/karen/

Disqus comments

Other comments

Hey guys - just checking your blog before I trundle off to a weekend. 

Depression is awfully awful and it’s hard to make sense of.  One thing I would like to say that seems obvious is CHRISTIANS GET DEPRESSION!!! We are not immune from the world’s aches and pains and living in the world means we get the world’s diseases, including depression!!  Some people seem to to think that Christians should not get depression but I find that attitude completely UNHELPFUL!  Saying that they shouldn’t when they do is crazy!

Some things that I find helpful to support friends through it include:

1.  Don’t let them get isolated.  Reassure them that you are there for them and you care about them.
2.  Keep including them in fun activities.  Trying to keep something “fun” in the day is a good way to get a bit (a very little bit) of joy back into our lives
3.  Pray for them.  I am just going to stop typing now and PRAY for Ben and my other friends currently suffering.  I can think of 4 Christians without even trying hard!!!
4.  Keep reminding them that they are necessary and needed here on earth.  Family and friends reminding them that will be enormously missed is a good thing.
5.  Don’t forget about our heavenly reality: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  How wonderful is it that God is going to wipe away our tears!!  I find that very comforting. 

In Philippians we find that Paul says: If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I will remain.

Note that Paul says: “He desires to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, but it is MORE NECESSARY for you that I remain in the body.  Convincing people that it is more necessary that they remain is hard, but keep reminding them that they are a special part of God’s creation, and they are DEEPLY and DEARLY loved by him that they can call Father. 

Anyways, hope that helps Karen.  Love you, and love to Ben.

George
PS I am definitely going home now but you can call me there if you want.
G

that’s very sad to hear karen, i’ve prayed for you, and will continue to do so. I hope things get better.

i will be praying for you this weekend karen…

Thats very sad, I’ll pray that Ben can overcome this.

There are some things you can do for depression regardless of whether it is psychological or chemically based.

Excercise reduces depresion “Several previous studies have identified exercise as a potent anti-depressant”. Regular exercise does help with depression, go bike riding, swimming, bush walking (join a bush walking club), anything with exercise in it.

Positive Thinking, that is - changing your outlook on life through positive affirmations helps. Its like gym for the mind, whenever you have a negative though, try to replace it with a positive one. Even though that feels awkward, it helps change your subconscious view on life through doing the mental exercises.

Read lots of related books, read, read, read. Even books like Emotional Intelligence which is not directly related to depression, but very useful.

There are some things that can be done to help in a general sense, regardless of the cause of depression.

Karen, just over two years ago i was in a very dark time. it is one of the things that convinced me that there is truth to idea that God pursues us. Paul quoted Isaiah saying that (and I paraphrase) God finds those who were not looking for him. i think this is true not only in the sense of salvation but in his ongoing keeping power. he is jealous of the spirit he has placed in us. i am thankful he pursued me and reminded me he was with me in that dark place.

Karen, may God guard your beloved Ben.

God be with Ben, sustain him, keep him, preserve him, free him, lift him up with your righteous right hand at just the right time.

thrive!
O

*huggles*

Certainly Karen,  I’ll be praying for you both.

Shalom, Jan

Lots of love to you both.

Praying,
Rachel

Sorry to hear about this, Karen. Will pray…

Thanks for your support guys. Things are getting better though I realise that the journey is only just beginning. Ben is going for his first appointment with a professional counsellor today.