You know... one of my favorite verses right now (but I can't quote it word for word right this second - I see it quoted by N4Life in another version) is the one that says that God will not give you more than you can handle Boy have I ever got broad shoulders BUT God's are so much broader and He is so much stronger than I, He knows my needs, He knows the solution and right now it's a matter of focusing on Him to get me through this...
But, temptation and depression are two different things. One you can walk away from, one I wish you could walk away from.
The Message says this: "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He'll always be there to help you come through it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 Temptation and depression aren't the same thing... I absolutely agree with that. Sometimes we feel like we can't walk away from temptation (sometimes the urge to do what is normal for you far outweighs the good conscience - I think of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other shoulder both pulling at you to do what is right in each of their minds - good one saying "Don't do it, you're a better person that that", the bad one saying "You deserve to get back at that person for what they did to you"). I have two books on the go right now "Praying Through Life's Problems" and "Lord, I Want to be Whole" both by Stormie Omartian... both are excellent books and both offer different by very real points on how to help overcome different trials and problems in life (depression being one that is mentioned in both books). If I thought it would help, maybe we could turn it into a study type of thing... you guys think about it and then let me know. I see that I'm not the only one who battles depression and maybe it would help others as well. If I've learned nothing else in the past couple days it's that I'm not alone in this (like I thought I was) and maybe through what I face right now I might be able to help someone else.
Brenda I like the idea of doing a study type thing and the books you are reading sound good. Although I dont battle with depression I do have days that I feel down due to situations in my life - right now being one of those times with a court hearing coming up and a horrible situation in the next town. I think we could benefit from a study and source of encouragement.
I, myself, do not battle depression. Of course, I have the occassional bad day~ we all do~ we're women! But, I don't have any serious depression problems like the ones many of you described. I do think that depression is a very scary thing. And, like Jen, I am very cautious about medication. I do believe that there are times when medication is the only thing that can help. However, I don't feel that they do enough research before making meds available. Then you hear years later about all the horrible things that those "wonderful meds" have done. So, just be careful, and do your research before taking anything. Skippy~ I love music and singing! So, again like Jen, I was "hearing" your song as I read the lyrics. How nice! Thank for sharing with us~ you're very talented. Brenda~ you know I'm praying for you, girlfriend! This too shall pass. Love ya,
Guys, My mom was a bipolar schitzophrenic. Back in the 60's they gave her Thorozine. In the 70's it was Millaril She got worse and worse.In the 80's she was given prozac and for the first time she was able to get out and enjoy life.I know that there are some meds that have side effects some being dangerous. The question is , Does the meds increase quality of life.I know that When she was given lithium ' she got even better. Some depression is just seasonal but serious depression can really cause grief unnesscesarily. Try increasing your B vitamins.B 6, B 12,If that doesn't work then look at the meds. People don't realize that the brain just like any other organ gets sick. If we have the flu we don't hesitate to take meds. I do understand not taking certain medicines. Try going to the health food store. Herbal remodies are an option and quite effective. If you do this though treat it as medicine. Dont assume that because it is natural remedy that it can't be as bad side effect wise as the medicine.Try different things and pay attention.Medicines affect people differently so what works for one might not work for the other.There is nothing wrong with seeking medical attention .Councelling is Key
Ladies: While I in no way know what each of you is feeling, have any of you given any thought to the effects of the change in season? I believe those that develop depression during the colder months are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder. My sister, who has chemical depression, gets worse during this time of year and as part of her treatment sits under a special UV bank of lights for a certain time period each day. I also believe just getting outside, cloudy or not, is supposed to help. I also get the "blues" more often this time of year, but no where near as bad as she does. I hope this can help some of you. Carol
