I spent a few months talking with a psychologist about my childhood and life. It was helpful and finally we realized we were talking about the same things over and over, I had learned a lot, and he was retiring, so we mutually agreed it was time to stop.
The most interesting thing I learned that wasn’t about myself during those sessions was that May is a tough month for people with emotional problems. I assumed that the holidays (Nov-Dec) were busy for most mental health professionals. He said, no, May is when his clients seem to be struggling the most. He didn’t give any reasons or theories. Maybe it’s weather. Who knows?
I just wanted to share that because I was thinking about it as May approached (I feel fine, myself) and because I noticed that there have been a spike in hits on my Depression Resources Page this week. Coincidence? Maybe.
Anyway, if you are reading this and struggling with depression of any kind, please talk to someone. If you are stubborn about doctors and medicine, get over it. If you are using your Faith as an excuse to not get help, you are a hypocrite, because you would run to the doctor if you had cancer or diabetes, while still praying all the way, right?
Your feelings/state may be spiritually related, a result of sin and guilt. Or it may be physical, related to allergies, thyroids, diet, etc. Or it may be emotional/mental. It might be a result of recent events or your childhood. Of course, it could be a combination of those, interacting to pull you down. Talk to your spiritual leaders, physicians, and psychologists to find out the origin.
Have a great May. Get help. Seek out God. Use my resources and others. Don’t continue on like you are.
One More Thing: I added a page of humor links that I like. If you need a good laugh, check it out. Top right corner of this page.
May 3, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Thanks for your words and ministry to those who struggle with depression. We’ve come along way in this field in the past 20 years.
May 3, 2008 at 5:20 pm
You’re so encouraging, Brain!! Sometimes when you get in a funk, you convince yourself it’s not so bad and that waiting a little while will find you out of it on your own. And then sometimes you go months like that before you even realize you’re not really pulling out of it. I appreciate the research and time you put into this subject, and trying to share it with others.
May 3, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Enjoyed your humor links!
I chuckled at the Demotivator calendar pages.
May 3, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Love your post, Brian. Very compassionate. Thanks.
May 4, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Brian, TS Eliot wrote “April is the cruellest month..” and I think that relates. Spring is a time of new life, and those of us with depression find that difficult. It’s much easier to be a hermit in winter but new life challenges us to face our depression.
May 4, 2008 at 8:36 pm
yeah, wendy, that is probably a part of it. makes sense.
thanks for commenting
May 5, 2008 at 8:19 am
In the South it may be tied to all the “decorations and memorials”. That and Mother’s Day…it seems thougts of Mom can be tough on those who struggle with depression.
But I find the fact interesting because I have always loved May. It seems like a a perfect launcing pad to summer.
May 5, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Thanks for the heads up on May depression. I pastor a few folks who struggle with depression and I have noticed, now that you mention it, that this month is getting off rough. Perhaps it has something to do with your latest post on baseball–the Cubs are on again!