Still More Fizzle + Fascinating Family History

special TUE edition . . . mental health MON

FIZZLING? DROP & ROLL?

This is a continuation of the notes from my sectional at the Lutheran Education Association National Convocation at Grand Rapids, MI, last month. I tried to provide some insights re:  the strong similarities between burnout & depression symptoms; also to provide some strategies for relief & reasons to hope.

             WHAT ELSE?

• God’s ways are higher than ours & He hasn’t chosen to reveal all.
• Our lives are full of questions in the presence of depression . . . 
• Why me? Why now? Why this? Doesn’t God want me to be happy? How could God let this happen if He loves me? Why won’t God answer my prayers?
• These heartfelt questions are extremely important & merit conversations w/one’s pastor.
• Pastors can be very helpful. Here are my caveats, BUT you must promise not be be offended!
• Pastors CAN be prepared to offer spiritual care, comfort, consolation . . . 
• Pastors CAN be a helpful resource in assisting a depressed individual in seeking medical & psychological care . . . 
• Every pastor has his own set of pastoral skills, which may or may not include counseling someone with a mood disorder . . . 
• Given statistics re:  church workers, burnout, & depression, a pastor may have his own issues with, well, these issues.

IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION...

I listed the first three steps last time. I'll list them again for review, then add a few more.

1. Make an appointment w/your pastor, a counselor, a physician to tell them what’s been happening in your life. Let them know how many things have been very difficult for you & you don’t seem to be getting better.
2. Try to follow their recommendations,
3. Arrange follow-up visits, especially if the symptoms of your illness are continuing to leave you feeling discouraged & defeated. 

NOW ADD THESE NEXT 3 TO YOUR LIST:

> Spend time w/positive people you find encouraging, uplifting, compassionate.

> Reduce time w/”stinky” people who are routinely negative, unkind, or unpleasant.

             > Try to take comfort in Word & Sacrament.

MORE TRUTH & HOPE FROM SCRIPTURE

• 2 Cor. 12:9  “But (Jesus) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness’ . . . “
• 1 Cor. 15:58  “Therefore, my dear brothers & sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

SOURCES

Halloran, Kevin. “Christian Ministry Burnout, Prevention, Signs, Statistics & Recovery. leadership resources.org, posted 10/22/13.

Lukits, Ann. “Are Burnout & Depression the Same Thing?” Wall Street Journal on-line, 3/7/16.Yahnke, Dr. Beverly. “Depression:  Understanding the Pieces of the Puzzle.” Lutheran Hour Ministries brochure, 2013.

REASONS TO BE THANKFUL

• Our Dating Anniversary:  MON 10/31 was the 46th anniversary of the 1st date with Lois, the love of my life. It was Homecoming. She had been nominated to the Court, & she needed an escort. My nefarious, little sister [whom I have long since forgiven], helped her ask me to be her escort. It was only later that I found out that I had to rent a tux. [We attended a prep school. What can I say?] And how, you might ask, did we celebrate yesterday? Well, we spent much of the evening handing out candy, including treats to our 3-year-old grandson. Not such a bad way to spend an anniversary evening.
• From Omaha World Herald (10/27):  Arby's is planning venison sandwiches in 6 states. Arby's will offer venison sandwiches this fall in 6 states where deer hunting is popular . . . " [Sadly, Nebraska is not included. I say sadly, because deer have wreaked havoc on my cars over the years . . . & don't bother sending me mean comments, deer-lovers!]

Moratorium Pending?

Lois & I are in the process of changing Internet providers, which could happen any day. Once that happens, I'm assuming there may be an indefinite delay in my blogs. You will just have to cope.