.
You want to crawl into bed with the covers up and not come out.
You make excuses not to be involve in anything, you hide, push people away, oh you want people around, but you keep them at arms length.  
Even as a women, hormones play a factor. Taking different medications can play around with the dosages and effectiveness of  medication that controls the depression.

As a person who lives with Chronic Depression. I experience all of the above and more.
Today was a low day after a high day yesterday. The other shoe dropped.
Crying releases a hormone that help alleviate the depression.

Also sharing the experience is helpful not only to self, but to other suffers. Because the feeling of I am Alone in this, becomes I am not alone, others understand.

Thanks for the release.

Lenore

This isn't depression, exactly, but I have bipolar I, which includes severe depression.  In fact, I have suffered so much with depression that they didn't figure out I was bipolar for three years!  Depression and the Assembly didn't mix well.  I remember being sent to a psychiatric nurse on the sly because the doctrine was that the Assembly was supposed to meet all our needs but that it was painfully obvious it wasn't meeting mine.  The nurse didn't help me much or put me on any medication, and the whole matter was just dropped.  When I eventually was rescued (yes, rescued) from the Assembly by my Christian roommates who attended Calvary Chapel, I had lost my job because I stopped showing up and I had stopped paying all my bills, including rent.  I had stopped doing much of anything except laying in bed and watching movies on TV, and I was under discipline at my local Assembly for the sin of not showing up consistently.  My roommates just packed me up one day and sent me on a plane home to my parents in Colorado, and that probably really did save me.  I didn't get proper treatment for my illness, though, until years later when it really, really got bad.  They didn't discover I was bipolar until about 3-4 years ago when my current psychiatrist put me on therapeutic levels of a mood stabilizer and it stabilized me!  Even then, I didn't have my first major mania until August of 2003, which made me bipolar I.  I could explain more about that if anyone is interested, but this thread is about depression, so I'll stop here.

I'll somewhat disagree with you here, friend al, although I think I know what you're trying to get at.  My symptomology HAS TO be controlled by medication and IS controlled by medication.  While I am prone to dangerous impulses, I have not fallen into the black pit of depression in a long time.  Neither have I been super-manic.  I've been bits of both, had some mood swings, and they are controlled by medication.  I'm learning how to control my impulsivity through therapy.  Most of the time I am a happy person, and it's because of the meds I take that stabilize my moods.

Of course, the meds aren't the whole picture.  I live a life in peace with God, that's important, and I keep a schedule and exercise and get plenty of rest and do other things that are important for my mental health.  It's a way of life.  You don't have to suffer.  

However, I think that what you're getting at is that living with depression is the way of the cross, and that I agree with.  Sometimes you're there and you can't dig yourself out and you have to live with it, and God can use those times to refine our souls.  Is that what you meant?

TTYL
Amy

If it's mood swings he's having, I might be able to help too.  Let me know.

If you find the right counselor, counselling can be very helpful.  And the good ones don't bite!  There is no shame in seeking help if that's what you need.  If I were you, I would investigate carefully into who's out there and then pick a counselor you think you might feel comfortable with.  Try them out.  If you don't like them after a few sessions, ditch them and try someone else out.  The point is to be able to develop a good therapeutic relationship where you're comfortable working on your issues, so if you don't click with your counselor, it's best to try to find someone else.

Good luck!

The way of the cross.  Gotcha.  I understand this theology.

I now understand where you're coming from.  I think this was a beautiful post and it gave me hope.  Thank you.

Hi Amy,

     Great to see you back here, and thanks for your contributions and your kind words.

     For the sake of those who may have tuned in late, I want to clarify the terminology "The way of the Cross."

     Jesus Christ did indeed say his disciples must take up their cross and follow Him, BUT the way of the cross that most of us may remember being taught in "assemblyspeak" is NOT the way that scripture teaches and is not what Jesus was speaking of.  I bring this up because so very many have been injured and discouraged by the assembly's wrong teaching that we are to seek negative experiences in which to rejoice that God is blessing us by bringing us to an end of ourselves.  The assembly took several spiritual truths and twisted them into that lie.

     The lie is that we should ever seek anything other than the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our personal lives.  We cannot create situations to force the working of God upon our lives.  But we can seek to know, worship, and adore our Redeemer, and allow Him to choose the ways in which He will teach and bless us.

     Our Lord will teach us through adversity, but there is no condition in which He will not ultimately teach us, if we are willing and desirous to learn from Him.  
     We should rejoice amid tribulations and trials, but can do so only if we are keeping near our Lord, trusting in His secure promises, knowing He will never fail nor abandon us.  
     We must reach an end of self-centeredness in attitude and behavior if ever Christ is to be truly Lord of our lives, but only He knows how to get us to that place.  It is not a thing we can do for, or to, ourselves, but something for which we must entreat Him in prayer, asking also for the grace to follow where He leads.

     I think you and I are on the same page in our understanding of God's use of our afflictions, but I wanted to try to make this public discussion available and clear to any who may find it applicable, regardless of the hammering of bad teaching they may have suffered in the past.

God bless,
al

 ;)It has been awhile since I contributed to this thread.
NOVEMBER 20TH AT 12:11 AM, ARNPRIOR.

My workshop in Kingston was on October 26 to 28.
One of the speaker was Amy Long.
Here is a bit of her bio.
SHe was a very dramatic almost charsmatic speaker.
Very funny, with great body and facial expressions to make her point across.

Amy is a person who received four or five different diagnosis while in the mental health system.
She refused to be seen throught thous labels and fought to regain her voice and take charge of her healing journey. She is herself a survivor of the mental health system and personal trauma and firmly believes that the healer lies within each of us. Amy fought to regain her sense of confidence and dignity .

Amy has worked as a Psychiatric Nurse for 17 years. SHe is an Educator trainer ofr the National Empowerment Center and works part time for a supported employment program. She is one of the founders of Bridges of Hope, a supportive network for Consumers working as Providers.

Amy is a sought after speaker at conferences both natiionally and internationally and has been know to touch the lives of many, whether Survivors/Consumers or professionals. SHe challenges us to push the envelope within the system today, so as to provide an enviroment where healing can and will happen.



Amy workshop title was Patienthood to Personhood.
This workshop was one of three I attended.
This workshop was held in the Kingston City Hall, in the counsel chambers. A beautiful old building which was originally build for our parliament buildings before moving to Ottawa.

Some of the articles that I received in this package was
"People can recover from mental Illness" by Daniel Fisher.
A psychiatrist and therapist just arent enough by Amy Long
Defining Peer Support by Shery Mead
A poem called You and Me by Debbie.

See the next thread

November 20th at 11:35 am Arnprior

This poem was part of the package of the workshop from Patienthood to Personhood.
This writer is writing as a patient within the Mental Health System:

YOU AND ME

IF YOU'RE OVERLY EXCITED YOU'RE HAPPY
If I'm overly excited, I'm manic
IF YOU IMAGINE THE PHONE RINGING
YOU'RE STRESSED OUT
If I imagine the phone ringing I'm pychotic
IF YOU'RE C RYING AND SLEEPING ALL DAY
YOU'RE SAD AND NEED TIME OUT
If I'm crying and sleeping all day
I'm depressed and need to get up
IF YOU'RE AFRAID TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE AT NIGHT
YOU'RE CAUTIOUS
If I'm afraid to leave my house at n ight
I'm paranoid
IF YOU SPEAK YOUR MIND AND EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS
YOU'RE ASSERETIVE
If I speak my mind and express my  opinions
I'm aggressive
IF YOU DON'T LIKE SOMETHING AND MENTION IT
YOU'RE BEING HONEST
If I don't like something and mention it
I'm being difficult
IF YOU GET ANGRY
YOU'RE CONSIDERED UPSET
If I get angry
I'm considered dangerous
IF YOU OVER REACT TO SOMETHING
YOU'RE SENSITIVE
If I over react to something
I'm out of control
IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE AROUND OTHERS
YOU'RE TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AND RELAXING
If I dont want to be around others
I'm isolating myself and avoiding
IF YOU TALK TO STRANGERS
YOU'RE BEING FRIENDLY
If I talk to strangers
I'm being inappropriate
FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE YOU'RE NOT TOLD TO TAKE
A PILL OR ARE  HOSPITALIZED,
but I am!

Author: Debbie

LORD'S DAY NOVEMBER 21ST AT 10:51 PM ARNPRIOR

Notes from Workshop of October 27 & 28 in Kingston

IMPLEMENTING A RECOVERY CULTURE
- It is better to show a person than by words alone.
-need to instill hope
-empower a person by assisting the person to find the power from within
-giving a sense of responsibility - giving a meaningful role in life by finding a nitch.
-acknowledging that a person is physical, emotional and spiritual. Realizing that people who are in crisis will turn to there spiritual practices.
-by getting out of the victim role, - by getting out of the grateful role
-right to be treated with dignity and respect
-right to see by a worker in a timely manner, that my time is also valuable.
-workers involved the consumer in the process of their treatment-people do not heal when they are in the grateful role to the professionals.
-recovery is a graduation goal upon entering the system of mental health.
-change to the mental health system is reeducation process.

-RECOVERY INVOLVES ALL PETALS OF SUPPORT.

includes family, friends, community, RELATIONSHIPS.
-FREQUENTLY when a person enter the mental health system the petals of support slip away, including dreams of the individuals.
-as the petal of support breaks off, depression struggles is worsening by the increasing isolation, from friends, family, community.

-person enters the mental health system, the consumer is perceived through their diagnosis.
- a person cannot live and move forward unless you have dreams for the future.

DO WE BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES CAN MOVE BEYOND THEIR DIAGNOSIS?

 :)Lord's Day November 27th 7:54 pm Arnprior:

October 27&28th  Kingston Seminar:

Workshop: Recovery Focused Practice

Goal of Recovery: To develop new life purpose and meaning as a person grows beyond the catastrophic effects of a serious mental illness:

To become unique, awesome never to be repeated human being we are called to be:
What Do I believe about Recovery?
How invested are we on Recovery?
Wellness from illness specific  on participant level of activity.
-reconcilation to a degree of acceptance
-what brings meaning with in your life
-Recovery is nuturing growth.
How do we know Recovery is possible?
-know through people's stories
-Facts - that people recover, they can get to where they want to be.

Values: Personhood:
-as a person, strength, talents, rather than inherited disease.
-how do I prove that I have value
-search for the person behind the illness

Values: Person Involvement:
-involving the person in all aspect of recovery, to what extend.
-involved that the person is at the table in their recovery.

Values: Self-determination/choice:

Values: Growth Potential:
-has to do with the hope.
-extend to see the possibility of growth
How invested are we in our own growth.


Relationship between the worker and client:
-matters is that you really care about me(client)
willing to listen to me
be there for me.
-worker must be authentic
-worker must have compassion/passion.

Connecting is a skill,
-is establishing a close bond with another person.
-attitude, knowledge, skill, forge a bond with people,

How can I establish a support with people.

It is important to have someone you can trust!!!!!!

December 3 at 1:39 am Arnprior

  ......             (www.mooddisorder.com)

Want to know more about....
                               Suicide and Mood Disorders?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or imminent crisis of suicide, call 911.

                         Facts about Suicide:

Thoughts of suicide are a common symptom of mood disorders.
80% of suicides are carried out by individuals suffering from a depressive illness.
50 to 80% of seniors who commit suicide have a history of major depression.
Women suffering through a depressive episode most often attempt suicide in the latter stages of the episode.
Women are 3 to 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than men but men are more likely to die by suicide.
Males attempt suicide early in the depressive episode.

                           Who at risk?

Older adults are at higher risk due to life change and transitions through loss, lifestyle changes due to physical disability, moving from independent living to assisted living and social isolation and abuse.
Warning Signs: appetite changes, lack of participation in social events, signs of abuse and neglect
Young people are at higher risk due to family and school pressures, major life changes and hormone changes, bullying and sexual orientation issues.
Warning Signs: eating disorders, deliberate self harm, withdrawal from normal activities, exceptional and extreme mood swings, perfectionistic behaviour or extreme self critical behaviour
People who have recently had a major loss or life change are at higher risk due to grief that changes to depression that lasts for several weeks.
Warning Signs: major changes in attitude, changes in eating or sleeping habits, loss of energy or loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed.

Especially vulnerable are people who are recovering from an episode of depression, or who have a history of suicide attempts, or who have just been released from hospital.

                                Warning Signs:

Unbearable feelings: depression can cause extreme feelings of hopelessness, despair and self-doubt. The more acute the feelings the higher the suicide risk.
Putting Affairs in Order: making final plans, preparing wills or life insurance or arranging for the family&welfare.
Rehearsing Suicide: seriously discussing one or more specific suicide methods, purchasing weapons, and collecting large quantities of medication or rationalizing suicide as a viable option.
Drug or alcohol abuse: intoxication may cause impulsive behaviour and make the person more likely to act on suicidal thoughts.
Isolation: cutting off friendships and social connections.
Sudden sense of calm: someone with an active mood disorder who has just passed an episode&lowest point and be on the way to recovery suddenly appears calm and settled in such a way that is not in keeping with their state of recovery.

              Getting Help if You are Feeling Suicidal

Call the doctor.
Keep in contact with trusted friends.
Make a Plan for Life and promise yourself that you will follow it when you have suicidal thoughts.
Give a copy of the life plan to your family and friends.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of suicide. Dont be ashamed. Remember feelings are not facts. Suicidal feelings are a symptom of your illness. You need help and support to get through them but you will get through them.
 
                            Depression

What you can do to help someone who is expressing thoughts of suicide:

Provide validation and offer concrete support
Call the Distress Centre or Crisis line in your area.
Express understanding and concern.
Tell the person what specific behaviours are worrying you.
Let them know that it not their fault, that they dont need to be ashamed
Let the person know that their life is important to you and to others.
Keep your role in perspective. You cant support someone by yourself. Get help.

If the person is hospitalized make regular visits or calls.
Support the person during recovery and support them in staying on track with their treatment plan
     
                             Resources

Books
Night Falls Fast, Jamison, Kay Redfield,

Suicide, Why? Wrobleski, Adina

Preventing Youth Suicide, - A Handbook for Educators & Human Service Professionals, McEvoy, Marcia L. & McEvoy Alan W.

After Suicide, Hewitt, John

Suicide Survivors; Handbook, Carlson, Trudy

The Suicide of My Son  A Story of Childhood Depression, Bolton, Iris

                           Websites

Befrienders International
http://www.suicideinfo.org

Suicide Information & Education Centre
http://www.suicideinfo.ca/
(this page has a list of Ontario Crisis Centres).

Suicide & Suicide Prevention
(at Dr. Ivan Depression Central)
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.suicide.html

Understanding Depression
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
http://www.camh.net/about_addiction_mental_health/
depression.html

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or imminent crisis of suicide, call 911.
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Focus on Families - Helping Someone Who Has a Mood Disorder

It is very difficult for families and friends to help someone who has a mood disorder. You are concerned about your loved ones but often frustrated, fearful, and yes, even angry, as you attempt to deal with your loved one's condition.

We've put together a few helpful suggestions that may help you help someone receive treatment or help someone manage treatment once diagnosed. It's important to remember however, that these are just a few suggestions for you, the family member or friend.

Please seek out support for yourself (see contacts listed below) as you support your loved one.

1. It's not your fault. You did not cause your family member's illness nor will you find a cure. A mood disorder is an illness, plain and simple.

2. You are not alone. Millions of families are caring for someone with a mood disorder. You can meet them through peer support groups. MDAO has a variety of support groups just for families.

3. Your emotions and reactions are normal. You may experience a variety of emotions from compassion and understanding to frustration, anger and even rage or hatred. These feelings are to be expected and understood but they should also not get in the way of your relationship with your loved one. Try not to take your loved one's behaviour personally. Remember, it is often the illness not them that you're witnessing.

4. Take care of yourself. Set healthy boundaries and limitations on how much you will do. Make sure you take time for yourself and for pleasurable activities away from your loved one. Remember you are no good to your loved one if you get sick too.

5. Find social support. Dealing with a mood disorder in your family can be very lonely and isolating. Your friends simply cannot understand what you and your family are going through. Make sure you find sources of social support in your community. We recommend MDAO's peer support groups or one of the family focused organizations listed below.

6. Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about your loved one's illness and the treatment options. Don't be afraid to advocate for the best possible care on behalf of your loved one.

7. Remember that life is a marathon not a sprint. Progress is made in small steps and sometimes there appears to be no progress at all. Applaud progress and provide encouragement during the low times.

8. Remember that you are only human. Don't forget that you are not omnipotent and that you do not have the power to change the neurochemistry in your loved one's brain. You can only do the best you can.

9. Develop a crisis plan. Talk to your loved one about what will happen in the event of a crisis, under various circumstances. Put the plan in writing.

10. Never lose hope. Remember that mood disorders are treatable illnesses. They are sometimes cyclical so sometimes the going will get real tough. Sometimes you will feel overwhelmed. Just remember that the right treatment is out there. Stay optimistic for you and for your loved one. And never forget you are not alone.

                Related Resources and Sites

Recommended Reading

All Together Now: How families are affected by depression and manic depression, Health Canada, CMHA, 1999

Family Healing: Strategies for Hope and Understanding, Minuchin, Salvador & Nichols, Michael P., Touchstone, 1993

My Sister's Keeper: Learning to cope with a sibling's mental illness, Moorman, Margaret, Penguin Books, 1993

Nothing to Be Ashamed Of: Growing Up with Mental Illness in Your Family, Dinner, Sherry H., Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1989

                               Websites

CMHA Ontario Division
http://www.ontario.cmha.ca

Families for Depression Awareness
www.familyaware.org

FAME - Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere
www.fameforfamilies.com

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
www.nami.org

For Ontario NAMI Programs go to www.nami.org/family/index.html
Click Course Locations (above the title) and select Ontario&

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
http://www.DBSAlliance.org

National Family Caregivers Association
www.nfcacares.org

The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
 

LORD'S DAY JANUARY 2, 2005

CHRISTMAS SEASON IS COMING TO A CLOSE, OFFICIALLY JANUARY 5TH WHEN LITTLE CHRISTMAS OCCURS.

Many of you will suffer from depression, either before, during and after.

I was just exploring the information on the internet, came up with some interesting sites.
I just ask my search mode: Christmas Depression.

Here is a couple of the informations I discovered.
The following was a poem, which had pictures in between the lines. It hits home!!


Christmas Depression

Written 12-27-98

  Merry Christmas!
Fa La La La everyone sings

Happy New Year!



I don't "feel" the joy

Of the season or anything

Else for that matter.

 

I think I am getting better

And I drop back into despair.



Jingle Bells!

Sing the songs!



It just makes me sadder

Can't wait for it to be over

Don't have to be the happy face then.

I used to enjoy

Being with family.

...now just another chore.



The tears come again

Why?

Tired all the time again

Why?


We are on #5 meds

I hope this one works!

3 months for trying

one medication or another

- - - its getting old!



A quiet day

Don't have to "put on"

The "happy façade" as much

 

One more week and

Then don't have to

"pretend" everything is "ok".

Will be home again

and things will be "normal"

as normal as can be

when you are depressed.



Here I sit again

Unable to sleep

Everyone asleep

Away from home

Cannot do the things

That ease my anxiety

can I make it 6 more days?



I feel I am half way - -

Half way out

But can't get out all the way

Half way in

But don't want in

Am being dragged in.

 

I didn't get this way overnight

So I guess will have to be patient

There is not a quick fix

To Depression.





I want to enjoy things again

I want to enjoy play. . .

Or figure out what play for me is now.

I think I have "outgrown"

Things I used to enjoy

The problem is figuring out

What I have grown "into".

 

It would be so easy

If someone could tell me

But they say in therapy

"I" gotta figure that

out for myself <sigh>.



I guess this is just an

Ever evolving process.



The tears flow

Why won't they stop?

And I dont even know why?

But they say there may

NOT be a WHY for the depression.

That it is just an illness like any other.


Aren't these "hidden" illnesses fun?

ADHD

Depression

Because they are not "visible"

People are not as accepting

But I know now, they are both an illness.



I/We will make it through!



Written 12-27-98

by Diane Breedlove
 

 :)January 23

It is winter, the sun is out and it is frigid cold, or there is no sun and it is milder temperatures. Enclosed you will find articles a type of depression that is seasonal.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Seasonal affective disorder is not yet accepted as a distinct psychological disorder. Rather, other mood disorders (major depression, bipolar depression, dysthymia) can be qualified with a "seasonal pattern specifier." What this means, is that the primary mood disorder appears to vary according to the seasons of the year. Whether this represents a distinct psychological disorder, or simply that seasonal variations in weather and sunlight can trigger a depressive or manic episode, remains to be clarified. But, for the many people who become depressed during the winter months, seasonal affective disorder provides a rational explanation, and appropriate treatment, for a chronic and debilitating psychological problem.

Features of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Features of Seasonal Affective Disorder
The primary feature of seasonal affective disorder is a pattern of depressive or manic episodes that occurs with the onset of the winter months.  As the days become shorter, and the weather colder, there is an increase in vegetative depressive symptoms. Individuals eat more, crave carbohydrates, sleep more, experience chronic fatigue and gain weight. In pronounced cases, significant social withdrawal occurs as well. Some have described the pattern as a hibernation during the winter months.

The second phase of the disorder, is the tendency for these symptoms to abate once the days become longer and warmer in the Spring. Again, the hibernation analogy works well. Finally, this pattern of seasonal depression must be present for at least two consecutive years, without any occurrences of non-seasonal depression Researchers are still trying to determine if this is a separate disorder, or simply the manifestation of recurrent major depression or another mood disorder in a cycle pattern. Is the depression caused by a decrease in sunlight, by colder weather, or by the increased isolation and stress of coping with the winter months? There is some indication that sunlight, entering through the retina, stimulates the production of chemicals in the brain that have an antidepressant effect, but many questions remain unanswered.  Because both biological and physical factors appear to play a role in most depression, it is difficult to develop an experimental study that will control for all other relevant variables to produce definitive answers. Meanwhile, those who become depressed in the winter months want to know what they can do to combat this depression.  

Demographics and Statistics
Seasonal affective disorder, occurring during the winter months, appears to vary according to latitude, age and sex.  At higher latitudes (farther North), there are more cases of seasonal affective disorder. Since sunlight decreases with higher latitude, the length of day appears to be a factor. It also tends to be colder in the winter, with harsher conditions and storms, as you travel farther North.

Younger people appear to be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder more frequently than older people. This may be related to a tendency of younger people to look at seasonal factors as causal in their depression, or it may suggest a biological pattern related to aging.  

Women are far more likely to be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder than men. There are many possible reasons for this.  Women with small children are more likely to be isolated during the winter months, while those with careers are not. Men are less likely than women to be home caretakers for small children. Statistics are not available regarding differential rates between working and non-working women. Also, women have higher rates of major depression as well. It is not clear whether the higher rates of seasonal affective disorder are simply part of that gender difference, rather than being evidence of another disorder.  

Treatment
Light therapy or photo therapy has been recommended for seasonal affective disorder. This is based on the assumption that decreased exposure to full spectrum light may be responsible for chemical changes that trigger depression in some people. The treatment requires the person to sit under a full spectrum light for several hours per day, throughout the winter months. As an alternative, individuals are encouraged to take walks outdoors whenever possible (depending on weather conditions). More recently, some studies have suggested that the full spectrum is not necessary, but that it does require exposure to bright light conditions for several hours per day.

In addition to the light therapy, other more traditional treatment of depression is also recommended, including both psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Some people have found that a short winter vacation to a warmer climate helps as well. The other treatment methods are described elsewhere on this site.  

Of course, most of us feel better after a vacation. And, taking a daily walk in the winter would certainly help reverse the impact of isolation or "cabin fever" many people experience in the winter. Even the recommendation to spend several hours per day under the lights, also recommends that the person do something productive while receiving exposure, such as reading. It is not possible to evaluate independently the effects of these other factors. On the other hand, light therapy is not expensive, and does not appear to be intrusive or potentially harmful.  If the combination of traditional treatment and light therapy appears to be more helpful to some individuals, we might not need to wait for researchers to confirm the existence of seasonal factors in some depression. We can recommend the treatment while we wait for the results of the research.

 :)January 24
According to England report January 24 is supposed to be the worse day of the year, being winter, no sun, christmas debt etc.

Well I did some more web search
Topic: WINTER DEPRESSION
I hope you find it informational.
...............................................................................
Winter Depression Linked With Melatonin Cycle
 
People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) instinctively shift their melatonin levels with the seasons, paralleling the hibernation patterns of mammals.

This does not appear to be true for those who don't react to shorter days and longer nights with deepening depression.

In patients who had SAD, the duration of melatonin secretion became longer in winter and shorter in summer, just as it occurs in other mammals. That could be controlling this panoply of changes that occurs in people when they get depressed in the winter.

Seasonal affective disorder, or "winter depression," is a psychiatric disorder that strikes during winter months, when daylight hours are naturally shortened. The disorder in humans seems to mimic the behavior exhibited by hibernating animals, such as increased sleep and decreased activity.

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to the darkness of nighttime, promotes sleep and helps regulate the body clock. Hibernation in mammals is triggered when the brain responds to the body's increase in melatonin production.

Prior research suggests that people with seasonal affective disorder are unable to use artificial light to readjust their body clock, but remain susceptible to the seasonal rhythms of shorter daylight hours during wintertime.

Healthy individuals were immune to shifts in the natural daylight, with their melatonin levels remaining stable throughout the seasons.

However, those with winter depression had a moderate decrease in the length of time they produced melatonin during the summertime.

The duration of active melatonin secretion was about 9 hours in the control group, whether in winter or summer. In the SAD group, active melatonin secretion was 9 hours in winter and 8.4 hours in summer.
..............................
Morning light urged as treatment for winter depression
 Mental Health Focus
 
 
 
 CHICAGO (AP) -- Scientists have come up with the best evidence yet that a concentrated dose of bright light in the morning can effectively beat the winter blues.

 Sixty per cent of sufferers who received such a light treatment got much better, according to one of three reports in Wednesday's issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. Another reported similar results with 55 per cent of those studied.

 The three studies are the largest to date of light treatment and winter depression -- or seasonal affective disorder. The shorter amount of daylight in the winter makes some people depressed, scientists say.

 "If you get light in the morning you can get better," said Charmane I. Eastman, director of the biological rhythms research laboratory at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Centre in Chicago.

 Winter depression arrives in late fall or early winter, creating fatigue, a craving for carbohydrates as well as weight gain, experts say.

 They say sufferers hate to get up, drag themselves through the day and have a hard time working productively. They tend to avoid social activities at night.

 Doctors have been using light treatment for more than a decade. After getting their diagnosis, patients sit in front of a box that generates bright light. The box often costs more than $200 US.

 In Eastman's study of 96 patients, 55 per cent got better after light treatments in the morning, 28 after light treatments in the evening and just 16 per cent with a placebo. The treatments were given for 90 minutes, six days a week.

 Michael Terman, director of the winter depression program at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Centre in New York, studied 124 patients and found that 60 per cent of those who received light treatments in the morning were much better.

 Thirty per cent of those who were treated with light in the evening improved sharply, Terman added. He also found that treatment with a machine producing high levels of negative ions in the air also had a beneficial effect.

 A third study by Dr. Al Lewy, a professor of psychiatry at Oregon Health Science University in Portland, also found sharp improvement among winter depression sufferers who received treatment with light in the morning.

 The theory that light therapy can help patients suffering from winter depression has been met with skepticism by some researchers since it first surfaced in the early 1980s.

 But outside researchers said that the three new studies should help to convince the doubters of its importance.

 "These are three excellent studies," said Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a senior researchers at the U.S. National Institute for Mental Health and the author of Winter Blues, a book on the subject.

 "If the medical community has not taken light therapy seriously, this is the time for them to really pay attention and recognize it as a highly effective treatment that could benefit millions of people," he said.
...........................................................................

What is Winter Depression?
Winter Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an illness that affects people's mood and behaviors. The symptoms of SAD usually begin to appear gradually throughout September and October and last through March or April. Research suggests that SAD may affect as many as 11 million people in the United States. Up to four times as many women suffer from SAD as men, and it tends to run in families. Geographic location also plays a role in the likelihood of the occurrence of SAD. Those who live in Canada and the northern United States are up to eight times more likely to suffer from SAD than people living in sunny areas such as Florida and Mexico.

Signs and Symptoms of Winter Depression:
Like all illnesses it is associated with specific symptoms. These symptoms are largely absent in the late spring and summer months:

Depressed Mood and Fatigue:
"I am often sad and down in the dumps...I feel empty...I sometimes feel like crying." Some people additionally experience irritability or nervousness. Depressed patients may also find that when awake, they often feel tired or slowed down.

These symptoms are accompanied by at least some of the following:

carbohydrate cravings, especially for sweets and/or starches
increased appetite and/or weight gain
oversleeping or difficulty awakening in the morning
reduced work productivity
withdrawal from social contacts
.................................................................................
 

The following just came to me via e-mail...  It's not perfect, but it's not bad:


36  WAYS CHRISTIANS CAN REDUCE STRESS
 
1. Pray. All the time. About everything.

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself.  Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns.  If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried needlessly.  Even if it does happen, you'll worry all over again.
If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety.  If you can't do anything about a situation, tell the Lord, leave it with Him, andforget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups:  Keep an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc. (If you find this clashes with #6 and/or #7, refer to #1)

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut).  This single act can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.  

18. Eat right.  

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems?  Talk to God on the spot.  Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray. (see #1)

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures close at hand.

26. Remember that the shortest route from despair to hope is often a simple "Thank you Jesus."

27. Laugh. (If you have trouble with this one, see #1)

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.  Or stomp on it.  But never stand on it.

33. Talk less; listen more

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, thank the Lord for one thing that you've never thanked Him for before.  

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.  "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

 :DFebruary 15th

During one of my Mood Disorder Groups the topic of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome came up, because of this participants  abusive flash backs the occurred that day, right from childhood through to her marriage to the present.
This participant suffers from Depression. So I did some web research on the topic.  I am sharing with you part of that research.    Lenore
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)
 

Only recently has PTSD been recognized as a result of whiplash, and as such, there is very little information on it. One study did show that 57% of whiplash patients still suffered from "psychological distress" two years post-injury.

Many studies show that long term psychological distress, even years after financial settlement, is common after head injuries in general, and in particular, following whiplash injuries.
Symptoms
The following offers a brief summery on some of the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
The patient is confronted with, witnesses, or experiences actual or threatened death or serious injury or a threat to the physical integrity of one's self, or to others. The person must also have experienced the event with helplessness, intense fear, or horror.
The traumatic event is frequently recalled and re-experienced.
Stimuli which cues memories of the event are continually avoided. Thoughts of the event are continually avoided as are people and places that remind the patient of the event. There might be an inability to recall important aspects of the event.
Increased arousal including irritability, insomnia, difficulty with concentration, or an exaggerated startle response.
This condition should be treated seriously. I can only imagine the frustration of a patient with chronic head pain, combined with memory and cognition problems, being told that "the MRI is normal, there is nothing wrong with you." There might be a fear of long term permanent damage. These types of mixed messages might further compound a serious problem. This might lead to anxiety and/or depression.
Treatment
Treatment for this condition is best originated in a psychologist's or psychiatrist's office!
 
----------------------------------------------------
Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome

Post-traumatic stress syndrome is a psychological disorder following a traumatic event. Post-traumatic stress syndrome may manifest in numerous ways. Common symptoms include irritability, depression, anxious thoughts, flashbacks, insomnia, and nightmares. In more severe cases, victims of a traumatic stressor might experience emotional or physical numbness or detachment from reality. Victims may begin to abuse alcohol or other substances as coping mechanisms. Generally, symptoms must last longer than one month for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress syndrome to be made. Symptoms interfere with sleep patterns, relationships, and daily responsibilities. With prompt recognition and proper treatment, many victims of trauma are able to resume daily living
.................................................................

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
 
The development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to an extreme traumatic stresser involving direct personal experience of an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury, or other threat to a new physical integrity; or witnessing of an event of the above. The person&#8217;s response to the event(s) must involve intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
 
 Symptoms include persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event, persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness; persistent symptoms of increased arousal. The symptoms must be present for at least one month, and cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, and personal areas of functioning.

I.......................
Symptoms of Grief are Distinct from PTSD and Depression

Although research into the prevalence and intensity of grief symptoms in war veterans is limited, clinicians recognize the importance for veterans of grieving the loss of comrades.  Grief symptoms can include sadness, longing, missing the deceased, non-acceptance of the death, feeling the death was unfair, anger, feeling stunned, dazed, or shocked, emptiness, preoccupation with thoughts and images of the deceased, loss of enjoyment, difficulties in trusting others, social impairments, and guilt concerning the circumstances of the death.  Recent research results, although limited to one sample of Vietnam combat veterans in a residential rehabilitation unit for PTSD, have supported  findings in the general bereavement literature that unresolved grief can be detected as a distress syndrome distinct from depression and anxiety.  In this sample of combat veterans, grief symptoms were detected at very high levels of intensity, thirty years post-loss.  The intensity of symptoms experienced after thirty years was similar to that reported in community samples of grieving spouses and parents at six months post-loss.  This supports clinical observations that unresolved grief, if left untreated, can continue unabated and increases the distress load of veterans.  The existence of a distinct and intense set of grief symptoms indicates the need for clinical attention to grief in the treatment plan.

Traumatic Grief

Traumatic grief refers to the experience of the sudden loss of a significant and close attachment.  Having a close buddy, identification with soldiers in the unit, and experiencing multiple losses were the strongest predictors of grief symptoms in the above sample of Vietnam veterans.  Other factors that may influence the development of prolonged grief syndrome include:  survivor guilt; feelings of powerlessness in not being able to prevent the death; anger at others who are thought to have caused the death; anger at oneself for committing a self-perceived error resulting in the death; tasks of survival in combat taking precedence over grieving; not being able to show emotional vulnerability; numbing and defending against overwhelming emotions; not having an opportunity in the field to acknowledge the death; and increased sense of vulnerability by seeing someone close killed.  Factors important in the Iraq War may include exposure to significant numbers of civilian casualties, exposure to death from friendly fire or accidents resulting from massive and rapid troop movements, and concern about culpability for having caused death or harm to civilians in cities.  These factors may  contribute to experiences of shock, disbelief, and self-blame that increase risk of traumatic and complicated grief reactions.

Normal vs. Pathological Grief

Bereavement is a universal experience.  Intense emotions, including sadness, longing, anger, and guilt, are reactions to the loss of a close person.  Common in the first days and weeks of grieving are intense emotions, usually experienced as coming in waves lasting 20 minutes to an hour, with accompanying somatic sensations in the stomach, tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, intense fatigue, feeling faint, agitation, and helplessness.   Lack of motivation, loss of interest in outside activities, and social withdrawal are also fairly common.  A person experiencing normal grief will have a gradual decline in symptoms and distress.  When grief symptoms remain at severely discomforting levels, even after two months, a referral to a clinician can  be considered.  If intense symptoms persist after six months, a diagnosis of complicated grief can be made and there is a definite indication for clinical intervention.  Complicated grief prolonged over time has been shown to have negative effects on health, social functioning, and mental health.  
.........

 :DFebruary 18th:

Tonight at our Mood Disorder Group Peer Support
A presentation was given with the following :

                        LETTING GO

To let go doesn't mean to stop caring,
    it means I can't do it for someone else

To let go is not to cut myself off,
     It's the realization that I can't control another.

To let go is not to enable,
     but to allow learning from natural consequences.

To let go is to admit powerlessness,
     which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To let go is not to try to change or blame another,
     I can only change myself.

To let go is not to care for,
     but to care about.

To let go is not to fix,
     but to be supportive

To let go is not to judge,
     but to allow another to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging the outcomes,
     but to allow others to effect their own outcomes.

To let go is not be protective,
     It is permit another to face reality.

To let go is not to deny
     but to accept.

To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue,
     but to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them.

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,
     but to take each day as it comes, and to cherish the moment.

To let go is not to criticize and regulate anyone,
     but to try to become whatever dream I can be.
 
To let go is not to regret the past,
     but to grow and live for the future.

To let go is to fear less and to love more.

For the most part, these are thoughts worthy of reflection.  The important thing for Christians to keep in mind is that the list (and all such material) has been composed by mental health professionals, with the ultimate goal of improving mental health.  That is to say that they mean to improve the quality of life on earth, but they will not and cannot bring one closer to God.  One can come to God only through Christ.

So the Christian needs to consider all such concepts as those listed above within the context of the Person and finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Don't take my word for it; ask Him for yourself...

In Christ,
al

P.S.-- Glad to see you're still with us, Lenore!!!

 :)Yes praise God I still have my internet at the moment. Every day is a gift that I appreciate.

The following is for the women who will be going through the hormonal journey to menopause, and depression that can be associated it with.  There are many web site to research.
I hope who ever reads this , knows they are not alone.  .............Lenore
....................................................................................................................................                               Depression linked to early onset of perimenopause

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women with a history of depression may enter the pre-menopausal period known as perimenopause sooner than women who have never suffered from depression, according to a report published in the January 13th issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Perimenopause is a term for the years before a woman's last menstrual period, when menstruation tends to be irregular.

At a major menopause meeting in 2001, Dr. Lee S. Cohen and colleagues from Harvard Medical School in Boston presented findings from a study of 34 middle-aged women that suggested a link between depression and early perimenopause onset.

In the current study, Cohen's team provides updated results after analyzing data from 332 women with and 644 women without a history of major depression. The follow-up period was three years.

The authors found that women with a history of depression were 20% more likely to enter perimenopause early than women without this history. However, the most severely depressed women were twice as likely to enter perimenopause sooner than their non-depressed peers.

Compared with non-depressed study participants, women with a history of depression had higher follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels and lower estrogen levels, the investigators note.

Women with a lifetime history of depression, as well as an earlier perimenopause onset, may spend a prolonged amount of time in a low-estrogen state, which has been tied to a number of health problems, the researchers note.

"Our research may encourage more screening for depression symptoms and history by gynecologists," lead author Dr. Bernard L. Harlow said in a statement. "Similarly, psychiatrists may also focus more attention on menstrual cycle changes and perimenopausal symptoms while screening late reproductive-aged patients with recurrent mood disorder."

                                    DEPRESSION, DESPAIR, DESPONDENCY, GRIEF

All of these emotions are held in the hormonal organs of the body.. the ovaries and the uterus; the testicles and the prostate gland. The brain will be affected as well if we hold on to these emotions and create the negative state of grief within the system. We all grieve. It is a normal state of feeling after loss. What we need to learn however is that those who remain on this plane have done so to have experiences and learn from their lessons of the past, not stay in them. After a short grieving period, the emotion of celebration for passing to a higher state of existence should be encouraged. When this does not happen, and we choose to remain focussed on past issues, imbalances occur in the body.

Depression manifests in the physical body as crying and exhaustion as well as hormonal imbalances. Women who experience PMS, irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, pre- or post-menopausal symptoms may be holding on to the emotion of depression within the system. Our hormonal system is our system of changes in life. We are always cycling in life, as we are cyclical beings. Those who resist change will manifest an imbalance in the hormonal system. Walnut is the flower that helps to balance those who do not do well with changes in life. These people are often powerful people, but can be influenced by those who they believe have more authority than they do.

Those who experience chronic depression may also experience hormonal imbalances. The flowers for depression are listed below. Two herbs that have been used for mild depression include St. John's Wort and SamE. The opposite of depression is learning to be happy in the moment. Focussing our energy into what we love about our life instead of what we think we are missing is the first step in learning to be happy where you are right now. Seeing the magic in every moment is essential to appreciating the beauty around us. That takes practice but it is certainly worth the effort in the end.

Biological factors contribute to or cause a large percentage of depression. Emotional stability is closely related to the normal formation and function of a number of vital chemicals that exist in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters and are a very important part of the system that transmits information from one brain cell to another. When brain cells lose the ability to make the proper amount of neurotransmitters or cannot store them properly, chronic depression can result.  
      
                                               Hormonal Imbalances
 Hormones are released into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands. Hormones keep the body in a state of balance by regulating metabolic processes such as growth, sexual development, reproduction, sexual activity, heart rate, and blood pressure. The entire endocrine system is intimately linked to the nervous system. For example, norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is very important for mood stability can also double as a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland.  
The thyroid gland, which secretes two crucial hormones, is probably the most common biological cause for depression. It is estimated that between 10 and 15 percent of depressed persons have some form of thyroid disorder.  
 
Diseases of the adrenal glands are not as common as those of the thyroid, but can still cause depression. The entire endocrine system can be affected by malfunctions of the pituitary gland, and psychiatric symptoms are present in three-quarters of all cases. Since this gland is directly linked to the hypothalamus and the limbic system, anything that alters it's function is likely to affect one's emotional state.  

Sex hormones, particularly the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are often implicated in depression. Depressive symptoms are common among women who are pre-menstrual, pregnant, postpartum, or pre-menopausal.
          
                                                Genetic Factors

 Depression tends to run in families, so genetics may be a factor; however, the role genetics plays is not clearly defined. Not all children of depressed parents suffer from depression.
 
                                            Psychological Causes
  
 About 25 percent of people suffering from depression report experiencing severe stress. Studies show that people who have had a loved one die when they were young are at least twice as likely to suffer from an episode of major depression when they are adults as someone who has not experienced the same type of loss. There seems to be a clear link of some kind between stress and depression, although such it has not been clinically proven that stress causes major depression.  
Post-traumatic stress disorder also seems to have a link to depression. Fifty percent of persons suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder also suffer from depression.
 
Many thanks to the wonderfully talented Penny Parker for the beautiful backgrounds and basic table layout used on this page.  Please visit her on the web at http://www.graphicsbypennyparker.com  
...................................................
                              Depression May Affect Perimenopause
Boston (Ivanhoe Newswire) Jan. 21, 2003 -- Women who suffer from depression may end up going into a pre-menopausal stage earlier than those who are not depressed, report researchers publishing in this month's Archives of General Psychiatry.
The finding is especially striking for women with severe symptoms who take antidepressants to treat the condition.
Perimenopause is defined as the stage of life two to 10 years before the complete cessation of menstruation. Characterized by biological and clinical changes, it is often accompanied by a greater vulnerability to depression, and this is particularly true for women who have suffered depression in the past. Previous studies have suggested women who experience perimenopause at an earlier age -- usually before age 47 -- are significantly more likely to have a history of depression.
 
In this study, investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School followed about 975 women with and without histories of depression for three years. All were between 36 and 45 at the beginning of the study, and each took part in psychiatric interviews and other tests every six months.
 
Results showed a 1.2-times higher rate of perimenopause in women with any history of depression. Women with pronounced symptoms of depression were about twice as likely as non-depressed women to have an earlier perimenopause. Those with severe symptoms who treated their depression with antidepressants were almost three-times more likely to experience early perimenopause.
 
The authors believe the link between depression and early perimenopause is important because it may be causing a longer exposure to estrogen deficiency in these women, which could lead to medical problems such as bone loss, sexual dysfunction and other problems. They also note they can't be sure an earlier perimenopause translates to an earlier menopause, which could mean these women are subjected to a longer perimenopausal period and thus a greater risk of new or recurrent depression.
 
 

 













 

March 28th

Depression or mental illness with its varied aspects of causes is unique to individuals, but individuals need to be aware they are not alone. Not alone especially if you access the various resources that are available, whether it is Christian based or society based.

It is important to have that kind of support, because with out it that alone feeling becomes another powerful destructive force.

Even when you  have that resources, sometimes, for whatever chemistry that is part of the causes of your mental illness, can still cause you to react to a certain way. SOmething that triggers.

Like my case this week, when all I saw was a phrase. I didnt read, or didnt understand the conversation that was going on.
I was under tension, and that sentence just push my buttons that ways already tension tight. So that button release with a snap. Once that tension began to be released all judgement became secondary.

In other words I had to go back and clean up the consequences because of that, apologize. Then the added tension of feeling guilty, worthlessness, the feeling of being no good, not wanted , just tighten the tension back up. The self condemnation but sometime that is my protection as well. The protection of not letting people in to see the real me. Of how I am feeling, because I am a master at putting on the mask and pretending everything is alright. If people say how are you, I say I okay. In fact, the smile is hurting my face.  I have also learned that that question how are you, is just like saying hello. The person is already a few feet away from you, if you reply anything else but okay.


There were a couple of things bothering me this week. I have known that there is something wrong with my father since last fall. My mother told me that he went to the doctor last fall, and he received some news, that made my father just stare into space in his rocker in front of the tv. for a few weeks, and didnt do his usual busy work. My father has not shared with anyone what the doctor said to him.  Well when I went this week up to the mall for the weekly breakfast with my parents. My parents go to the coin wash up there prior to breakfast. I notice as my dad was carrying the basket of clothes out to the car. That he look crabby. My mom said he didnt sleep well last night. I asked if he was sore due to his arthritis, or has a cold coming on.
My mother told me she doesnt know, a clue that it was connected to what ever the Doctor told him last fall.  My dad is the type if the Doctor told him he had cancer he wouldnt share it, or seek treatment. My mother had a heart attack about a year and half ago. So this is worrying my mother. I know my father is probably thinking he is protecting my mother, but it is the unknown that is worrying and adding stress to my mother.

I also feel very tense coming up to a family get to gether like the Easter Supper.
Food was good, and there were nine members around the table. Including my sister and her husband, my brother and his wife and daughter, and my daughter Sara and myself.
My sisters children both had to work. SInce my mental illnesses landed me in the hospital 2 years ago Christmas, that involved my sister daughter who is now 25. I was going to give details but ...
lets just say I am shunned but both my siblings, and just barely tolerated.
My tension was building all week, and I was tight, that even my body is still reacting to it, because I can barely move my back , and tighteness in my chest.

In alot of ways, due to my hugh error of judgement in another post where I had to take up my milk weed fluff again, and apologize, in a lot of ways, even though it was a negative reaction, it was a release that was required, so I can get the strength to deal with what I needed to deal with.  In a lot of ways, even though it was inappropriate, God gave me a safe place to vent, to a person who although I hurt with my negativity, was able to understand the reasons went I apologize. I am not saying that it is okay to do it. But sometimes God gives an outlet even thought it is in hindsight that what, what it was for.

Lets just say Easter afternoon and Supper was a chore to endure, I am still feeling the worthless not belonging feelings at the moment . Tears are just behind the eyes. The heart is heavy. The spirit is low.  Yes even thoughts that what am I really here for came into view a few times.
The what if's!


Reason why I am sharing this, is say, that if some one else is feeling the way I am feeling, to let you know that you are not alone, even though what you are feeling is unique to you, and the journey you are on is an individual thing, but you are not alone.

Sometimes writing it our and sharing it like I am doing helps.

I have to get ready, I have appointment with my pyschriatrist, this afternoon he will be hearing more of the details of what I didnt tell you. 

Thanks for listening.

Lenore

April 12th:

Today I heard of something I never heard of before.

There is a support group in Ottawa, called DEPRESSION ANOMOUS.
Just like A.A. , it follows the 12 steps program.

Apparently there is a web site as well.
Just passing this information on, check it out to see if there is a support group in your area just to have that bit of info.

Lenore

I was reading Delila’s post from 2-4-04. It sounded so familiar. There was a long time after I left that I would have panic attacks and hives. I too feared meeting any assembly member. I think that was mostly because I had been brain washed into believing that leaving the assembly was proof of the “last days”. “In the end the love of many will grow cold” and all that. I would pull into a parking lot and see a “saints” car and leave. And something that small would cause a week of problems. To this day small things will set off nightmare. However now I find that so many of the times that I just couldn’t seem to be “right with God” it really had nothing to do with sin at all. I found out a few years ago, after a break down, that I am Bipolar. This can be a tormenting and sometimes debilitating disorder. In the assemble mental disorders were not seen as real problems but rather sin nature and could be prayed away. It was nearly unbearable to have bipolar and not only not know why I felt crazy but at the same time being expected to use faith and self control to manage it. Many people with this disorder end up on drugs on killing themselves if it goes untreated. Thankfully I survived the assembly. But there were a few that did not and if they were also bipolar or not we will never know. However I believe that if God is watching the deaths of these people and the suffering of so many others is on the heads of George and Betty and those that held positions of leadership.

Sammy,

Thanks for posting you thoughts and feelings, adding to the mutual healing here.  The assembly, which all or most of us once viewed as a Christ-centered local corporate expression on earth of the heart and will of God, has since been revealed to have been the erroneous expression of a misguided man and his misguided family and followers.  There were among us many ailments of physical and/or emotional natures that were misdiagnosed and mistreated by unqualified "practitioners" as spiritual problems.  Those who have found deliverance from such treatment have done so by the grace of our living Lord, and you are quite right in saying that there are those who God holds accountable.

I hope you will find personal blessing here, and feel free to continue to express yourself as you may desire to.  We are the body of Christ, and every member contributes to our health and well being...

In Him,
al Hartman

Sammy, Your experience sounds like a horrible nightmare. I hope you find healing. And remember Christ came so you would have life and life more Abundantly.(john10) God Bless Summer.

April 15th.

Good morning everyone.

I am taking a 8 week self esteem course called A TIME FOR ME.
It is very secular, but Christian values are shared.

There are some poems and writing I will like to share that is in the hand out book.
I hope it will help others to understand what we are going though, and maybe put feet to some of the feelings that need to be expressed.
Lenore
.....................................

ME , MYSELF AND I

I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be fit for myself to know
I want to be able, as the days go by
To look myself straight in the eye
I don't want to stand with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to keep on the closet shelf
A lot of secrets about myself
And fool myself as I come and go
Into thinking nobody else would know
The kind of person I really am
I don't want to dress myself in sham.

I want  to go with my head erect
I want to deserve all persons' respect
But here, in the struggle for fame and self
I want to be to like myself
I don't want to look at myself and know
I'm a hustler, a bluff, and an empty show.

I never can hide myself from me
I see what others may never see
I know what others may never know
I never can fool myself, and so
Whatever happens I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience-free.

April 15
                                      DON'T BE FOOLED BY ME

Don't be fooled by me
Don't be fooled by the face I wear
For I wear a thousand masks
Masks that I'm afraid to take off
And none of them are me
Pretending is an art that's second nature with me
But don't be fooled
For God's sake don't be fooled
I give the impression that I'm secure
That all is sunny and unruffled with me
Within as well as without
That confidence is my name and coolness is my game
That the water's calm and I'm in command
And that I need no one
And don't believe me
                                                       PLEASE

My surface may seem smooth
But my surface is my mask
Beneath this lies no complacence
Beneath dwells the real me in confusion
In fear, and aloneness
But I hide this. I don't want anybody to know it
I panic at the thought of my weakness
And fear of being exposed
That's why I frantically create a mask to hide behind
A nonchalant, sophisticate façade
To help me pretend
To shield me from the glance that knows
But such a glance is precisely my salvation
My only salvation
And I know it
That is if it's flowered by acceptance
If it's followed by love
It's the only thing that will assure me
Of what I can't assure myself
That I am worth something

But I don't tell you this
I don't dare
I afraid to
I'm afraid your glance will not be followed
By acceptance and love
I'm afraid you'll think less of me
That you'll laugh at me
And your laugh would kill me
I'm afraid that deep down
I'm nothing
That I am no good
And that you will see this and reject me
So I play my game
My desperate game
With a façade of assurance without
And a trembling child within
And so begins the parade of masks
And my life becomes a front

I idly chatter to you in the suave tones of surface talk
I tell you everything that is really nothing
And nothing of what's everything
Of what's crying within me
So when I'm going through my routine
Do not be fooled by what I'm saying
Please listen carefully and try to hear
What I'm not saying
What I'd like to be able to say
What for survival I need to say
But what I can't say

I dislike hiding
HONESTLY!
I dislike the superficial game I'm playing
The phony game
I'd really like to be genuine and spontaneous, and me
But you've got to help me
You've got to hold out your hand
Even when that's the last thing I seem to want
Only you can wipe away from my eyes
The blank stare of breathing death
Only you can call me into aliveness
Each time you're kind
And gentle
And encouraging
Each time you try to understand
Because you really care
My heart begins to grow wings
Very small wings
Every feeble wings
But wings
With your sensitivity and sympathy
And your power of understanding
You can breathe life into me
I want you to know that

I want you to know
 how important you are to me
How you can be the creator of the person
 that is me
if you choose to
PLEASE CHOOSE TO
You alone can break down the wall
Behind which I tremble
You alone can remove my mask
You all can release me from my show world of panic
And uncertainty
From my lonely  person
DO NOT PASS ME BY
PLEASE DO NOT PASS ME BY
It will not be easy for you
A long conviction of worthlessness builds strong walls
The nearer you approach me
The blinder I strike back
I fight against the very thing I cry out for
But I am told that love is stronger than walls
And in this lies my hope
Please try to beat down those walls with firm hands
But with gentle hands
For a child is very sensitive
Who am I
You may wonder
I am someone you know very well
For I am every man you meet
And I am every woman you meet.

I hope I am not being presumptuous by mentioning this. I suffered from severe depression for several years which manifested itself in serious marital problems and suicidal thoughts. There is a history of depression in my family. About 14 years ago I began counseling with a Christian therapist from our church and remained in counseling for six years. We dealt with spiritual warfare and bondage as the biggest thing ascerbating the already existing condition of depression. I am blessed with a husband who was willing to hang in there with me while we "slugged" these things out together and sought to do it in a godly manner, resulting in finding out who I am in Christ and the tremendous love, acceptance, forgiveness and freedom that lies therein. One of the turning points in my healing process was reading a couple of books by Dr. Neil Anderson of Freedom in Christ Ministries, one of which was the Bondage Breaker, and the other one was Victory Over the Darkness. Maybe someone has already mentioned these books here, but if not, they were of tremendous help to me. (I may be mentioning an author or ministry that is offensive to some, so don't necessarily go by me. Most helpful to me were his outlines of who we are in Christ according to what God has said about us in His Word, not necessarily his claims that we all, to some extent, suffer from demonic influence, which is arguable. It was at least true for me, without going into my history any more than that.)

Of course you are not being presumptuous. This is the reason this BB was started.
Dr. Anderson's work has been found to be helpful by many.
He is nonethelss a figure of some controversy in the Christian community.
I am very uncomfortable with his teaching that Christians can be demon possessed, and reject it outright.
Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. No one is stronger than He.
I think this is extremely dangerous because it could result in treating someone, based just on their say-so, displaying the signs of unhealthy spiritual influences as a believer, when it fact those symptoms are  actually a warning about the person's true spiritual condition. I have seen several people, and some of them folk I respect, really hurt by this sorry lack of discernment.
I simply cannot understand why so many believers are not willing to try the spirits. and so quick to accept people on the basis of an empty profession, especially when belied by unholy and pernicious conduct. Christians are far too gullible, but those of us who were in the assemblies know that do we not?  :)
I think Anderson is quite right in the emphasis he places on understanding our identity in Christ.
This is a very powerful prinicple to apply as the Christians deals with sin in His life, that based on who he is in Christ, sin cannot and shall not have dominion...we may fail yes, but victory is our birthright, not something to be earned...
Verne

APRIL 24: 

ENCLOSED IS SOME ARTICLES FROM MY 'TIME FOR ME' SELF ESTEEM COURSE.
The topic was on listening.

LISTEN

WHEN I ASK YOU TO LISTEN TO ME AND YOU START GIVING ADVICE YOU HAVE NOT DONE WHAT I ASKED.

WHEN I ASK YOU TO LISTEN TO ME AND YOU BEGIN TO TELL ME WHY I SHOULDN'T FEEL THAT WAY, YOU ARE TRAMPLING ON MY FEELINGS.

WHEN I ASK YOU TO LISTEN TO ME AND YOU FEEL YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING TO SOLVE MY PROBLEM, YOU HAVE FAILED ME, STRANGE AS THAT MAY SEEM.

LISTEN.
ALL I ASKED WAS THAT YOU LISTEN.
NOT TALK OR DO
JUST HEAR ME

ADVICE IS CHEAP
$1.00 WILL GET YOU BOTH DEAR ABBY AND BILLY GRAHAM
IN THE SAME NEWSPAPER

AND I CAN DO IT FOR MYSELF.
I'M NOT HELPLESS.
MAYBE DISCOURAGED AND FALTERING,
BUT NOT HELPLESS

WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING FOR ME THAT I CAN AND NEED TO DO FOR MYSELF, YOU CONTRIBUTE TO MY FEAR AND WEAKENESS.

BUT, WHEN YOU ACCEPT AS A SIMPLE FACT THAT I DO FEEL
WHAT I FEEL, NO MATTER HOW IRRATIONAL,
THEN I CAN QUIT TRYING TO CONVINCE YOU
AND GET ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF UNDERSTANDING WHAT'S BEHIND
THIS IRRATIONAL FEELING.
AND WHEN THAT'S CLEAR,
THE ANSWERS ARE OBVIOUS AND I DON'T NEED ADVICE.

IRRATIONAL FEELINGS MAKE SENSE WHEN WE UNDERSTAND
WHAT'S BEHIND THEM.

PREHAPS THAT'S WHY PRAYER WORKS,
SOMETIMES ,
FOR SOME PEOPLE, BECAUSE GOD IS MUTE,
AND HE DOESN'T GIVE ADVICE OR TRY TO FIX THINGS.
HE JUST LISTENS AND LET YOU WORK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.

SO PLEASE LISTEN AND JUST HEAR ME.
AND, IF YOU WANT TO TALK, WAIT A MINUTE FOR YOUR TURN
AND I'LL LISTEN TO YOU

..............>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

TIME FOR ME
RECONNECTING:

Awkward and afraid we set out to meet each other.
Our first attempts are slow and hard.
We make small offerings at first, a word, a smile, a feeling shared.
If they're received with acceptance and warmth,
We go a little farther.
So it is with all of us who want love.
Some are encased in a harder, thicker shell than others,
But a human is in there just the same.

I want to tell you who I am.
I want to be understood and loved.
But I'm afraid you won't like me.
I'm afraid you will not accept my inconsistencies,
My feelings,
My failures,
Even my fears of you.

If I am that tender, that afraid, how do I begin to share myself with you:
What kind of things do I say?
What will happen when I start sharing my feelings, with you?

I will present you parts of myself slowly
If you are patient and tender.

I will open drawers that mostly stay closed and
Bring out places and people and things,
Sounds and smells, loves and frustrations,
Hopes and sadnesses, bit and pieces of many decades of life
That have been grabbed of in chunks and found lying in my hands.

They have eaten their way into my heart.
Altogether they are me.
You and I will never see them.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
COUPLES EXPRESS SURPRISE WHEN TOLD 'SHOULD' IS A FOUR LETTER WORD.

Couples are often surprised when I tell them that "should" is a four letter word."

Their initial puzzlement disappears when I ask them how they would feel if I spent the first 10 minutes of our session repeatly telling them what they should or should not do in their marriage. They get the message.

Nothing can be more difficult than accepting advice when it is presented in 'should' or 'should not' statements.
The instinctive response is to reject the information and resent the person offering the advice.

If you listen closely to yourself for a day, you will be surprised at how often you use 'should'.

Avoid imposing or dumping your solution on others. Advice which has not been requested is neither appropriate nor helpful. If you have ideas you would like to share with someone, ask if they are interested. Be direct and specific: ask, "would you like me to share my views on the matter with you"
If they say "no, thanks", respect their wish.

Think about the words you used when you last gave a suggestion to someone.
Expressions like 'YOU SHOULD' or 'HOW COME YOU DON'T', put people on the defensive. You might have been very indirect in how you told someone what they should do. 'DON'T YOU THINK IT WOULD BE BETTER IF", OR 'YOU REALLY OUGHT TO' are "SHOULD' statements in disguise.

If your offer to share ideas is accepted, present them as opinions, not solutions.
Avoid expressions such as 'IF I WERE YOU', 'I'D…."   You are not them. So don't act like you are.

There are effective ways to offer suggestions, comments like, 'ONE OPTION I SEE IN THIS SITUATION IS…." , 'I WONDER IF YOU HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT…" or 'WHAT DO YOU THINK OF…." , all allow you to present ideas without forcing them on people.

Avoid pushing a person to make a decision immediately after you have given them an idea.  Respect their right to make their own decision, and in their own time.
Don't demand immediate thanks. Allow them the privilege of offering it later, if they choose.




Allow the person to let you know when you have given them enough information.
One can have too much of a good thing. It is frustrating to have an answer completely spelled out for you. Don't overload them with  more ideas or opinions than they can handle at one time.

When someone listens to your ideas and suggestions, they need not accept them.
Your suggestions may not be the solution they are looking for or fit their situation.
Having your ideas turned down doesn't mean you are rejected as a person.
When you respect their right to solve their own problem, you will find they respect and appreciate you more as a person.

Suggestion giving can be a positive and caring force in a relationship.
The best way of being helpful is not jumping in and trying to solve problems.
It is by listening to ideas and reflecting on the positive aspects. It may be by telling them you have some different ideas on the matter and asking if they would like you to share them. Then by accepting their decision, sharing your views, and ideas if invited to do so without using 'four letter words"[should], your suggestions may become part of the process by which bonds are strengthened.

Thank you, Lenore, for your latest post, today.  These are extremely valuable thoughts that can be the subject of much personal reflection, meditation and prayer.

They are presented in a "neutral" format-- neither Christian nor non-Christian in their orientation. 
The Christian needs to remember that the wisdom that comes from God must always be subject to God. 
Therefore, philosophy or psychology ought not to be employed just because they sound good or seem to work.  The principles you have shared can work wonderful changes in a person's life, but without Christ as its basis, the equation will still ultimately fail, at best leading from one set of problems to another.  (I know that you understand this, Lenore, but I point it out for the sake of readers who may not.)

The only true self esteem is established with a view toward how God our Father sees and feels toward us.  "Self esteem" lacking that perspective is only illusion that will ultimately disappoint...

al

 :)April 25th:

I agree with you Al, 100%.

Remember most of these groups cannot appear to be bias in their teaching, due to human rights laws here.
Most places will say 'THEIR HIGHER POWER'.

This also includes the A.A.'s and the related support groups such as Gambler A.
Overeater A., Depression A. etc.

I know there are people is in this group will say God, but because of the difference in believes whether it is a main line church, or a non Christian Group, we have to be able to respect the difference if we are going to be supportive to each other.
The leader who runs these groups is a Christian her self, and she has to watch what see says.
Because there are people who dont believe.
Due to mutual respect. We can say, I rely on God....., but then we have to accept the other person point of view. It is only through our example, not just our words that will bring others to Jesus.

I have one small problem though.
I be trying to say, by the grace of God, I am a good person. By the grace of God, I am learning.
My best friend and a spiritual mentor, who is boarding Sara.
Has been say dont  say that.
It has been puzzling me somewhat over this advice.

I think she is trying to get me to see my worth.
Because she says when I say, by the grace of God. I am saying to myself, I am nothing without God.
I always though that was what you are NOTHING WITHOUT GOD.

I think her advice was because I have very low self worth, I have to see the talents, gifts, and abilities and who I am in God.
Like the 40 days of purpose says GOD CREATED ME.....
So I should put down my self, because I am bringing in to question what GOD HAD CREATED.


Does any one have any thoughts of what I have just presented.

I would welcome opinions on this matter.  THANK YOU.

Lenore

Lenore, you have the truth when you say that it is our example & not just our words that will win souls to Christ.  It is important, though, that we do not compromise our words to the point that they deny the Source of the example we set forth.

The world, the flesh and the devil all want us to say that we are good because God created us to be good.  It is true that mankind was created to be good, ie, to be the express image and likeness of God Himself, Who alone is good.  But it is also true that mankind fell from our original estate, under sin, and became wholly unworthy of God or His goodness.  It is because of SIN that self-esteem is no longer warranted merely on the basis of our having been created "good."  We are fallen, have become filthy and unacceptable in the sight of God.

But by grace are we saved who have believed the gospel, and our esteem can only be in Him Who has redeemed us with His own blood.  Our "SELF-esteem" can be only for the self that Jesus Christ has saved from its deserved fate of condemnation and eternal death-- the self that has been washed in the blood of the Lamb of God, cleansed and made  new and beloved before the face of the holy and righteous God.

Those who want us to have regard for what we are by nature do not understand what Paul was saying, that inour flesh dwells no goodness.  There is nothing good about our nature until it has been reborn through faith in the work of Christ.

So what you feel in your heart, Lenore, that without Christ you are nothing, that it is only by grace that you can be good, by grace that you are learning, is absolutely correct.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts4:12

al

April 28:
Today contribution to this thread:
I just came home from my self esteem course 'TIME FOR ME"
IT IS SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC .

I would like to share some of what is being taught and learned. Even though people are sharing their dependence on God...Remember this has to be God neutral course.....

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
COMES THE DAWN
AUTHOR: VERONICA SHOFFSTALL

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand
And chaining the soul
And you learn that love
Doesn't mean security
And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child
And you learn to build all your roads
One today
Because tomorrow's ground
Is too uncertain
And futures have
A way of falling down in midflight
After a while you learn that even
Sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden
And decorate your own soul
Instead of waiting
For someone
To bring you flowers
And you learn that you really can endure
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and learn
With every goodbye you learn.


FACTS ABOUT FEELINGS:

Before learning more about communicating your emotions in ways that will enrich your life instead of shatter it read and think about the following facts about feelings.

People are afraid to take the risk of expressing their feelings
Because others might disapprove of what they say

People put moral judgements on their feelings
You may not realize that feelings need to be acknowledged, accepted, and not condemned in order to be handled constructively.

Denying or ignoring slights, hurts, or "bad feelings" creates a pressure cooker of tension.
Because emotions are so strong, you can only keep the lid on them for a limited time.
Then, even against your will they will erupt.

Buried feelings express themselves indirectly.
For instance. You may nag, backbite, become jittery and nervous, or get depressed.
Physically, bottling up feelings can lead to many "dis-eases", such as aches or pains, insomnia, or even heart attacks.

The key to people facing their feeling is facing themselves.
You not only need to accept your won insecurities and weakness along with your strengths, but also you need to understand that not being perfect is part of being human.


LEARN TO SPEAK YOUR MIND

To feel in control of your life you need to be able to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs without infringing on the rights of others.

Expressing your opinions while allowing others to do the same is called being assertive. Trampling over others to get your own way is being aggressive, while letting people overrule all your wants and needs is being passive.

Being assertive is both respecting yourself and others. The following guidelines will help you speak out and to be more assertive.

Practice giving "I" messages:
For example, say, "I feel disappointed that the trip was cancelled."
Instead of: "People will be so disappointed that the trip was cancelled."

Tell others how you want to be treated without putting them down
A good way to do this is to express something you appreciate before you mention what you need.
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness in making plans for Sunday, but I would prefer if you checked with me first in case I'd made other plans"

Realize you won't necessarily get treated the way you want
Even after you have made your request, but you'll feel better for asking.

Accept that it will be harder for some people to speak out.
Perhaps you have trouble saying
"NO"
to your children, or being direct with your doctor.

Use the formula below to help you speak out when it's difficult.

When you……………..{rush me}
I feel……………{flustered}
I would prefer…………{to go at my own pace}
Then…………..{I will enjoy our outing much more}

If your request is still ignored , then state the consequence.
Try to keep the consequence positive.

If  you……..{will allow me to go at my own pace}
I will feel…….{less stressed and happier, and better company for you}

Be careful that the plan of action you say are going to take doesn't make the situation worse for you instead of better.
..............................................................

Some of the homework we are doing is:
 
How many times do you use the word "should" on yourself, others and how many times do others use the word "should" on you.
 
How do I nuture myself even for 1/2 hour each day?
 
Accept compliments graciously
 
In a situation, how did I respond to feelings, and how could I have responded.
Changing our attitude about our responses in situations.
 
Recognize how we are a fixer, and do not become a fixer . Dont try to fix people problems. Only listen and acknowledge their feelings.
 
Practice personalizing communication. Use the "I " example "I am Feeling" more than using generalizations.
 
Watch body and facial language of others, and learn to identify each of the body language. In otherwords become people watchers.
 
Only talk good about yourself, dont put yourself down,
 
There are questions each week that need to be answered:
1. Something I learned about myself this week:
2. Right now I am feeling:
3. Something I'd like to work on:
4. Other thoughts are:
5. Things I learned this session:
 
There are other things:
Saying sorry is a put down, and is used to often. It is to be use only if you have hurt someone.
 
 
Other things that is being taught are:
Keep in mind: you tell the world how you want to be treat is by the way you treat yourself.
 
FEELINGS COME WITHOUT OUR INVITATION AND FEELINGS WILL NOT GO AT OUR DEMAND.
We can change our thoughts ...we can change our feelings{sound familiar in light of 40 days}
 
 
Feel free to use this communication in anyway you deem necessary.
It goes with the 40 days....
ANd I hope it also helps you personally as well.....
 
P.S.>>>>>>>>
I am using my church family as subjects a lot, so beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I dont use names....but I have use it in my responding exercises to situations, or what people have said to me.....
 
I hope you will pray for the 7 participants, and for Olive Poff who is teaching this group "TIme for me Session 1 Group". Because there are a lot of broken spirits.  Over half are relying on God which is great to see.  Dependency on God help is mentioned alot.....
I cannot name names... but God knows who they are who needs prayers.

Lenore
 

June 14:

Information on Mood Disorders:

www.mooddisorder.on.ca


In one of the Mood Disorder Magazines:

Poem:


WINTERMOOD
Author: Molly Chapman

The old man's moved in again, unbidden,
toting bags of endless dirty days,
smothering colour and my emotions.
He duels with Father Time and wins
until I feel frozen in place,
waiting to be rescued for a century or more.
Now, sun and spring are but a distant mirage
I am powerless to pursue.

I sink into hopeless, vague miasma;
dreaming of warm, yellow days and green
growing scents,
when I grow drunk on the sun's heady portion,
I greedily suck it p and savour it
so I can recall and relive those glorious days
when the old man's return unbidden.


...................

This poem is about a person who suffers from a mood disorder called seasonal deficient disorder, in the winter.



..................
During my workshop conference in Thunder Bay in May 11 to 13th I received a number of handouts.
1. Advocating for Rehabilitation and Recovery.

2. Rethinking Rehabilitation: Freedom
By Patricia E. Deegan PHD 
pat@patdeegan.com

3. Executive Summary
A Report of the Surgeon General on Mental Health

4. Recovering our sense of value after being labelled mentally ill
Patricia E. Deegan  PH.D.

5.  Recovery and Resilience



One of the titles of the Workshop was
Recover, The Experiene, the Evidence and The Practice
ty Dr. Patricia E. Deegan
www.patdeegan.com


There are several website:

www.mhrecovery.com/best practice.htm[Ohio}
www.mhsip.org/recovery/index.html
www.power2u.org/pace_manual.pdf{Massachuesetts}

United States:
www.mentalhealthrecovery.org

Canadian Mental Health Association-Ontario Div.
www.ontario.cmha.ca

Can we measure recovery? A Compendium of Recovery and Recovery Related Instruments
by Ralph R. Kidder
www.hsri.org/eva/eval.html

Austrailia -Multicultural Mental Health
ww.mmha.org.au.

Information on Recovery Competencies for Mental Health Workers/Service Providers
www.mhc.govt.nz/publications/2001/Recovery Competencies.pdf


LIKE MINDS TEACHING KIT - addresses issue discrimination in mental health
www.likemind.govt.nz

Where is Recovery Happening Now?
www.namiscc.org/index.htm
www.metaservice.com
www.mh.state.oh.us
www.mentalhealthrecovery.com/vtrecovery.html
www.bu.ed/cpr
www.windhorseassociates.org
www.dmhas.state.ct.us/recovery.htm
www.talkingcure.com/JzzkkoSeikkula.htm
www.triestesalutementale.it
www.tidal-model.co.uk
www.mhc.govt.nz
www.qsos.ca

What helps and What hinder Report[2002}
Phase one of USA National Research Project conducted in 9 states to gain knowledge on what helps and what hinders mental health recovery.
www.nasmhpd.org/general_files/publications/ntac_pubs/reports/MHSIPReport.pdf


Hope some of these website are useful.

Lenore

September 12th:

Remember last spring when I took the Self Esteem Course
called
'OLIVE POFF - TIME FOR ME'

Well I started part two last Thurday.

'OLIVE POFF - TIME TO GROW"

It is about getting in touch with your feelings, accepting the feelings, and learning how to change your thinking to put those feelings into place.
There are some great poems, and writings.
And  tips.

If you people are interested in me contributing some of them, if you think they will help you put some of your feelings into place as you deal with life issues, including the betrayal residue of what the assembly has left behind.

I will be most glad to be able to post some of more encouraging ones.

The woman who is running this four part series, name is Olive Poff, she is a retired nurse , who volunteers her time, and works out of the Pembroke General Hospital, Mental Health Clinic area.
She is a Christian, but most of her teachings has to be politically correct, to accommodate those who are not of the Christian faith.

Well this is just asking if you will be interested.

Lenore

 :)HAPPY LORD'S DAY TO YOU ALL on this Fourth Week of Advent.

I was watching television and this ad came up.....

www.depressionhurts.com

This ad. was emphasizing that depression is not just a mood disorder, but there are physical symptoms that are associated with depression.

I checked this website out. 


I wanted to share this with you all, because....

CHRISTMAS CAN BE THE MOST STRESSFUL TIME OF YEAR FOR ALOT OF PEOPLE, whether for yourself, your family members, your neighbours, and even within your church family.

Loneliness because family members are not around for one reason or another.
Situational circumstances because of lack of financial resources.
Tragedies like the tsunami, and hurricanes disasters, or a death in the family especially in among the Christmas Holidays.

Prayer for these people are giving them into God hands, but God wants us to be practical, and put our prayers into action. 

An example here in Arnprior, the local Presbyertian Church on the 20th, is putting on a service for those who are lonely at this time of year, for the various reasons that affects them at Christmas.

Well this is getting long, so I better close off now.

Thank you for allowing me to share this bit of information.
Lenore ;)

April 29th:

Hi Everyone; On Thursday I went to a Renfrew Country Mental Health Conference, dealing on Wellness and the Family. It was for providers, families, and consumers.
It was a really energizing time of information.

Two piece of handouts  were on HOPE>HOPE IS the biggest key in recovery on the Journey.
As I was reading these handouts, I compared it will the Christian Journey. As Christians were are all connect to Christ as Brothers and Sisters.  So when I say RELATIVE, put into fellow Christian.

ATTITUDE 'HOLDING THE HOPE: Hope inspiring strategies for Families
.Believe in your relative's potential and strength
. Value your relative's as a unique human being
.Accept your relative for who he/she is
.Forgive your relative for past hurts.
.Tolerate the uncertainty about the future developments in your relative's life
.Accept your relative's setbacks as part of the recovery process
.Tolerate your relative's challenges
.Trust the authenticity of the relative's experiences
.Confront and deal with your own internalized stigma about mental health problems.
.Take care of yourself so that you can nuture your own hope for your relative.

ACTION -MODELING THE HOPE
>Listen non-judgmentally to your relative's experiences
>Express a genuine concern for your relative's well being
>Use humour
>Encourage your relative's to be self forgiving and self nuturing. Help change your relative's negative perceptions of events and self.
>Assist your relative to set and reach small steps and successes. Provide opportunities for new challenges and experiences.
>Assist your relative to develop better coping skills. Be a role model to your relative.
>Assist your relative to recall previous acheivements and postive experiences
>Help your relative to see setbacks as part of the recovery process
>Assist your relative to make sense of the suffering related to her/his mental health problem.
>Encourage your relative to find personal meaning and purpose in life
>Support your relative's spiritual beliefs.
>Assist your relative to conect with successful roles models.
>Educate your relative about recovery
>Assist your relative to access desired services and supports.

I hope this help someone.
Lenore

May 15th..

The day after Mother's Day.  A battle with depression with emotions and spirit battling it out.
For a while emotions of self pity, rejection and loneliness was winning.

HIgh expectations of others, to meet my needs was another factor.

My own girls didnt even acknowledge Mother's Day, not a card, not a flower, not a phone call, zilch.

My family gathered at my Brother's house, to support my brother and neice, on the first Mother's Day with out mate and mother.  A gift was given to our mother.
I gave the mother's and mother's to be, a bouquet of silk flowers.
It was a great BBQ.   It didnt lift my spirits, knowing my own kids were as forth coming with their appreciation, I should be used to it I guess.  Well crying is on of the ways to release that depressional hormone.

You know something. I was wished Happy Mother's Day by several people, I was given hugs, and a flower on Mother's Day.  YOu know where I got that supportive greetings.
IT WAS FROM MY CHURCH FAMILY. Where I have grown as a Christian. Where I am part of a family community.
Despite of my loneliness I need to remember I am not alone.
God is my husband, God is my father, God is my brother, I am his child.

Even though I suffer from Depression.  God is there with me to walk with me, through those journeys of down time, because I can have confidence He will see me through.

If any of you are lonely and depressed at this holiday time.  If you must indulge in self pity, make it a short visit. Try to count the blessings of where you get your support.

May you walk hand in hand through the journey of life God has set you on.

Lenore

I know this is a very old thread, but I read an interesting article just the other day called
"A depressed Christian??"  The article mentioned how many Christians view depression as a "sin",
great weakness, or lack of faith.  I realized that many years ago I had that "definition" en-
grained into me also.  Christians just aren't supposed to be depressed. They are supposed to
have a constant smile on their face, and be continually "rejoicing" (though the Biblical term is
actually quite different than a lot of people define it).

Imagine if a guy had a broken leg and there was a "run for Christ" 10,000 meters, and we berated the guy for not running in the race? "Aw, come one you big baby! get out there and run!"  But how often was a seriously depressed person met with "rejoice brother!! Snap out of it!!" in the legalistic churches we all once frequented?  It was as though depression was something that that person desired and was holding onto, and all they had to do was snap their fingers and they could be smiling their way out of it!  :)

This article mentioned how we all accept Alzheimer's for what it is----a deterioration of the actual physical brain.  It can be treated with medicine to hold off the effects for a time or slow them down.  But none of us would ever tell the Alzheimer's patient to "snap out of it" and start "remembering things" would we?

Clinical Depression is very real. The very chemicals of the brain are out of whack, along with the very thinking process the person is using at the same time.  Can a Christian suffer from Clinical Depression?  I would ask can a Christian break their leg?   Yes--of course they can suffer from depression. And it can be a definite chemical imbalance that has brought on the effects.

But somehow, many of us feel that taking medication for depression would be a "cop-out"---that we're just not showing enough faith.  Does God mirculously cure Alzheimer patients?  He could-----but he doesn't often do so.  Can God miraculously cure depression?  Sure---he could---but again, he doesn't often do so.  He expects us to use the means he has given to help with our sicknesses.  He has given us doctors and medicine.  If we as Christians KNOW that we are suffering from depression, is it wrong to consult a physician, and to accept a treatment of medicine if necessary?  I think God would expect us to do so--just as we would consult a physician for a bad back, or flu, or any other problem that is slowing us down and making life more difficult.  If medicine and counseling will help get a grip on depression, we should be seeking that help.

I wanted to share this because the article really showed me how I still hold onto old "concepts" sometimes that I learned in a legalistic atmosphere---that told me what a Christian should or shouldn't be------and many of the concepts were just downright incorrect.  Can a Christian be filled with faith, and be clinically depressed? They most certainly can---just as any other person can suffer from a myriad of ailments that all men are subject to at times.  Being a Christian does not exempt us from the physical world and all of it's problems-and that includes depression for some.  The biography of David Brainerd is a good example of a man filled with great faith, but continually and constantly depressed.  He was most likely "clinically depressed" but they didn't make diagnoses like that back then. If we think we are suffering from depression (google depression and run through a list of the "signs" if you have the time) there is no shame in seeking all the help we can to combat the problem----God in his great love has provided the means for us to do so.