Shooting the Breeze
Many people struggle with depression.
It isn’t always easy but I am learning.
Over time I have learned some warning signs to alert me when I am heading into a season of depression and I have learned some tools on how to live life with it along the way too.
An eye opening experience
Since being diagnosed with depression in February of 2007 my eyes have been opened to other people’s struggle with it too.
One such person was a man I met a few years ago. This man was in great despair and in a deep depression.He had lost his will to live.
In one of our initial meetings he shared a poem with me. He said the poem described how he was feeling. It is called “Men With Broken Hearts” by Hank Williams. It brought tears to my eyes as he read it.
Men With Broken Hearts
You’ll meet many just like me upon life’s busy street
With shoulders stooped and heads bowed low and eyes that stare in defeat
Or souls that live within the past where sorrow plays all parts
Where a living death is all that’s left for men with broken hearts
You have no right to be the judge to criticize and condemn
Just think but for the grace of God it would be you instead of him
One careless step a thoughtless deed and then the misery starts
And to those who weep death comes cheap these men with broken hearts
Oh so humble you should be when they come passing by
For it’s written that the greatest men never get too big to cry
Some lose faith in love and life when sorrow shoots her darts
And with hope all gone they walk alone these men with broken hearts
You’ve never walked in that man’s shoes or saw things through his eyes
Or stood and watched with helpless hands while the heart inside you dies
Some were paupers some were kings and some were masters of the arts
But in their shame they’re all the same these men with broken hearts
Life sometimes can be so cruel that a heart will pray for death
God why must these living dead know pain with every breath
So help your brother along the road no matter where he starts
For the God that made you made them too these men with broken hearts
Video of the song
How do you respond to people who are struggling with depression?
*** I am happy to say that the man I mentioned in this post has found new hope in life and he is moving forward one day at a time.
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One day at a time is all I’ve got.
Some days are good… others are bad. a few still are VERY bad.
Depression sucks.
Peter P recently posted..The Disciple Problem – Why Did They Change Their Minds
I agree with you Peter. Depression does indeed suck.
For me, I am learning to accept my situation (i.e. I am indeed depressed) and a big part of that is not beating myself up for being depressed! It is a vicious cycle my friend.
I would love to chat with sometime Peter about this. I think it could be beneficial for both of us.
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Show your love for God by talking to Him
It’s been over 10 years since I had any signs of depression or anxiety. I learned early on how to micro manage my suppositions and perception deficits. My natural biological tendencies still exist; however, I am not enslaved by them thanks to my brutal persistence in creating a paradigm shift. Spiritual laws, logic and intuition are my guide to sanity now. My tri-linear way of thinking is what works for me. I have seen hundreds of people suffer from depression and I am sad to say that the tabu surrounding this mood disorder still keeps many people from seeking help. We should pray for them.
Hi Philip! Long time no see!
I glad to hear that you have found ways to manage and overcome your depression.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about the taboo of depression. I definitely struggled with it.
My hope is that as I share about my struggles with depression that others will have the courage to seek help too.
Thanks for adding to the discussion Philip!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Show your love for God by listening to Him
That’s for sure. And, did I just spell taboo like the game Tabu? lol
You’re welcome Kev. Good to see you are still maintaining.
I can explain for myself, why so? Think about – you have 24/7 work week, you do not go out, work is your second home. How can you feel happy?
Anna recently posted..veneers london
I hear what you are saying Anna. Life can feel pretty meaningless if always working. In this circumstances we need to choose to make the most of what we have. We need to appreciate the moments we get to ourselves. We need to cherish the moments of rest.
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Before you criticize, walk a mile in my shoes
Kevin, thank you for your honesty and vulnerability regarding this topic. I just wish many more pastors had the courage and authenticity to share their struggles. God can do so much through men and women of godly character who are willing to share their challenges as well as their victories. Thank you, again, for honoring us with your story.
Steve-Personal Success Factors recently posted..Friendship Thoughts To Enhance Your Life
Thanks for the words of encouragement Steve.
This is a difficult topic for me to share about but I want other’s to know that they are not alone in their struggle and that it is okay to admit that you are struggling.
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Write your hurts in the sand, carve your blessings in stone!
I’ve struggled with depression since I was about 6 years old…battling for years between anger and depression. And I ain’t young. Sometimes it’s been suicidally serious; other times just needed a chance to hit the road for a few days and watch lovely scenery… my husband blesses me when that need hits and prays for me and sends me off. I’ve never taken meds. Sometimes I go a year or so with no serious depression; other times I end up facing it for several months. Again, between the Lord’s loving kindness and my sweetheart’s love, I keep moving forward, dealing with issues in a healthy and strong way. But it ain’t easy and can be tiring.
One hopeful indicator in the Hank Williams song is that there’s wording that indicates he had a heart for the Lord, understood more than we might have thought.
Thanks for posting this. It’s much appreciated.
Joanne Norton recently posted.."LOST NO MORE"
Joanne, thanks for sharing your struggle with us and how you are learning to overcome it. People need to know that there is always hope!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Do you appreciate your spouse?
It was before three years that I had gone into depression. It was a minor one but I had also left the desire to live. I was living just for my parents. But soon I realized that I was slipping into depression. I stopped listening to sad songs and I gathered the strength to battle with life.
Bayard Coulombe recently posted..Home trainer vélo
I am glad to hear that you have been able to gather the strength to move forward in life. Depression can be very difficult to live with but, with help we can move forward.
Thanks for sharing Bayard!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..God made you so He could love you
Thank you so much Kevin for being willing to share in your struggle. I have heard too many ministers/churchs state that depression is a result of some sin in your life. While sin can lead to depression, far too often, it is a result of a decrease in mental health. I always found it ironic the same people who would teach against seeking treatment for a sickness like depression or anxiety have no problem seeking a doctor for a sore throat or infection. *roll* Sickness is sickness! It is time that we all acknowledge that. Thanks for leading the way.
RevCollins recently posted..God Cares for You
Depression is such a difficult subject for many churches to address. As you said, many churches have said depression is a result of sin or a lack of faith. It is a sickness and it should be treated as any other sickness. My hope is that more people can begin to accept this as a result of me sharing my story.
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