Happy Days then and now. Photo taken in 1991
Today's Word: broyer du noir
: to feel defeated, demoralized, depressed
AUDIO FILE – Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word and sentence:
broyer du noir. Quand quelqu'un est déprimé il voit tout en noir.
To feel dejected. When someone's depressed, the see everything in black.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE…
I am discombobulated lately. Ce dernier temps, je chamboule… This happens when a series of things happen all at once. This week we are having our house painted, I have some writing deadlines, and many guests arriving. Bigger than this is my husband's recent depression (he has a history of it. It is debilitating. And you would never know it from appearances. Please pray.)
Also, I am anxious about the emails, requests and updates that I receive from readers. Please accept my sincere apologies for not answering all emails or being of much help. Please know that it is a great pleasure to read your letters, but that I am unable to answer.
I resist writing these kinds of posts, and I fear the occasional troll response that would point out to all my readers what a perfect and priviledged life I have. Coincidentally, this is the same thing caring friends tell my husband. But it does not take away his depression. He knows he has a good life. And so do I.
Thanks for listening and for understanding. I recently read that writers write as a form of therapy. In which case, I am very lucky to have so many caring "thérapeutes" reading. Mille mercis. And thank you for praying for Jean-Marc.
Amicalement,
Kristi
Today in the comments let's talk about depression. Many thanks for anything you can share, any encouragements you can give. Click here to comment
A random jumble of photos
2009?
Our town hall marriage, in July of 1994
2004. Our 10th anniversary
21st anniversary
#ChiefGrape #Chiefforever
COMMENTS
I've spent the past 3 months trying to think of the right words to encourage Jean-Marc. If you can think of any, thanks for sharing in the comments. CLICK HERE.
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Hey, Kristi —
I’m coming here late, as I was traveling all day yesterday.
You and I have talked about the value of medication in situations like this. You may remember that I’m on it myself, and it’s saved my life.
As for what to say to J-M, there isn’t anything (except that you love him, obviously). It’s a medical condition. There’s nothing you can say to a person with a broken arm that will make it better. There’s nothing you can say to a person with appendicitis that will make it better. And there’s nothing you can say to a person with depression that will make it better.
But there are things that can be done to make all three of those conditions better. I hope that J-M can find something that works for him.
Arliss and I are with both of you in spirit.
Sending prayers, energy and healing light to Jean-Marc, and to you, dear Kristi! 🙏🏻🌻❤️
Dear Kristi,
You have received so many wonderful comments. I hope the outpouring of support is helping you feel better.
As a mental health professional for 25 years, I have seen many depressed people. My message for Jean-Marc is that there is hope with treatment (a combination of therapy and medication). If he is receiving treatment and it is not working yet, please be persistent and patient. If he is not getting treatment, please seek help immediately. As others have said, depression is not a character flaw. It is treatable!
I loved William Styron’s book, Darkness Visible. It is a moving account of the experience of depression through the eyes of the depressed person.
Best wishes to both of you,
Margie
A wise man said “when you feel depressed, do some service for others”. That will get you out of the depression :-).
You do seem so ‘clear-sighted’ about this issue and your willingness to share seems to be to be a great strength of yours. Prayers, of course, but also great optimism for your future.
Isn’t amazing how many heartfelt answers there are already. Testimony to the fact that many of us experience the same emotions as Jean-Marc. It is a time of looking at things differently and maybe reorienting one’s life. A time for stopping and being more aware of exactly how we do feel. The worse parts of ‘depression’ can be the associated fear of it never ending or indeed the anger or shame that we cannot control it. A double whammy. Body and mind are linked – our minds inform our bodies and our bodies inform our minds…..check out which part is in the driving seat. Eg Are you exhausted or ill or feeling undervalued or bored?
As somebody has already said, get the blood coursing around your veins and in particular your brain – exercise…..but away from work and your normal surroundings which could be a maintaining cause for your negative emotions. Talk to somebody about how you feel who is outside of your personal life. Take up a new creative activity. Look outward to the world and help somebody else – renewed purpose in life is a great healer.
Make a pilgrimage (doesn’t have to be religious but must be meaningful to you) and walking is fantastic at grounding our energy again.
Stay courageous and look at your life with compassion. You are a human being – not a human doing. The only permanent thing in life is change. Your depression will disappear as it appeared – maybe without reason……..or maybe you will have discovered something new and wonderful about yourself by the time it has passed.
An amazing lot of caring and good information provided by the previous writers. I would only add that less important activities (and just about everything else is less important) could be dropped so you both have the time and energy to work on sustainable solutions.
kristi and jean-marc,
my heartfelt love i send to you ….
does the thought of “waves” of different feelings coming in and out of your lives help to handle this particular time?
i don’t want to over-simplify this time for you, but thinking about the “waves” that have swept into my 38 year marriage has helped me in rough times. this too will pass?
the ups and downs of being human.
fondly,
marlies
There are so many good thoughts and so much personal experience in the comments which have already been written that I hesitate to add my own. Nevertheless, I will add a few words in the hope that they might, perhaps, be helpful to you and Jean-Marc.
Twenty-five years ago I went through a month-long spell of depression so harrowing that it still frightens me to think about it. What I could not have understood at the time and have only learned in retrospect was that, for people in the midst of depression, their worlds narrow down to themselves. They feel surrounded by evil cocoons of pain and sadness that disconnect them from everything and everyone around them. They can hardly remember a time that they were happy and they are certain that they never can be again.
But it’s all a lie that’s based in broken thought patterns and it can be beaten!
To be sure, severe depression is a medical emergency that requires immediate expert intervention. But if Jean-Marc is not at that point, he should try to break out of the cocoon now by focusing his mind somewhere, anywhere other than on himself. He should concentrate on thinking of others and helping others. He should force himself to be active beyond his work (perhaps biking or running) even if physical activity is the last thing in the world that he wants to do at this time.
I would also suggest an inexpensive book that has been around for many years – Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns – who was a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania and is now at Stanford. It provides a great discussion of those evil patterns of thought that lie at the heart of depression and offers practical ways of countering them. Over almost 40 years, it has helped many people…including me.
And finally, no matter how dark it gets, Jean-Marc must never let the darkness cause him to forget, even for a moment, that there are people in his life who love him. Whoever is loved possesses a life that is worth living.
May Peace be with you all.
Kristi,
I spent a lot of time during the Lenten season with Jan Richardson’s work from The Painted Prayerbook (her paintings and poems). My favorite poem is the following:
Beloved Is Where We Begin
If you would enter into the wilderness, do not begin without a blessing.
Do not leave without hearing who you are: Beloved, named by the One who has traveled this path before you.
Do not go without letting it echo in your ears, and if you find it is hard to let it into your heart, do not despair.
That is what this journey is for.
I cannot promise this blessing will free you from danger, from fear, from hunger or thirst, from the scorching of sun or the fall of the night.
But I can tell you that on this path there will be help.
I can tell you that on this way there will be rest.
I can tell you that you will know the strange graces that come to our aid only on a road such as this, that fly to meet us bearing comfort and strength, that come alongside us for no other cause than to lean themselves toward our ear and with their curious insistence whisper our name:
Beloved.
Beloved.
Beloved.
—Jan Richardson from Circle of Grace
http://paintedprayerbook.com/
Thinking of and whispering ‘beloved’ for both of you. Pamela
Mine was from negative thinking, so “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8. Within 3 months, no more depression. Also, don’t expect people to understand what you’re going through; you can’t understand depression unless you have experienced it.
So sorry to hear of JM’s depression…do not ignore or try to cover it up…my loved one was diagnosed and helped with temporary drugs and talk therapy with a professional. (I am a trained mental health professional also) He is also a cyclist/athlete like Jean Marc, so he was helped by regular, strong exercise like cycling 50-60 miles, not a leisurely ride! He really improved upon getting out of a stressful job, and continues to exercise regularly today, at 65 years of age. He no longer needs the medication.
Hang in there, and couples therapy may also be a good idea.
Dear Kirsti:
I am sending my mental thoughts to Jean-Marc for his recovery. Also, my prayers are with you and your family for the strength you need to help him. Depression does not care who you are or your circumstances, hopefully, Jean-Marc can take comfort knowing that there are so many people hoping for his emergence from that dark tunnel.
Your wife has done the best thing..she has gone public, involving others and she has asked for prayer. I cannot say that I suffer from depression, but I have been in situations that made me feel that I would never be happy again, that I would never have the “perfect” life that I longed for. But I found that the perfect life had many different forms and as I aged I wanted very different things from my life. I had to accept that most people do the very best that they can in the situations they find themselves in and that I needed to understand and accept that.I believe God when he says that He will not put on anyone more than they can bear. So sorry that this heartache has come upon you and prayers for your healing.
Dear Kristi:
My mother was depressed most of her life. As a child, it was difficult to see her so sad but there was nothing I could do. This all happened many many years ago. I know that today my mother could have been helped with therapy and medication. One does not have to live with depression throughout one’s life. People often say “how can you be depressed when you have everything good in your life?” They do not understand that depression is not a choice. As a child, I did not understand it either. I thought my mother did not have to be depressed and that she was making that choice. I will keep you and J.M. in my prayers and hope to hear from you in the months ahead hoping to hear that J.M. is making progress. XOXO Janine
Prayers with and for you and Jean Marc, Kristin. Please know that the dawn does come, that no matter the depth of the dark, there is light and love.
Cognitive Therapy every day in a workbook does help by retraining the brain to focus on the facts and “test the lie” from a spiral of negative thoughts from depression. It works when you work it by writing every day. Seeing a cognitive therapist also helps.
Here is a link to a french workbook:
https://www.amazon.fr/th%C3%A9rapie-cognitive-pleine-conscience-d%C3%A9pression/dp/2804150534/277-8486703-8594744?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Here are links to sites that describe cognitive therapy treatment of depression:
http://www.cognitivetherapyla.com/CognitiveTherapy.php
http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/cognitive-therapy
It’s hard to get motivated to start and keep retraining the brain/mind, but well worth the time. Best to you and family.
Christi and Marc – my husband has/had a deep depression after retirement. Fortunately his general practitioner doctor, after putting him on Prozac, sent him to a psychiatrist who helped him. He has been on the medicine for many years now (his psych.said he should probably be on it for the rest of his life) and husband has been leading a normal life since then. So thankful for the medicine. Hope you have been able to get the help you need for this disease.
An other link for 8 week workbook. http://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Way-Workbook-Depression-Emotional/dp/1462508146/
Christine and Jean-Marc, so many people who care about you have mentioned a therapist – that seems really important when depression goes on for so long. At the very least, you could ascertain that it’s not due to a chemical condition that could be treated by medication – a good thing to rule out.
When I go through similar periods, I find great solace in music. Also dancing. And recently I learned of a Carl Jung statement that is beautiful: “Where you stumble and fall, you find pure gold.” A new lens for viewing mistakes, disappointments, discouragement-as opportunities for discovery and exploration.
Soignez-vous,
Mary
My Mom follows your French Word-A-Day and shared with me your recent post about your husband’s battle with depression. I’ve been battling the darkness (as I call it) for about 12 years. It started creeping into my life about a two years after I started college. I won’t go into all of the details because, well, I’d be typing for a few hours, but I wanted to share a few thoughts that may help you and/or your husband, or anyone reading this.
– Depression sucks, it just really sucks (not a surprise I’m sure).
– The frustration of not knowing when you’re going to go into or come out of the darkness or fog is infuriating.
– Wanting to put into words how you’re feeling but not being able to because the feelings/emotions aren’t usually on the “normal” scope of human feelings/emotions – mine were an amalgamation of ones I understood and ones I could only imagine coming from a horror story.
– There’s absolutely no shame in seeing a therapist, being on antidepressants or seeking non-drug treatments; those legitimately saved my life, I can’t stress that enough.
– I encourage you or Mark to look into TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) as a non-drug treatment option; it’s a bit pricey but I was able to pay out of pocket as I was willing to try pretty much anything to get my life back (FYI insurance is still giving me the run around on covering the treatment, but I’m continuing to fight them).
– I recommend reading 3,000 Pulses Later by Martha Rhodes, it’s a memoir of her battle with depression and eventual TMS treatment.
I’m sending all of my love and hugs your way!
I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this. It is such a traumatic disease for the person and those who love him/her. I’ve been there – as loved one and person dealing with it.
I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
You are so amazingly trusting to share your vulnerability and intimate life with caring and considerate followers but as you say there are some horrible trollers out there and that is what you have to guard yourself against. I’ve only had one experience of depression with my most intelligent and accomplished husband and it was seriously scary. He was prescribed drugs which compounded the depression and for the first time in his life he considered suicide…I’m really scared about drugs. Stay strong, you both have a wonderful relationship. When you are weak he is strong and visa versa. Maybe it’s time for the children to visit?
I needed THAT today, Thank you!!!
Dear Kristin — You have many wonderful words of advice and comfort above. Will only add that I will keep both of you in my thoughts and in my heart. I could not agree more with those who write that there is no shame in this illness and that you both must get some help. Acknowledging that need and seeking help may be the first step to recovery. Stay close….
Kristi
I understand!!!!! Has JeanMarc seen a therapist?? As I understand it, talk therapy and perhaps meds can help.
Prayers to you both.
Bon chance.
Cindi USA
You have already received loads of personal anecdotes and advice, so I won’t add mine. Instead I want to thank you and J-M for sharing your lives so deeply and honestly. Life is hard and messy on one side and beautiful and profound on the flip side. You’ve shared it all and helped normalize the hard and messy parts and role-modeled how to connect and communicate with others. Thank you.
I love seeing how you and J-M gaze at each other in photographs. So sweet.
Gardez votre courage monsieur. Restez actif. Prenez médicaments et/ou de la psychothérapie si besoin. Laissez le temps égayer et d’élargir votre point de vue de votre vie–passées, présentes et futures! Soyez, s’il vous plaît, toujours sûr.
Kristi and Jean-Marc: I have nothing wise to say here but wanted to wish you both the best and send my love from California. You are a sweet and loving couple and you have two really lovely children. Medication helps depression, exercise helps and counseling or psychiatric intervention can help. You already know all of this I’m sure. I hope that love with lift Jean-Marc up. I wish you all the best. Thank you so much for sharing your lives and hearts with us!
Dear Kristie,
I pray for you, Jean-Marc, your children, and both your families — all of whom love Jean-Marc and who hold him in their hearts with care and concern.
I know that you have ability to do what you need to do to take good care of yourself– and your family –during this challenging time.
WIth warm affection,
Susan
Josephine, your kind and thoughtful words of advice seem to “sum up” the outpouring of love and concern by the readers for Kristi and Jean-Marc. I admire them so much and send my best wishes for each of them.
I will certainly pray for Jean-Marc. I’ve had some depressed intervals in my life, too. One thought to keep in mind is “the worst day is only 24 hours long.” Some periods simply have to be survived, and they can be survived. A few people, hearing of some awful times I’ve experienced, asked me how I managed. I said that one can commit suicide (not good), become mentally ill, or muddle through. I suspect many folks are muddling through much of the time. No matter how good our life is – and as a middle-class American, I understand that mine is much better than that of the majority of the world’s population – it can be hard to deal with when we are going through it. There were a few times in years past when I wondered if I should hang on or not. I am very glad I did! We don’t know what the next chapter will be. A French writer, whose name I can’t remember at the moment, said or wrote, “Un souvenir heureux est peut-etre plus vrai que le bonheur.” In retrospect, in the midst of terrible moments, we can look back and see some small positives.
I hope it will help Jean-Marc to know that his many fans are rooting for him, and he is definitely not alone. He may not feel up to a trip to the USA for a good while, but if/when he is in our area, I’ll be glad to see him again. Meanwhile, we are happy to follow the adventures of your family via FWAD.
Bon courage, Jean-Marc!
With a Major in Psychology,I have learned that Depression is a chemical imbalance in the Brain; it should be dealt with by appointment with a Doctor who will recommend the appropriate medication (sometimes more than one) to balance those chemicals. It is most important to track the patient to make sure he/she is tolerating the drug with minimal side effects. Effective drugs such as Prozac, Wellbutrin and Zoloft have helped many people lead a normal life.
Consistency of compliance and regular follow-up visits with the Doctor are very important.
Lastly, exercise, walking, pleasant music, and doing those things that you most enjoy will help immensely.
Avoid toxic people, places and things that are problematic.
April 26, 2016
Jean Marc —
Beautiful thoughts and Prayers are with you. Just remember that there is always a Bright Light at the end of every Tunnel. Trust in your Family who loves you Dearly.
bien cordialement,
Marilyn Martin
Cher Jean-Marc, When you are depressed (When I am depressed) if anyone tells you (me) “it will pass” or “there are so many good things in your life,” it just shows how stupid that person is. Right? Uh huh. And then there is the fact, the 100% fact, that everyone in your life would be much better off if you (I) weren’t there. Right? Uh huh. Oh yes, I’ve been there.
So here is the thing. Depression is a chemical imbalance. Other people have said it’s analagous to diabetes. Yup. It is. Medication helps. It does *not* remove the depression. It gives you the ability to *manage* the depression, look at it with perspective, to look at your life with perspective, to live your life without the feeling that you are slogging through molasses. I have been living with depression for many years thanks to an unusual type of anti-depressant. The depression started with menopause: that’s how I know it is chemical. I am grateful for the medication, my dog and my husband are, too. If you wish to know about it, Kristi, please e-mail me. If you have been taking a medication and it is not helping, try another one, or change the dose. Please.
Recommended reading:
Darkness Visible, by William Styron.
Removes the shroud from depression to shed light on his own illness and the universality of the burden. No words of my own to add, except your sweet chiefgrape will re-emerge. Hang in there.
I am trying to insert a comment, but can’t find a place for it, so will reply to Cindy and hope this is seen by Kristi. Everyone is offering good suggestions. I am so sorry about Jean-Marc’s depression. I have had mild depression off and on over the years, but have not had the debilitating kind that two of my friends have had. One has been helped by lithium; the other is still searching. Mine is usually helped by giving up sugar.
Don’t worry about answering e-mails.
I wish you both well.
Holly Lake
Depression is no respecter of station, stability or anything else. If meditation/yoga helps that is Fantastic. but serious depression is not a matter of kind words or ‘getting over it.’ It is a chemical imbalance in the brain, which can be alleviated by proper medication. I’d love for depression to be cured, or to ‘just get over it.’ I have great friends, a cool group of friends I play with, the job I’ve always wanted, my own apartment – and no ‘reason’ to be depressed. I’ve fought and lived with depression for over 20 years. Sometimes it helps to see it as a sort of minor demon on my shoulder; if I try to ignore it, it only becomes more of an issue, but if I can say, yes, ‘I know you’re there, but I don’t have to play your way’ it is easier to handle. Best of luck, big big hugs.
Depression is an illness just as severe as any physical ailment and much harder on family and friends because the patient often doesn’t know that anything is wrong. My father suffered from depression on and off through much of his adult life and often had to be in a psychiatric ward until he was “in balance” again.
The only thing that helped was finding the right combination of medications that worked on adjusting the brain chemistry. It may take awhile to find the right balance, both in adding the medications, making sure they are working, and not discontinuing even if the patient thinks he/she is fine. The patient is usually the last to know.
Depression is not something to be ashamed of; many famous people have suffered from it. It is every bit as debilitating as any other serious illness.
My advice is do not hesitate to consider treatment with prescription drugs. They may be the only thing that helps. Talking to a trained psychiatrist or psychologist is also important; sometimes more for the family than the patient. It is not something you did or can cure.
Depression is an illness that can be and often is as severe as anything that requires surgery or other medical treatment. Please remember that.
Kind regards,
Sandy Zeoli
Hi, Kristi and Jean-Marc,
I will quote a scripture, “With man it is impossible, but with God all is possible.”
I am adding you to my prayer list. Trust, let go, believe.
Amities,
Lindy
Jean Marc –
I am suffering profoundly with depression as well. Pray for me, as I will pray for you.
Carl
Kansas, USA
Dear Kristi
Brava to you for being so open about Jean-Marc’s depression. It is real and can be helped but, as many have testified here, it’s not easy. This comment thread is one of the most powerful and sensitive I’ve ever seen.
Such a wealth of information, caring and support. I know others have recommended this, but I am
adding it again in case the information got lost in the thread. Go to this link please and see if there is something that may help.
http://thebloggess.com/category/depression-lies/
I am keeping your family in my heart and thoughts.
Keep talking to us. We are here. We care.
Patricia
Dear Kristin, first of all thank you for the lessons you are constantly sending to us, it has helped me in learning more of English and French. My family has many cases of depression, including myself. Now i’m ok with the help of a good psychiatrist and therapy, however it’s a long way because the feelings come and go, we pass through ups and downs. Please tell JM to never give up trying to beat up depression because he will succeed. You have a beautiful family and love heals all. May God be with your family! Best wishes from Brazil.
I struggle with this myself and I will be sending kind and healing thoughts your way. I share this article with those I love when I am in the depths: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/20-things-remember-your-loved-ones-suffer-from-depression.html My favourite quote is from Charles Bukowski: “What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.” It helps me be gentle with myself when the black dog is nipping at my heels. xo
Kristi, so many good suggestions in the comments. I have recently been checking out videos by a wonderful young woman who has a bit of a different approach to depression, if it is not a physical illness, and it sounds like Jean-Marc is okay most of the time. She equates depression-“pain” as the equivalent of physical-pain, but of the subconscious. Let’s say if you have a physical pain in your arm, chances are there is something going on with your arm, bruise, fracture etc and the pain is there to call your attention to the area for the purpose of getting you to address the issue or ailment with the arm. She says it is the same principle when we have depression, it is our subconscious telling us to address something, something not healed usually from long ago that we have not resolved and sometimes don’t even know or remember what it is. So to address the “ailment” to which the depression is pointing to, one must not try to run away from it and resist it, but allow yourself to sit down and spend some time with the feeling and to not be afraid of it and ask your mind ‘what are you trying to tell me’ and let any thoughts come through, with no judgment, to not force any responses but to allow them as she says ‘to come downstream’. She purports that we need to realign our subconscious to our conscious and resolve the whatever it is, hurt, fear, childhood trauma, etc. So far this process has helped me tremendously. It may take a few times and it’s not a right away solution, but perhaps a solution that targets the root cause. When you properly process, then the depression goes away as the pain in the arm would go away after you address it. She also has a mindset that all that happens to us will work out for the best as it is ultimately for our benefit and improvement. All my best for you and Jean-Marc.
I don’t think I can add much to what many people have already said. Please know that you and Jean-Marc are not alone in your struggles with this disease. And it is a disease, with no shame attached. The first step in every case is the acknowledgement of the problem. My husband and son have both struggled with depression, and were helped by medication, as was a dear friend, and all sought help on their own. Getting professional help, whether through therapy or medication, is the best thing, in my opinion. I wish all the best to you both, and your family.
Sometimes we suffer because of what is going on outside of us, sometimes because of what is going on within us. I do not know what is going on inside of your husband, but no matter what the cause, it must be supremely hard for him and those who love him (a special cyberhug to you). I don’t know if this will help, but I wrote a little about a piece of music by Sibelius that helps me be in the moment no matter my feelings, and helps bring me release. Both Jean Sibelius who composed it, and Christian Ferras who played it so beautifully suffered from deep depression. I think that common experience makes the 2nd movement of the Violin Concerto particularly powerful and cleansing for me whenever I see and listen to it- they knew. For me it encapsulates deep longing and loss and hope and love. I’ll use the url in the comment box to link you to the post I wrote for it years ago, which includes a video of it. Whether this will help either of you, I don’t know, but at the very least know that someone is thinking of and praying for the two of you with empathy and love and a handclasp of compassion.
Oy vey! Do we know depression! Some things that we have learned that may help, is that depression hurts. Physically. Sometimes a good back rub, or foot rub, hot tub or sauna, can help him alleviate some of that. We’ve found that a warm shoulder sized rice bag can give the right amount of weight to be helpful. Some times it’s having someone near-but not touching the one working through the depression. You may want to have vitamins D levels checked. We have set up a kind of “list”, of things that can help- the best time to do your “list” is not in the midst of the depression. Because we often ask, ‘How can I help you?’ The lists can help you both not feel so at a loss…
I have other things that we’ve found helps. As well as books that have helped with understanding.
I’m praying for you Jean-Marc and for all your family.
With my best wishes, support and friendship.
And thank you Kristi for this sharing.
Elisabeth
Dear Kristi,
I’ve read through most of the replies you have received, and thankful that you have so many caring readers. I want you to know that my husband and I have prayed for Jean-Marc and will continue to do so. Years ago my best friend had terrible depression after an devastating illness, and when she spent the night with me had a terrible episode in the night. Not knowing what to do, I got the Bible and began reading the 23rd Psalm. I kept reading until she quieted and fell asleep. Years after that episode, I had a friend who confided in me that her brother was suffering with depression. I mentioned to her a book that I had just read, The Battlefield of the Mind, by Joyce Meyers that had been so helpful to me. Later she told me that she sent him the book and he said it was the most wonderful thing that he’d ever read to help. him.
Personally, my husband has Parkinson’s disease and suffers with depression as well, and the doctor has him on Celexa that does seem to help. I believe that for myself and others, I have seen that a combination of medications, dietary suppliments, ( my husband can’t take the Parkinson’s Meds) and then the natural healing things such as rest, exercise, sunlight, fresh water, fresh air, good food, and trust in a God who loves us, will lead us back to health. Know that even though we don’t know you personally, we love you and are praying for you. King David also seemed to suffer from depression at times and was so honest about it with God in his prayers. I like that in the Psalms we can identiy and be uplifted to see that as he looked upon God , and grew to know Him more, He was blessed and comforted. I find that as I read the Bible as a whole, I get a different picture of God that what I have heard in religious circles. Take another look at Him. God is Love. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what that is. That is what God is like. Great isn’t it? God cares. We care, and many others. Take Courage. God is not what His enemies have made him out to be. Jesus came to show what the Father is like. If you read the gospels, remembering that Jesus was fully God, the lights come on. God Bless. The Gospel is Good News.