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.
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.
Part of what contributes to depression is our stale thinking. When something is stale, it is on it’s way to a slow death, no longer full of life and freshness. So stale thinking is any thought that does not yield life, but pulls us down. Learn how to eliminate stale thinking.
