“How can I help my depressed husband?”
“How do I help my wife who is depressed?”
“How can I be helpful to my depressed friend?”
These are all questions I frequently hear.
October is Depression Awareness Month and I would be remiss if I didn’t also try to help those who have depressed loved ones.
There’s a Book Giveaway so be sure to read to the end!
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 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide. It already is our greatest cause for disability nationally. Nearly twice as many women as men suffer with depression. In fact, every year, almost 18 million women in the U.S. suffer. If you’re not one who does or has suffered from depression, I guarantee you know someone who has, who is, and who will. I’m one of them. There’s a Book Giveaway so be sure to read to the end!
A letter filled with scripture and God’s promises to stand on for the one struggling with depression.
Dear One, I know you are in pain…
You feel as if you can’t sink any lower, and that no-one understands.
But I do. I’ve been there…you know I have….
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.
I remember it as if it was yesterday. I stared into the mirror but didn’t recognize the reflection gazing back at me.
Who was she? How did she get here? When did it happen?
I had fallen into depression’s pit.
My productive life turned into a struggle for existence.
As I surveyed my bathroom vanity, the signs of my normal life remained: toothbrush and toothpaste, vitamins, makeup…but the motivation to engage no longer existed.
