Happiness: A One Week Journey

@missdeejohn42

Dottie,

Faith is the cornerstone of my foundation. My faith in God is my greatest source of peace. Ultimately, I can't put that kind of faith in a doctor or minister or a close friend, not even my wife. Prayer, meditating on Scripture, reading authors whose worldview is biblical, spending time with other true believers and listening to great, biblically based preaching at church, are all things that build me up in the faith.

I'm grateful for my Christian heritage.

Jim

dottie sounds like I wrote this myself. Keep being strong but the main part is "be still and listen" (I have a hard time with that) He will come to you when you least expect it and show you the way. Keep believing in our Lord and he will do wonders for you. Like.....helping you understand how to deal with what you are going through.
Patti

I understand your depression. I am a faithful Christian, but there have been times that, despite my strong faith, I have been pulled into the depths of despair. Even Jesus sweated blood in the Garden! Talk about stress and upset! God understands. If even Christ can have moments of deep despair, don't knock yourself if you are having them. First, be sure if you have clinical depression (or even short term situational depression) that you speak with your doctor(s) and get proper relief (antidepressants have literally saved my life - I have taken them for years and will need them the rest of my life. My depression is chronic.) Give yourself a day of staying in bed. Guess what, the world won't end! Then try to incorporate into your daily life music that you like, getting out in nature (even if just the back yard in the morning and listening to the birds - have your cup of coffee or juice outside if you can). Walk as much as you can. See a therapist - it does help. Talking with a professional can make a big difference. Many churches have sliding scale counseling to make it more affordable (I know the Catholic Church does and you don't have to be Catholic). Watch an uplifting or funny movie. Sometimes life just hits you with too much at one time. It is okay to fall back, regroup and then forge ahead once again. Do your best to stop beating up on yourself and talking negatively to yourself. I will keep you in my prayers. Life is a roller coaster - there are so many ups and downs that we just have to hang on. There is an "up" ahead. Just keep hanging on!

@blindeyepug Thanks for offering such helpful thoughts. You have provided some practical ideas and inspiration about all the different types of treatment as well as self-help ideas that have worked for you! Teresa

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your email. I have been on medication for quite some time and some days it helps some days not. But I hang in there talk to my Lord and pour it all out. Of course he knows but just to know someone is listening to my inner most feelings and loves me is a very comforting feeling. I just came in from drinking a cup of coffee and listening to the bird and you know what I thought? Here they are singing away and don't even know where their next meal will come from. Think about it.............I have my meal thawing and ready for me to cook anytime I wish. Oh dear, I am rambling on. But you know what my meaning is and I am now going back out and listen to the birds. Oh yes my husband saw a doe and her spotted fawn this morning...........what a blessing.
Patti

@brit So nice to hear from you, Patti! Teresa

Thanks Teresa. Have felt a little down but have started to feel much better in the last week or so.
Nice to hear from you and know you are keeping your "eye" on me!!!!
Patti

@brit Of course! Take care. Teresa

Hang in there Dottie, I know it is not easy sometimes. If this is
something that will pass, keep reminding yourself that this too shall
pass. Sending you hugs, Terri M.
      
 

Good take on that. Also, try to think of yourself as an a playwrite; write
your own script. Coming from a long line of family depression myself, I had to
figure that out.