Depression

I have dealt with bouts of  depression for about 15 years.  I've always just allowed it take me over, letting the emotions decide my fate for the day, week, even months.  This is such a worldy response, but I had never considered that God had a better way for me to handle the depression. 

Satan lies to us, especially to women, and tells us that are emotions are truth, and that we should give into them and act what they are telling us.  We see women doing this everywhere, in our families, on tv, and even in church.  But this is not God's way.  I am learning that when the depression comes, I cannot allow it to change my response to life.  I have the same responsibilities when I am depressed as I do when I am happy.  How self-indulgent to let everyone and everything suffer just because I don't feel good. 

Instead I have learned that I need to live in spite of the depression.  I may have many days where I don't feel good, but I can't change that and I can't lose the day due to a feeling.  The best way I've seen this described is in Terri Maxwell's article on her own depression.  Please read it if you deal with depression, it will change the way you look at God, at yourself, and at the depression.

Click here for the article.  Her husband has also written an article about his role in Terri's depression.  Read that here.

8:47 AM - Mar. 31, 2006 - post comment

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Thanks for sharing this. I've struggled with depression and panic attacks for years. I've been working hard the last five years to gain a Biblical perspective on dealing with it and working through it that I might be a more effective servant of the Lord. I haven't read Terry's article but am headed there now.

maggieraye - 9:12 AM - Mar. 31, 2006

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I dealt with post-partum depression after the birth of each of my boys. DH struggles with panic attacks. These are absolutely real, and absolutely devastating when you don't have them under control. I will be praying for you!

-Mary Grace

BooksandBairns - 11:13 PM - Mar. 31, 2006

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Thank You for Sharing

Thank you for sharing your story. I too am suffering from depression. I know that I have had such a private struggle with it and have never shared with anyone how I am feeling. Not even my husband or doctor. I know that I need to turn to God and I do but, my problem is that I lay it at his feet and then turn around and pick it back up. With everything my daughter is going thru and will be going thru in the next few years the depression has gotten even worse. I feel very alone in this. Not even my husband seems to understand the suffering that my dd will experience in wearing this brace and everyhting taht goes with it plus surgery in the future.
You blog was very helpful. I read the articles you attached too.
Thanks for opening up
Sarah

sarahmomto4kids - 8:27 PM - Apr. 2, 2006

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Hi there :) I came to answer your question from my blog. Do my guys gang up on me? It's not so much they gang up on me, as I don't understand why they do things or their weird sense of humor LOL. I am definately overrun in testosterone in this house.

We had a cat and a dog, both boys. In Dec., we got another kitty, Misty, and she's a girl. Allen told me now I have the daughter I've always wanted HA!

Anyway, that will be you in a few years. They'll be taller than you, have bigger feet than you, and you may have to listen closely if they call on the phone because they may sound like your husband. Or if they are in the other room. So weird.

Have a blessed day~Kelly

kleo30 - 1:35 PM - Apr. 4, 2006

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Hi MotherJoy

I just wanted to say that I really like your blog. I just discoverd it in my newfound enjoyment of searching out other people's blogs (I'm new to this blogging thing!). I so appreciate your comments and your perspective on things. I've added you as a friend so that I can easily check in on you and see what new things you have to say.

Rebecca

BeccaFace - 1:08 PM - Apr. 5, 2006

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