Sometimes it’s easier to be a spectator. When someone dies or there’s a tragedy making headlines in the media, that’s often what I am. I sit back and read other writers’ words. I nod and silently say, “Amen.” But weeks following the suicide of two well-known celebrities, I knew I needed to contribute more than hushed acknowledgement. I watched others speak up about their own experiences with depression and bravely tell their stories, and God stirred my soul. I know what it’s like to be in Continue Reading
Signs that Loneliness Has Turned to Despair
While we continue to navigate life in the middle of a pandemic, it's important for us to distinguish between loneliness and despair or loss of hope. Because while one has a solution that is usually quick and simple, the other can be more dangerous. Friends, loneliness and depression are becoming a pandemic of their own. It's one we don't hear about as often, but it's there. It started in late April. This feeling of loneliness overtook me, and I realized I hadn’t hugged anyone outside the Continue Reading
The Lie We Believe About Hiding Our Depression
“Mama, the monsters are coming at me,” my son said. He stood by the bed with his face inches from mine, hands animated. My mid-REM cycle brain lingered between sleep and reality. “What?” I asked. I saw that my son was disturbed by something. After realizing I was going to have to get out of bed, I stumbled to his room. I gave the bunk a full examination before telling him to get back in. Five minutes later, he reappeared. The monsters were still there. For some reason, the miracle of Continue Reading
