Depression ...

The death of Robin Williams this past week breaks my heart. I grew up with Mork - loved him the first time I saw him, and love him still. Guess I have seen just about everything Robin Williams has ever starred in - and loved him always. He has made me laugh ... and made me cry. He made me think beyond the end of my nose. 
Thank you Robin for all that you have done for me! Thank you God for giving us this man of laughter, of love, of gratitude, of energy. 

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.

I have heard so many things about depression in the days since Robin Williams died. 
Some are understanding ... some are not. Some are kind and compassionate ... and some are - well, just plain Rude! 

My opinion - - there is a REAL physical, emotional, mental depression. A depression that is caused by an imbalance of hormones and body chemicals. 
And there is a REAL depression caused by our own thoughts and perspectives. 

No matter how good my life is going, no matter how good i feel - I can actually make myself depressed by focusing on all the "bad" things of my life, my body, and this world. If I do not struggle to keep my eyes on Jesus, i will be depressed - have been, and will be again ... because I am too human for my own good!!!!! 

What was Robin's depression? I do not know. I do not claim to know. I pray for his family in this time of grief and loss ... and for the rest of their lives in learning to live without him. 

I do not question when someone tells to me that they are depressed. It is not to me to question. All i can do is to pray for them ... and perhaps to share my own struggle with depression. 

I do have an opinion that too many doctors fall back on the diagnosis of "depression" and write prescriptions for medications - when what the doctor needs to do is to LISTEN to the patient! The doctor needs to consider that not all patients are exactly alike, and few fall within the pages of the medical journals! Perhaps there is a TRUE depression ... and perhaps there is something else wrong - physically, emotionally, mentally. 

There was a time when a doctor wanted to write me a prescription for medication that would "help" me deal with the depression i was feeling ... and somehow I knew deep within that I did not need medication. I needed someone to LISTEN, to CARE. And I needed someone to speak up and tell me the TRUTH - Life sucks way too much!!!!! Deal with it - find a way to be the miracle in someone's life every day ... 

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11

Yes, easier said than done ... but what in life is easier done than said???

Depression is very real. And needs to be addressed. People need to know that they are LOVED, CARED FOR, and LISTENED to. 
Praying that the God of all comfort will wrap His arms around you and LOVE you, CARE for you, and let you know that He does LISTEN. 

Love you all ...