Calvary's touch Encourages you: Living through Depression (Part 1)

Living through Depression (Part 1)
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A telephone call can do it...or a few minutes' companionship. Some help with the shopping, the gift of a cake- very often it only takes a simple gesture to help ease the load of someone's depression.
The following lines may help too. These are not intended as good advice- for advice is the last thing we want when depression has taken over. Rather, these are offered as a reminder of friendship and love which are still there in spite of the walls which may have closed us in.
A busy leader, worn down by the pressures of ministry; someone recovering from illness...or bereavement; a non-believer struggling with the problems of life- who of us is not subject to depression at certain points along the way? This letter offers no quick way out. What we need, when we are living in the twilight, is a reminder- that, and little else. For a reminder may be just enough to act as a gentle "trigger" to help us on to the next stage...of recovery, and to renewed strength.

Depression...It can happen to anybody. Think of the composer Tchaikovsky...or the poet Coleridge...or Churchill, the political leader. They were all subject to times of darkness. The examples are numerous: it can happen to anybody. Many of us know the experience of waking in the morning and shrinking as the film of the day ahead begins to roll before our minds, because we feel we are trapped in a never-ending tunnel. Sometimes this can take an acute form- when we want oblivion now. Frequently, depression takes a chronic form. "I can't go on," we sigh, as grey day follows grey day. We feel hemmed in and oppressed. Perhaps somebody has said something, and this has plunged us into gloom. But as often as not, it is a nameless dread that hangs over us and constantly threatens to engulf us.

Depression...It Always Gets Better. But there is an end to the tunnel. Let's say that immediately. We dont' easily believe this when we are actually in the tunnel; nevertheless it is true. Depression does get better! It isn't advice that we want; it's practical help, and little reminders from trusted friends that the end will be coming into view. We can learn a good deal from the O.T. character of Job. Here was a man, a truly good man, into whose life came unbidden adversity. Job lost virtually everything, but somehow he stuck it out and finally the dark waiting period was over, and he emerged into the sunlight once more. He'd made it. So you can, whatever the situation!

Be encouraged.
A.Othniel.

*(To be contd next week).