Christmas time.

[Eastern fisher]

As for most people like myself that suffer from depression, this time of the year is not easy.  It is supposed to be a happy time for all but  in all truthfullness it is not.  I would like to offer my prayers to all people who suffer from this mental illness and wish them the best of luck in getting thru this time of year.  I know it is hard for me and I know that I am not alone as well, you are not alone either.

[BenBow]

Eastern fisher I know how you feel. Every fall as the days shorten so does my level of joy. Amen to your prayers for those who suffer from this. Even more important to me are those who suffer and have no idea that they have a physical ailment that can be treated easily with the proper medication. Many are lead to believe that this is some kind of personal weakness and they should just get over it. There are too many suicides because of that belief. I know I suffered from high school till I was in my 40s before it was correctly diagnosed. I self medicated with alcohol and drugs for years before they totally trashed my life. Thank God that He lifted me out that hole. Prayers  for joy, peace, and comfort for all who suffer from this.

[TexMex]

God Bless You Bro.

[Doc Nock]

There are a lot of others who get hit this time of year, not to take anything away from the extra challenges facing folks with mental health issues.

Just that the commercialism of this otherwise beautiful season has eroded Christmas into a stressful pressure cooker for most folks and it's losing it's joy, given how people react that I see...  :eek:  

Certainly my prayers are with all those who face tougher times this season and time of year. As Benson points out...so many haven't a clue and others know but fear the stigmatism...

Diabetecs aren't disparaged. Cancer patients aren't maligned. But our culture somehow sees chemical imbalances as it being the sufferer's fault.

All who have any mental health issues have my deepest felt prayers adn support.

May the Holy Spirit minister to your spirit and bring you peace from the suffering, and some measure of personal, inner joy to know that our Lord, loves each of us and gave us each our own challenges to help us realize, ...we just can't do it on our own! We need Him in our lives!

Lord, help those who don't know, to find peace in learning how and where to seek treatment. Be with each of those who have come to terms with that special challenge you've placed in their lives, and help them accept and surrender to your Holy Will...while you bring them peace that passess all understanding. Amen.

[Roger Moerke]

Hang on to the ones you love and that love you. True love is like a circle it never ends. The good Lord made it that way.The only reason you are small is you have thought small and the power of God is endless. I hang on to this as it was given to me!!Merry Chrismas ALL!

[F Thomas]

This can be a very difficult time for someone suffering depression.  Depression is something as
common as the common cold.  Maybe even more so.  Everyone suffers from it some time in their life.  For many it is situational and for others, self included, there are physical causes.

I was diagnosed with multiple brain lesions after being sent for a sleep study because I couldn't sleep more than two hours a night.  The result, can't sleep without medication and I am prone to depression.

I have found that with prayer + healthy living: exercise, diet, and sleeping that I can control the depression instead of it controlling me.  We all go through difficult times.  They just look a lot worse when depressed!

I told the Neurologist to get with the Radiologist and use a grease pencil and connect the dots.  Why she asked?  I told her that I had a hunch that we would find a map that shows the location of Osama Bin Laden.  She said I freaked her out.

I told her:  "I know where I am going, just don't know how I am going to get there."

Remember:  God is in control!