by DrMichelle | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Depression |
Dear Dr. B,
I’m a man in my 60’s. Depression has been my Goliath as long as I can remember. I am a believer that has a fairly good grasp on Gods word. Yet I can’t muster the joy and happiness that the Word says is mine. I’m reading your book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and have the companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.” At times, I’m out of hope. A saying I learned as a professional airline pilot describing a crash site was, “The place where the pilots ran out of altitude, airspeed, and ideas all at the same time.” I’ve been close to that place more times than I can count. Can I realistically shed this Goliath in my life?
Sincerely,
Ready for Joy
by DrMichelle | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Depression |
Weddings. Holiday parties. Birthday celebrations.
They are all supposed to be happy and joyous. But what about when you’re battling depression?
I remember the year my mother died. Only a few months later, the holidays were upon us, and I sat at the foot of the Christmas tree sobbing. “I’m not ready to be the matriarch of the family!” I couldn’t muster up the happiness, joy, or peace we sung about in the Christmas carols. I just wanted to forget the holiday, and forget my grief, and yet I couldn’t.
by DrMichelle | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Depression |
She sat across from me with tear-stained cheeks and looked at me with misty eyes.
“I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. Maybe it’s just stress.” She shared of her stresses at work, at home, and even with extended family. Yet after a few particularly important questions, I zeroed in on the heart of the problem.
“What you’re dealing with is depression,” I relayed.
by DrMichelle | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Encouragement |
we frequently give such sentiments of caution to our young adult children because, at our age, we have more wisdom and experience to know potential problems before they occur. We caution and encourage because we want the best for our children. As I considered a verbal exchange with our son, I sensed God sharing, “It’s the same with me.” “Excuse me?” I answered silently in prayer….
by DrMichelle | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Depression, Hope |
For most, suicide isn’t a desire to die, but a desire to be rid of the pain and sadness. Dr. Bengtson shares what to do when you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
by DrMichelle | Ask Dr. B., Blog, Encouragement |
Every year, 45,000 Americans die by suicide. And for every completed suicide, there are 25 more unsuccessful attempts. That’s over 1 million suicide attempts in the U.S. every year! Through my own physical illness and descent into depression’s valley, I came to realize that even Christians get depressed and consider suicide.
