Dominic Cook’s Unique Testimony Reaches Those Suffering From Depression

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By Debbi Farmer Eventually, we will all feel blue. We will have days, even weeks when we are sad. Many can rebound from these emotions--but many cannot. We face tragedies and struggles that can turn our world completely upside down. And sadly there are times also when physical changes in our body can cause clinical depression even when life appears to the world to be running smoothly. When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. Depression is a common but serious illness. Many people with a depressive illness never even seek treatment. Helping someone with depression can be a challenge. If someone in your life has depression, they may feel helpless and you … [Read more...]

Devotion: Understanding The Valley Of Depression When Coping with Chronic Illness

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"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4) For most people suffering chronic health problems depression is no stranger. Many illnesses bring with them secondary depression. This affliction is not something people are comfortable talking about. We admire those who go through life with a cheerful disposition, and positive thinking is almost a religion. Being depressed is unacceptable and something to be avoided at all costs, but what if it can’t be avoided? I have gone through many periods of very dark depression. I’m not talking about a “blue mood” or a bit of melancholy, but about walking around with your head inside a very … [Read more...]

Devotion: Apart

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"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'" (Psalm 16:1-2) "Apart from you I have no good thing." Apart--separated, away from, distant. When in pain, long term, or in darkness from depression for long periods, it is easy to feel completely and utterly alone, separated from, distant from anything and anyone. The darkness, the pain can isolate you into a self-centred hole. Being in that hole is no good thing. God has promised that "He is our refuge, an ever present help in times of trouble" (Psalm 46:1). When the pain is so strong and the depression so deep it is so hard to trust that God is still in control and that He will "work for the good, to them … [Read more...]

Devotion: As Long As I See The Light I Long For While Facing Illness Each Day

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"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) The sky is overcast as I type this. It's cold outside. And that pretty much describes how I've been feeling for two days. Yesterday I had several periods of sobbing. "I can't keep doing this Lord," I cried. "I'm tired of pushing myself to get the most basic things done. Tired of dealing with a mind that works so hard to focus on the task at hand. Tired of interruptions to care for physical challenges. I need a rest, some solitude, some time to unwind, to have my mind and heart renewed by You." I think back a couple of weeks. One morning, when the cheery daffodils my husband gave me for … [Read more...]

Welcome and Updates From Lisa For 2011

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Hello, friends! I am excited to say that our web site is nearly back after 2 months of restructuring after a corruption in late 2010. The video below explains my heart, my thanks, and that devotionals will begin within the week! … [Read more...]

Chonda Pierce Shares About Battling Depression

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Chonda Pierce is an amazing woman who is a Christian comedian--who has also battled depression. I hope her interview here encourages you, as there is christian help for depression & loneliness. It's always nice to see Christians who "have a lot to lose" materialistically, still stepping forward to help & sharing what it is like to live with depression. There are many christian leaders that deal with depression & the christian response for both men & women coping with depression is critical. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo6GVsoNCUc Related articles by Zemanta Comedian Chonda Pierce in the Spotlight (momblognetwork.com) … [Read more...]

Yes, Christians Get Depressed

Over & over I still hear from people who have been told, "If your faith was strong enough, you wouldn't get that depressed. Jesus can heal you of that if you reallyy want Him to." Oh, how sad that makes me. One reason is that I do believe that speaking to a counselor can make a difference. Like any profession, there are some good counselors, & some not-so-good, so ask for referrals from your loved ones, mentors, or church leadership. But don't let the stigma or the expectations that Christians don't get depressed prevent you from seeking counsel if you are feeling "blue." (And there are many definitions of that light-hearted word "blue.") There is a large spectrum of depression & yes, Christians get depressed just like anyone else. I … [Read more...]

Living with Chronic Pain Isn’t Fun . . . But it Can Be Funny!

I was walking through a store yesterday & overheard two women who were clerks at the gift shop speaking. The conversation went something like this: "She was recently diagnosed with MS, but she is doing really well. She has a really great attitude." "Well, she must be in remission then if she has a good attitude." "No, I don't think she's in remission. She has just decided to take whatever life throws at her & try to have best attitude possible." "Well, most people go into remission when they have MS. It probably can't be that bad." It took everything in me to walk by & not jump in & share exactly what I thought of the one woman's perception of chronic illness. One of the more difficult parts of illness is learning to live with chronic … [Read more...]

Pain Solutions Magazine Online Has Article by Lisa

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Magazines continue to go through phases of trying to get off the ground and Pain Solutions is no exception. it was supposed to be out last summer of 2009, and just now their first issue has come out and it's only digital. But . . . we understand that all too well around here! Please note: Here is my paragraph of disclaimer: While it is a secular publication & Rest Ministries does not recommend or endorse it in any way, I am excited to be able to go out "into the world" so more people can hear about Rest Ministries. Still, did they have to put a half nude woman on the cover? I grow weary of this! . . . but this is one of the reasons Rest Ministries exists. So you have been forewarned; it's not suitable for everyone. I have an … [Read more...]

Need a Giggle? Take a Walk Down TV Memory Lane

Ever feel sad when you're happy? Oscar does! Oscar the Grouch that is! Who better to make you laugh then Big Bird or Grover? Take a minute to watch the same old clips you loved as a kid at the Sesame Street web site (for the Oscar one above search "oscar" "sad." We're partial to the Martians & the Telephone video. Yep yep yep yep yep yep yep yep yep. And if that doesn't do it for you, check out the weekly podcasts. The "word on the street" this week ANGRY with Oscar the Grouch hosting. … [Read more...]

Depressed? Here are some tips for mild depression

By Stanley Popovich Some people who have a chronic illness can get depressed. Sometimes this depression can get the best of them. As a result, here is a short list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their depression & their illness. One of the ways to manage your depression is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements & realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity & common sense. For example, you may be afraid that you will stay depressed & things will never improve. This is not true. Things change from day to day & it is hard to predict what may happen down the road. Focus on … [Read more...]

Providing Pastoral Care to Persons with Mental Illness & Their Family

Rev. Rose Anne Briotte, a psychiatric chaplain in Knoxville, TN, & a member of the Mental Health Ministries Advisory Committee, has put together a brochure on "Guidelines for Clergy: Providing Pastoral Care to Persons with Mental Illness & Their Family." It is available on the Mental Health Ministries website by clicking the link above. You may also be interested in an article in The Christianity Century. It looks at the high incidence of clergy depression in clergy that can lead to suicide. Submitted by Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder, Coordinator of Mental Health Ministries. Related articles How Do I Find a Good Psychiatrist? (psychcentral.com) … [Read more...]