Dear Roman,<br />
<br />
I had almost given up hope that anyone else with CSD (on these boards) had God as their light in the dark. <br />
<br />
I keep telling myself God wouldn't let me walk through this so alone and so surrounded for no reason. There had to be a reason for it all!<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since my eyes filled with tears of joy and not torment and sorrow. <br />
<br />
Tell me what to do! I was created to help serve others. If my life helps me do that then tell me how.<br />
<br />
Overcomer<br />
(My Big Sister Gave Me This Nickname )<br />
<br />
Sent on a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S® III

So good to hear from you directly, Overcomer. I feel sure we aren't the only followers of Jesus on these boards. I've been involved in mental illness ministry long enough though that I understand that many people -- Jesus-followers or not -- don't feel free to discuss their brain-related disorders, even under the anonymity of pseudonyms.

Without going into a lengthy testimony, became a believer while experiencing a depression in 1992. In 1997, and at the ripe age of 48, I experienced a single episode of hypomania and was correctly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was treated quickly, but slipped into a persistent, low level depression for a year until the 3rd antidepressant brought me out. The sense that God wanted something to come of this persisted, and in 2001 we began a bipolar support group ministry at my church. All are welcome, regardless of their faith, and later this year we'll experience 15 years and over 2000 attendees. I retired 18 months ago to work with a group in starting a web-based national mental health ministry that will work though about 12,000 local volunteers to help people get the hope, quality information, and contacts they need.

I say all this to encourage you and anyone else that's reading these posts that there is purpose in our pain, regardless of the source of it. When we experience something difficult (and all of us will sometimes, and some will many times), we have a choice. You've made the right choice, Overcomer, and all who have ears will hear it in your words.

Roman

PS I tried to include the email address of our national ministry, but the discussion board administrator did not allow that because I signed up for this so recently. Hopefully after several days it will allow me to include it. In the meanwhile, we can communicate through this discussion board, and perhaps others will be helped as well.

Dear Roman,<br />
<br />
I seem to have a story that just keeps getting more mountains and valleys the longer I am around. My entire life seems to be me all alone while I am completely surrounded. After 29 years I am beginning to come to terms with the fact God needs me to focus and I do it best this way. <br />
<br />
I've got people who love me, a couple people who might understand me, and a small group of people that support me, but at the end of the day and in the quiet hours alone at home it's just me inside my head and God knows there is a war in there I face on my own. <br />
<br />
God has given me everything I need to conquer this particular mountain and he's my biggest supporter, yet even for someone raised from first breath to trust in God, I can't quite feel his presence on the battle field. I have to have faith that he is present even in the numbness of my depression, the fear of my anxiety, the anger, the self hate, the frustration, and all the pain.<br />
<br />
Then I take a nap and work on my CSD coping skills and day to day therapy! Woo! Ya know my Grandfather told me I could do anything I put my mind to and he told me to save the world one dog at a time... I wonder if he would still see that I am doing things, just a bit differently than I  thought? <br />
<br />
Oh, if you don't have a pet of some sort....even if you are retired....I highly recommend one! Science hasn't caught up to explain it, but God didn't create them critters for nothing! Personally my pets are part of my therapy for my conditions on all levels and maybe, one day, I can share what they have done for me with others.<br />
<br />
I should sleep now. <br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Overcomer<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sent on a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S® III<br />
<br />
<div>-------- Original message --------</div><div>From: Mayo Clinic Connect </div><div>Date:02/20/2015 2:59 PM (GMT-06:00) </div><div>To: mrperry51311@gmail.com </div><div>Subject: Roman replied to discussion "Hello, My name is not important but my [...]" [Mayo Clinic Connect] </div><div><br />
</div>

Hello @overcomer11

Thank you for sharing with us your journey with depression, anxiety and CSD.

I like what you said about pets, at Mayo Connect we have a discussion the benefits of pets, perhaps you have seen it already. It's called, What Pets Can Do, Health and Healing. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-pets-can-do-health-and-healing/
I think you will enjoy the stories (and pictures) of people's pets.

One of my favorites is a Youtube video from a cancer specialist at Mayo Clinic. Here is the link to his video about the value of pets in healing, The Health Benefits of Pets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKMpUyddFyo.

By the way, you mentioned working on your "CDS coping skills." Is that some specific exercise or are you just speaking generally about coping?

Teresa