Dealing With Depression
Contrary to the popular saying, time does not heal all things. Healing is not dependent on time but rather on applying the right medication or giving the right kind of attention to a wound. This concept of healing can be quite difficult to adopt. In North America in particular, the topic and process of pain is often ignored or minimized at all costs. Pain, loss and feelings of grief are minimized because there is this idea that expressing these feelings is a portrayal of weakness.
There is a tension in embracing our humanness in the culture that we live in. We might ask ourselves, “If I can’t be independent or strong how can I be successful?” This mentality of success is ingrained into us. We are taught to move on and to move on quickly because that is all the time we can afford to spend.
Depression
This way of dealing with life’s ups and downs poses quite a threat to our emotional and mental health. When the build-up of unprocessed pain becomes too great we can become depressed. When we believe being strong means denying our emotions we lose out on life and the potential of its fullness.
Depression is excruciating because it affects the totality of a human being: the psyche is affected (mind, will, emotions) as well as the physical body. Living with depression is painful because the mind and emotions are in a constant state of turmoil. It is important to get relief from this internal pain. In our culture there are many ways we can choose to medicate the pain instead of feeling it: eat more, eat less, have sex, go online, take drugs, drink, or shop. There are so many things that can distract us from the gnawing feeling of depression. What would it look like if we were countercultural and found a different way to respond to pain?
Defining loss
Depression can be inherited genetically but for those with no family history, depression often occurs because of a significant amount of loss. We can experience a variety of losses during our lifetime—the death of a loved one, the tragedy of a broken relationship, financial distress, dashed dreams or physical illness. The list goes on and on. How many of us do our crying in isolation for fear of being labeled as weak or a “baby”? The reality is that there are many valid reasons to cry. Pain is a natural response to turmoil. There’s no reason to be afraid or ashamed of our tears.
During a season of depression it is important to discover what the root of the loss is. When we can succeed in pinpointing the loss we are propelled further into a journey of self-awareness and healing. Take a risk and ask yourself the tough questions: “Where does it hurt”? “What am I so sad about?” “What am I so angry about?”
Embracing grief
Why is it so important to define what the loss is? Defining the loss makes it easier to grieve. Choosing to walk into this darkness instead of running away from it requires an incredible amount of courage. As we choose to embrace the pain of our losses the tears can start falling. As you are experiencing the magnitude of these emotions—don’t panic. What you feel is a natural and human response to pain: grief, loneliness and sadness. The reason why the emotions feel so intense is because there is a multitude of them and they have been locked up for some time.
Letting go
One common fear in depression is that it won’t get better or it will only get worse once we start embracing our emotions or pain. This is a lie. When we choose to embrace the losses there is a doorway to freedom. Once we have grieved the losses despair looses its clutch on the heart and we can start to breathe again. In breathing again we can let go. It’s like all these weights that the heart and mind have been carrying are lifted. Life finally starts to feel peaceful again as the heart and mind are at ease.
In letting go, it doesn’t mean that we forget the past. No, the past and its losses are real. In letting go, we can look back and remember but it doesn’t hurt so deeply anymore because we have learned to move on in a healthy way. Once we have grieved our pain, we can let it go.
Are you ready to heal?
After you have been in the season of grieving you will naturally enter into the season of healing. In this season of growth and wholeness it is good to be in community with family and friends. Even while you are on the climb upward, don’t be afraid to shed tears again or with others. Tears are like layers of the soul—eventually the heart becomes empty of all the pain or the tears.
While healing, focus on doing things that you enjoy, things that give you life. Learn to live in community and allow yourself to come out of the hibernation of grief. In this upward phase you will start to catch glimpses of hope and the little things in life that are special.
If you are depressed and you know that you need to embrace pain—be encouraged; there is hope for you. No, it won’t be easy. But there are a couple things that you can do while you accept the process of this tough season. Remember to keep your loved ones close. While you dive into processing and looking at the pain and wounds hold onto the hope that you will come out.
What heals wounds or any affliction of pain is love. Love binds up wounds. It may hurt to let the wound into the light but you can be sure that when your wound meets life and love—you will heal. If you want to be a strong person, even in this culture, fully risk embracing your humanness. Risk embracing the true reality of life, which brings the whole gamut of experiences: suffering, loss, joy, hope, dancing, crying, living, breathing and dying. No matter how terrifying it may feel, in choosing to be present with your emotions you choose a better life.
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83 Responses to “Dealing With Depression”
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Show to good doctor and believe in medication dont leave them and be positive
almighty will heal you …as what i believe n dont go to internet what re side effects of medication …..
it make you disturb your mind so ….believe in medicine ….god bless you
Dear Jasmine,
It sounds like you have a good balance in believing in the wisdom of medication as well as trusting in the almighty power of God. And, yes sometimes what the internet claims to be true regarding negative side effects for medication is really disturbing. Do you need any prayer or any kind of encouragement Jasmine? God bless you too!
I have lost my dad year to cancer and my mom 15 years ago to MS.I have struggled with anxiety and depression since my mother’s death the most. we moved and my husband is about to retire, my youngest son just went into the Navy and My oldest is about to be deployed. My daughter has undiagnosed MS symptoms I love the lord but i had a nervous breakdown. I went into the hospital and have not felt good ever since. They are traying every medicine accept one. It has been very hard and I just want to feel myself again.
Dear Anna,
It sounds like you have had to go through some of the most excruciating pain. I am so sorry that you have lost both your parents to horrible diseases…I can’t imagine what that must feel like. It also sounds like there is a lot of transition happening in your life right now (moving, retirement and then your sons going away into the Navy). I can see how all of this pain and change could have led to a nervous breakdown. How long ago did you go to the hospital? And how are you doing now? I am praying that God would fill you with His peace right now–even when things don’t make sense and it is so very difficult. The Lord loves you so much Anna, and what you are going through doesn’t reflect your relationship with Him–He knows that you love Him. I also pray that you would be able to adjust back to normalcy with the help that others can give you and with the power of God –encouraging you on everyday. Do you know that He is our greatest encourager? I pray that you would feel encouraged right now, to hold on to Him, despite these trials, in Jesus Name, Amen. God bless you Anna.
Medication made me feel worst. Im so lost and cried out.
Dear Lyla,
Have you spoken to your doctor about the medications not working? There are so many types of medication out there and what may work for one individual may not work for another. Also, do you have someone to open up to and share the pain and sorrow that you are battling with? Do you attend church and is there a pastor that you can talk to? One thing that has worked in the past for me in overcoming oppressive thoughts is journaling. Do you have a journal or note pad that you can begin expressing your feelings down in via writing?
Lyla, God loves you so much and when you ache so does He. He does not want you to continue to suffer and it is so important that you allow others to come along your side and encourage you through this dark storm. If you would like for one of our private online Mentors to contact you via email just fill out the Mentor request form: http://powertochange.com/experience/talk-to-a-mentor/
Also, I encourage and hope you will check out this additional link: http://powertochange.com/discover/faith/discoverpurpose/ It talks and explains the how to obtain and receive the blessed new life that Christ offers.
At this time I would like to pray for you:
Dear God, I pray for Lyla and ask that You would comfort her through whatever form of depression she is experiencing at this time. I pray that You would place the right doctors and help in arms reach so she can grab hold of the help You extend through the aid of others. More importantly I pray that she will be blessed and experience Your presence within her troubled soul. Your Word says that You came to heal the broken hearted, to bind up the wounds of those that are suffering and to set free those that are in prison. I ask that You would heal Lyla’s mind, emotions and soul. I pray that You would set her free from the inner prison she is trapped in. May Your glorious Light lead her out or darkness and into the light and joyful life You have for her. In Jesus name, Amen
I am having a really hard time with depression/bipolar…I have been in a huge down spiral for quite a few weeks and the meds aren’t working, we have tried everything out there pretty much and it’s not working and there’s nothing more we can do to curb it or control it…I am at a loss and not even sure what else I can or should do. I am in a lot of treatment type things for it, but they are proving to be almost impossible for me to deal with and handle…I know God says that he won’t give us more than we can handle, but I really feel like I can not handle anymore stuff thrown at me. It feels like an ever losing battle…I continue to fight….but, it feels like I am fighting a battle that I never will win. And I find myself questioning God if He is really there and listening. So yea…
Hi Karen, are there circumstances that have contributed to your downward spiral?
I want you to know that absolutely God is with you and is lisenting to your prayers. He has promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) and also, “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) It would be contrary to God’s charatcer not to hear your prayer. And He is answering it even if the answer comes differently than what you expect. He knows what you need and He will supply all of that in His perfect time.
Lord God, I pray for Karen right now and ask that she would experience the peace that You have promised. She feels out of control and at the point of being overwhelmed. Come and rescue her and free her mind from the darkness that surrounds her right now. Amen.
So Karen, what has your expereince of God been in your life? When did you first discover Him? How have you pursued a relationship with Him?
jamie or whoever gets this first, A lot of things contributed to this downward spiral I have been in….little to no sleep, a bipolar episode in itself, family issues, increased intensive treatment type stuff with little or no breaks between these treatment things…which has been taxing on my body having Fibromyalgia as well…and holidays as well which have always been hard for me…it wears me out mentally, physically and everything else in between. The sleep part has been one of the biggest contributing to it though..I actually started down spiraling shortly after the tragedy in Connecticut. And since, it got worse and worse, hit a major bad spot the day after Christmas got a little better than dropped to a really low point again and have been stuck in that spot since…to answer the other questions..my experience with God..has been a hit and miss kind of thing..I was in the 7th or 8th grade when I accepted Him into my life..at a retreat I was at with a non profit organization–we had a guest speaker one night and what the speaker talked about moved me to accepting Christ into my life that night…As far as how I am pursuing him in my life..that has been kind of a little issue for me…I do pray often, I do read my Bible (not as much as I should) but I do read my Bible…and try to go to church every Sunday..but doesn’t always happen…my faith and belief in God though has been wavering quite a bit lately…because I don’t feel like He is doing anything to try to help me get through this place..He must be in some way or another..so don’t feel it though..or see evidence of it in my life currently…I don’t really know how else to explain it…
Yeah Karen, there are a lot of people who find Christmas a real strain on the emotional and physical well-being. I am sure combined with all the other things that this has been an especially difficult time for you. You mentioned family issues; are you married or are you referring to extended family (mom, dad, siblings)? And the treatment; is that for bipolar or fibromyalgia?
Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey with Jesus. It is so cool how many people can point to an experience at camp or retreat as the place where God was able to get their attention and lead them to make a commitment to follow Him. It is amazing what God can do when we take some extended time to focus on Him. Do you remember what it was that the speaker said that connected things for you? Had your parents supported your involvement in Christian activities?
Can I make a suggestion? I know there have been times in my life that I have tried to do those things that people say are important to God (e.g. read my Bible daily, pray, go to church, etc.) But it all felt kind of empty. I don’t think I would have consciously verbalized it like this but it was almost like I had a checklist and I would go through the motions to check things off that I needed to do. What I didn’t realize was that I was missing the essence of those activities which are only important in facilitating my relationship with God. I had a friend suggest to me that rather than looking at those activities like a check list, I see them as the tools of a gardener to nurture life. Rather than reading my Bible so I can say that I have done that, read my Bible with the mindset that God wants to communicate with me and He will speak to me from His Word. Similarly with prayer: I can just go through my list of things I should be praying for or reciting a formula of how I should pray, or I can approach my time of prayer as a conversation, a chance to talk with God. In fact now I pray all day long because I want to talk to God about everything that happens in my life. The same goes with church attendance: I am there to meet God with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I learn from them about how they experience God and I share with them what God is doing in me. Together we get a much bigger picture of who God is and what He is doing in the world.
It is kind of a subtle difference because I still engage in all those same activities but my goals for those times are completely different. Sometimes I will only read one verse or one word and God’s voice comes through loud and strong. Sometimes my prayer time is just silence and I don’t mention anything on my prayer list; instead I just listen. Sometimes I go to church and spend the whole time in foyer talking to someone about their week, praying together and praising God together. I don’t have to feel guilty that things on my checklist aren’t crossed off because that is not my goal. My goal is to hear God and to follow where He leads, no matter what the cost.
Do you see the difference between those two mindsets? Which one better describes you?
Jamie or whoever gets this first, I am not entirely sure if I understand the difference between the two mindsets..it is actually very confusing for me…I have trouble grasping and understanding things..like a lot…I do know that for me, I think it’s just I am going through the motions of that list of things (eg: prayer, bible reading, church) Prayer I have done a lot of..for friends mostly…I also do pray for fam and try to pray about what I need…but mostly, the prayers are for friends…I am not married or anything..fam means extended family (eg:parents, sisters, nieces and nephews. To answer your earlier question about what kind of treatment stuff I am in…it’s a combination of everything because everything I am dealing with and going through is connected and hitting me all at once…I am in treatment for an Eating Disorder, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy)to try and learn different and better coping skills then how I was/am coping with things…DBT is for like Distress Tolerance and Emotional Regulation-it also works on relationship type stuff…Um…Both treatments also are trying to work with and find better ways to help take care of like the Fibromyalgia and trying to stabilize the bipolar and several other issues…it’s all connected in some way. I have a lot of issues I am dealing with..mental illnesses, chronic pain (the fibromyalgia) and other physical issues as well. To answer the question about that guest speaker, I can not remember what it was he was talking about that lead me to accepting Christ in my life..it’s been such a long time since that…I’ve blocked a lot of things out of memories or in my life from when I was a lot younger. My parents sometimes supported my involvement in Christian Activities..a lot of the time though, it was also a hit and miss with them too for different reasons. It’s just a lot and in a sense I feel like I am fighting a losing battle….one that I will never win…and have come to the end of my rope quite a few times…which means like 1 step away from the worse place you can possibly be..I have been there a lot lately…I am not really sure how else I can explain things..
Hi Karen, I really appreciate your honesty here. It is a risk to trust your story on a site like this and I am honoured by that trust that you have given us. It also takes a lot of courage so let me commend you for your bravery. You obviously know that things could be better and are determined to find that for your life.
I think you are grasping some of what I wrote about the two different mindsets; when you say “I do know that for me, I think it’s just I am going through the motions” that is exactly what I am talking about. You know the difference of someone who genuinely cares about you and is interested in knowing you as a person and someone who is just going through the motions, right?! It is a completely different kind of relationship and “friendship” that you have with those two types of people. It is the same with God: if you are just going through the motions of relationship with Him without the passion and genuine interest in knowing Him, hearing Him and seeing Him at work in, through and around you, your experience of relationship with Him is going to be completely different.
There is a situation described in the Bible like this. You can read it in Acts 8:9-24. It is about a man named Simon who was a magician and had amazed people for years with his craft. But when he saw the miraculous power that the followers of Jesus had he wanted to get that for himself. He offered John & Peter money so that he could learn the secret of the miracles they were doing. The report of Luke does indicate that Simon believed in Jesus but he was more interested in the power he could get then he was in actually knowing Jesus personally. He was just going through the motions and totally missed out on the real ‘power’ which is walking every moment of life in intimate relationship with the One who created all things.
If your prayers are just asking God what you would like Him to do you are missing out on the intimacy that He really wants with you. Jesus is not just a great God in Heaven but He is also the friend that is intensely interested in you. He is also the one who has created you for a specific purpose and will guide your every step so that you can accomplish that perfect plan. He is also the Comforter who knows the pain and suffering you are going through and shares your sorrow. He is actively involved in your life right now. He is speaking words of comfort, instruction and encouragement to you right now. He is revealing His divine character to you right now so that your understanding of Him can deepen and mature. He has His infinite attention directed to you right now, and there is nothing that can distract Him from His unwavering gaze.
Somebody shared this with me once and it totally changed my understanding of the unlimited nature of God. You go ask any mathematician questions about infinity and they will all answer the same way: take an infinite number and divide it by 2 and you are left with infinity. If there is no beginning and no end then there is no middle point at which to cut that number in half. Building on that, if you take an infinite number and divide it by 100, once again the answer will be infinity. In fact, if you try to divide infinity by any number–let’s say the number of people who have ever lived throughout the entire history of the Earth–you are still left with infinity. This mathematical reality has huge theological implications: if you try to take God’s infinite love and attention and share it among all of the people of the Earth, each one would still have an infinite amount of God’s loving attention squarely focussed on them personally.
I know, it boggles the mind but it also fills me with such a different perspective on my relationship with God. There is nothing that can get in between me and God’s unlimited attention and love for me. So that means that while I am writing this to you I know that God is actively involved in writing the message that He wants you to hear. When I am walking down the street and see a beautiful flower I can turn to God and give Him praise for His wonderful creativity. When I am put down by someone close to me I know I can immediately turn to God and He is there to give me the grace and comfort to not let that knock me down. When I am reading the Bible He is right there with me pointing out the things that He wants me to know.
Karen, what I am saying is that you don’t have to just ‘go through the motions’; you can immerse yourself in the most beautiful relationship with your Saviour and Lord. He is right there with you to deal with all of life’s joys, sorrows, monotony, and excitement. And He calls you His friend! (John 15:15) He calls you His treasure! (Matthew 13:44) He calls you His child! (John 1:12) He promises that He will never leave nor forsake you! (Hebrews 13:5) He promises to care for all of your needs (Matthew 6:33) which includes your health, your relationships, your emotional strength, etc. ALL your needs is completely inclusive and leaves nothing out.
He is there but if you aren’t paying attention to Him you will miss what He has for you. That’s why Paul often uses the imagery of “walking or living by the Spirit”. That means living every moment of every day looking/listening/feeling for God and what He is revealing to you. You don’t just come to the Bible as a good book to read but with the anticipation that God is going to talk with you. You don’t just say a prayer like sending out a message in bottle but know that you are talking directly to God and He is listening and WILL respond. You don’t just go to church to sing songs and go through a bunch of rituals but your every action and thought is being lived out before the loving gaze of your Lord who is right there with you. This mindset will completely transform the way you live because there isn’t any moment when God’s intensely intimate gaze wavers.
Now I am sorry, I have gotten a little carried away with all of this but I just get so excited when I start thinking about this and I just can’t stop gushing about the amazing infinite love of my Lord. But I do need to caution you so bear with me just a little bit longer. You see there are forces within and around you that do not want you to know this or believe that it applies to you. You may have already heard some voices that have suggested “Yeah that may be true for Jamie but I know God doesn’t deal with me like that.” I want to warn you that voice is the very same one that Eve heard in the Garden of Eden which said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5) It is the same voice that has whispered to us all “God is not good.” And it is that voice that draws us further and further from God as a human race. I am here to tell you that the voice you hear is a lie and is trying to destroy you. Do not trust that voice but focus your attention on hearing the voice of God as He speaks to you through His promises in the Bible and through His Spirit and through His people who are the visible body of Jesus here on Earth.
Do you have a voice that is telling you not to get excited about the promises of God because they don’t apply to you?
Jamie, Yes, I do have a voice that is telling me not to get excited about the promises of God because they don’t apply to me? It also tells me other things–wanting me to destroy myself..which is hard for me to even talk about here–but it is part of my story and a place I have been a lot. To answer this question you asked : “You know the difference of someone who genuinely cares about you and is interested in knowing you as a person and someone who is just going through the motions, right?!” Mmmm…I am not sure if I know the difference between the two..This thing you said: “Karen, what I am saying is that you don’t have to just ‘go through the motions’; you can immerse yourself in the most beautiful relationship with your Saviour and Lord.” One question…How can I do that? This one you said:”Do not trust that voice but focus your attention on hearing the voice of God as He speaks to you through His promises in the Bible and through His Spirit and through His people who are the visible body of Jesus here on Earth.” Question for that again: How? That is so hard to do in the midst of this kind of stuff that I have been dealing with. I do try to listen for His voice but I feel like it’s not there… :( I don’t understand why…
Well Karen, “How” is a good question. The answer is not some find of formula (do steps 1 through 23 and you will have a vibrant relationship with God) because relationships just don’t happen that way. The way that you feed and nurture your relationship with God is the same way you feed and nurture a relationship with anyone else: through time together, sharing openly and honestly about yourself and ask questions to discover who He is. Believe that He really is with you at all times and has His infinite undivided attention right on you and wants you to know Him. Talk to Him about everything that goes on in your life: share with Him your joys, your sorrows, your hopes, your disappointments. Even the mundane things of life can be an opportunity to converse with God, like standing in a checkout line at the store: instead of reading the tabloids that surround you ask God to show you something about Himself, yourself, or other people. Talk to Him about the people that are around you and be ready if He prompts you to initiate a conversation with anyone.
The best ways to train yourself to recognize God’s voice is by reading His Bible, and talking with other believers and sharing with each other your own experiences with God. There are activates that you can pursue that also help you to block out the voices of the world around you and focus on hearing God’s voice. Often these have been described as ‘Spiritual Disciplines’. They are not any kind of formula or rituals but they can be helpful to quiet your heart to be better able to hear from God. Things like fasting, study, silence, solitude, confession, worship, simplicity, charity, service and generosity are all helpful to focus your attention on God and hear what He is trying to say to you.
The most important part is to ask God to help you know, see, feel and hear Him. That is a prayer you know He is going to answer in His perfect time because that is His desire for all of us. When we pray that prayer He helps point out some of the things in our life that is getting in the way of that relationship and He strengthens us to put that aside. He also sensitizes us so that we are more likely to recognize His voice when He speaks.
And like all relationships, it is never something that we can say we have attained. Relationships need constant feeding because as soon as we stop interacting we stop growing together. So this will be a process that you will be engaged in your whole life.
Karen, I want to assure you His voice is there. It would be completely out of character for Him to stop communicating. It may not be in ways that we are used to but His Spirit is always there leading and guiding in perfect ways for us to follow. One of the ways you can fight against the voices that tell you otherwise is to acknowledge the truth of God speaking to you. The Bible is an easily identifiable means of His communication with you. Every time you read a part of scripture thank Him for His Words to you in that moment. But also when you see something good or beautiful, acknowledge that He is the giver of all good gifts so He is the one who has placed that singing bird, laughing child or that shining rainbow into your life at that moment. The more that you acknowledge His communication, the more you will discover other ways that He is reaching out to you and sharing Himself with you.
I guess the opposite is also true: the more you say He is not speaking, the less likely you are to recognize His communication when it comes. Again, that is the work of the voices that are trying to draw you away from God. Don’t give them any play time in your mind. When they creep in go back to the trustworthy Word of God like, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4) You can know that there isn’t a moment that goes by that isn’t full of God’s revelation.
Bipolar behavior and depression aren’t just mindsets but bio-chemical…I’ve dated quite a few girls who suffered from it…Prayer is good as is meditation but you need something medical also…I don’t suggest meds since they either make you worse or just screw up your endorphines.
Hormonal changes might have something to do with it as people are barely understanding that menapause due to lack of hormonesdoes crazy things to a woman…My mother suffered through it…There are Hormone Replacement Therapy which also work…NEVER take synthetic meds.
If insurance doesn’t cover you can get a Health Stores…$2-$3 dollars a day is worth piece of mind.
If NONE of them work then look into and not being glib or a jerk about it…Shock therapy…It resets the system…Works at a better rate then meds and is stable…Do the research…Big Pharma doesn’t like it because they stop making money if people get cured but it does work.
Jamie, Going over this kind of little on-going convo we’ve been having, reading the last reply you posted for me, well, I am just thinking, could this be a way God is talking to me and showing me that He is right there? Maybe He is talking to me, through you…I was just thinking about that reading the last little message that you posted..hmmm..anyways…I want to say something else here…but now am feeling very iffy on doing so in this kind of set up…I would e-mail someone about this..but…hmm..I don’t know how to explain things in the nicest way I possibly can..without going all out on certain people…I guess I could say, I am a bit irritated…upset right now…hmm…I’ll just leave it at that for now…God, please take those feelings away…I don’t want them right now…Having a bit of a struggle tonight…with several things…but anyways…I wonder if all the convos that have taken place between you (Jamie) and myself are one of God’s ways to try to get through to me? What do you think? How should I approach that believe and realization of it that I haven’t really seemed to have pick up on too much? Hmm….
Exactly Karen! God uses other people to speak His truth into our lives. Make sure you respond to what He is saying to you and thank Him for His communication. Now just to make sure this doesn’t sound like me saying, “I speak for God!” let me just clarify; the words that I have been sharing with you are not my own. I have just been pointing out what God says to all of us in His Word, the Bible. So it is not, “Maybe God is speaking to me” it is absolutely without a doubt God speaking to you.
I appreciate that this is not a great setting to share some issues. Let me invite you to connect with one of our online mentors and you can share your concerns there. Just fill out the Mentor Request Form at http://powertochange.com/discover/talk-to-a-mentor and one of our mentors will get in touch with you by email.
I think Noodles has a good point: there is certainly a medical connection as well to the health issues you are facing, but it sounds like you are in contact with a doctor and getting help in that area so I would recommend continuing to pursue that. But there is also a spiritual component. When our physical health is compromised it impacts our emotional health, mental health and spiritual health. The reverse is also true that a compromised spiritual health impacts physical, mental and emotional health. To just focus on physical health will not find an answer if our spiritual health is compromised. So let me encourage you to continue to pursue a deeper relationship with God and allow Him to guide you as you try to find healing and wholeness.
Heavenly Father I am so grateful that You are not silent and that we are surrounded by evidence of your communication to us. I thank You that there is a plan that You have for each of us and that You are there guiding us to walk in that purpose for which You created us. I pray that Karen would become more and more aware of Your voice and Your presence with her. I pray that Your Spirit would remove those things that block Your messages from getting to her heart and mind. And as she hears from You more and more give her the courage and strength to be obedient to what You call her to and peel away the layers of hurt and sorrow that have weighed her down for so long. I pray for the peace that Jesus talked about and promised that can never be taken away. Thank You that You hear us and act on our behalf when we pray. Amen.
Jamie, thanks for praying…I appreciate it…As far as emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health…yes, when one is off balance, it also effects all the others too..no matter which is off balance…if one is off, so are all the others I believe..you really have to work on all of them when one is off…no matter which one is off first…if one is off–the rest is effected..I understand that one…I think I kind of should look at these convos like– having them is what I needed to do for me to be able to realize that He is talking to me even though I didn’t realize that in the first place…does that even make sense? Hmmm…I dunno…Anyways, Thank you for helping me start to be more aware of these kinds of things Jamie. Appreciate it…
One thing that I have learned Karen, is that when you are aware of God speaking you better be ready to follow His lead in your life. Do you think God is telling you something specific that you need to be doing?
Jamie, I don’t know what He’s telling me specifically that he wants me to learn ..kind of hard to know what he wants me to learn… especially when in the state I have been in…and having the hardest time tuning into His voice…Am sure he does have something He wants me to learn specifically, but I don’t know what…
Well Karen, let encourage you to ask for His help to hear what it is. You can be sure that is a prayer He will answer because He wants you to know Him and His plans for you. Sometimes He waits until the perfect time to let us know what He wants and so we need to focus our attention on to listening for Him. Reading the Bible with the intent of hearing from Him is a good way to listen. Spending time in prayer asking for His help, talking to Him about the things you see around you, and listening for His voice is also part of hearing God. Being involved with other followers of Jesus is another big way that God speaks to us so getting involved in a church where you can talk with other people about what God is doing in their lives and yours is important. And finally, one that is often overlooked is hearing God when we serve other people.
I just had a friend here who lives in South Africa and started an organization that helps bring the essentials of life to AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. He talked about how he loves to go into the homes of the most vulnerable in these communities because every time he goes there he finds Jesus already there ministering to these hurting, lonely children. And when he serves these kids he hears Jesus’ voice more clearly than at any other time in his life. Let me encourage you to find a place where you can serve hurting people. I know Jesus will already be there and you will be able to hear His voice there better than anywhere else you might try.
Jamie…already help others as I can..already part of a church…already do the praying part…and it still feels like He’s not saying anything…even when I am trying so hard to listen…I don’t think there is such thing as perfect timing…the time would be now to tell me what He wants me to learn…because
Sorry hit enter too soon..anyways..Jamie…already help others as I can..already part of a church…already do the praying part…and it still feels like He’s not saying anything…even when I am trying so hard to listen…I don’t think there is such thing as perfect timing…the time would be now to tell me what He wants me to learn…because I am about at the end of this rope and I am tired of fighting this fight that seems like an ever losing fight…I still am trying to fight, but I am tired of fighting what seems to be an ever losing battle…no matter what I do, it seems like nothing is changing, even with everything I am trying to do to get back to that place where I feel even a little OK…I’m so frustrated and discouraged right now…with it all…and with some newer things going on..new stressors I had recently and everything, I have had a major relapse in some things and I feel like I am back at square 1…. :( I don’t know…
Hello there,,depression has been the dark monkey that climbs on my back and wont leave, from time to time…and i would like to pass on what has helped me in those times …First…i have to recognize the influences or cause that triggers depression..For me its been fear based,…when my mind is entertaining fears its not allowing FAITH , to guide my mind…The scriptures say ” Without faith it is impossible to please GOD, and he/she who comes to GOD must believe that HE is….” In James we are told that the double minded man will recieve not what he asks for…To get my mind into the right place, i must get back into the words of GOD, where the HOLY SPIRITthen can minister what is needfull …People in depression tend to be self focussed and as someone pointed out earlier it may help to get out and help others..However if a person is sevverly depressed i would not recommend it…Medication for an underlying illness,can really help…for me the meds helped to flatline the emotions..and in time the scriptures gave me hope…Be encouraged ..our SAVIOR,was a man of sorrows and aquainted with grief, and as our advocate in Heaven He prays for us, fully sympathyzing with our weaknesses….This may be a area will HE WILL be Glorified in your life..Dont give up…..When GOD meets you IN the midst of this you will love HIM more than ever…Let these words sink into your soul….I will NEVER leave you or forsake you….And ….What ive started in you I WILL complete…..God BLESS YOU..
That’s great Karen that you are already doing these things. What places do you find to serve other people? What about your church, in what ways do you connect with other people to hear how God is working in their life and sharing the struggles that you are facing?
Jamie, I serve people mostly on line…my friends on like Facebook and from my help page on myspace.com and maybe it’s like holding a door for someone at say the grocery store or something like that… In the past I have helped out at church…but do not do that one anymore….as far as how I connect with people at church…I have many people who know me there…but a very small amount of them, I really tell everything too…and I’ve talked to the pastors a few times…but other than just talking to those few people I do…I do not connect with many, other than if I happen to see someone on Facebook or whatever, then I may say hi to them, but that’s about it…so yea…..and now, secondly, thank you paul mckenzi for sharing a little bit here..I enjoyed reading it…and now, I am sill frustrated and still discouraged..I have a lot of different thoughts and emotions running through me right now…and I am so tired of fighting what seems to be an ever losing battle…
Father God, I pray on behalf of your beloved daughter Karen. I ask that You would fill her with Your joy, love and peace. I pray that You would bless her with a few wonderful friends that will take time to get to know her on a more deeper level. I ask that You would renew her mind, body, soul, and spirit so she can go forward in the wonderful plans you have for her. I ask that You set her free from whatever is binding and weighing her down. May she connect with You and others on a whole new level of living and being. I praise You for the marvelous things You are doing in Karen’s life at this very moment. I thank You, Lord, for having a watchful eye on her at all times. Thank You for the new things that are manifesting within her and the awesome things You are going to do through her. Lord, fill her with Your Spirit so she may arise to the wonderful things You are calling her to. Set her free to become the new woman You destined her to be. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Barbara, Thank you for the prayers. They ar emuch needed and I appreciate it. More than people will EVER know…so…thank you…
How are you doing today Karen? I have been praying for you and asking that God would bring some people into your life who can help point your mind onto Him.
Jamie, I am not doing very well today. I had a rough morning at a group. And I am really nervous about my appts at the Eating Disorder clinic in a little bit here..I’ve not eaten anything since January 20th..so am struggling a lot with it..and I am not getting enough fluids in either. The depression is doing a number on me…I can’t even stand things real well right now. Am feeling very unwilling to continue with treatment stuff and everything…I don’t even fully understand why. And I find myself wondering if ant of this is even worth it right now…Currently, I don’t feel like any of it is worth it…So, I dunno…Thanks for keeping me in your prayers though. I appreciate it. And I am sorry I have not posted for a few days here. Thank you for the prayers and everything, I will try to post things more, once I see a new comment is made on this thread. I have it notify me when there is a new comment. So yea…Am feeling very frustrated and discouraged right now..Anyways, thanks for listening…just needed to vent I guess…awaiting your reply…or whoever posts something…Thanks…
Father God, I pray on behalf of Karen. I ask in faith that You heal her from all her infirmities, setting her free to live the better life You have to offer her. I pray that Your Spirit will calm her anxious thoughts, filling her mind, body, and soul with Your peace. I ask that You bring nourishment, and healing to her body through Your Word, healthy foods, encouragement from others and rest for her weary soul. May You give her the courage and strength to press on in seeking to become well, whole, and even happy again. I believe that nothing is impossible with You, Lord, and surely, You can minister to Karen in her greatest time of need. Wherever she is at this moment may she feel Your Presence, lifting her crushed spirit and allowing her to feel Your joy–Joy in the Lord. I ask that you loosen her from the bondage of the enemy. Your Word says nothing can separate us from Your love…I ask that Your love for Karen pour down into the grey and gloomy crevices of her brokenness. May Your LIGHT shine in her darkness as Your indwelling Spirit helps her to arise to this new day on the better path that you have for her, a path that leads to life and not sorrow. Be with her Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Barbara, thank you for the prayers. I appreciate them and they are much needed..it’s February 2nd today and I still have not eaten anything since January 20th. My appts I went to were hard too…lot of things going on medically with me…and I am having the hardest time getting myself back on track…and getting my care team to realize that something is really wrong here…but anyways…Thank you so much for the prayers.
Dear Karen, I understand what you are going through at this time. Years ago, I dealt with multiple issues ((simultaneously)) taking place in my life too. It was unimaginable to believe that the various doctors could fix what was wrong in my thinking and ways of living. I was so down, so broken, so crushed, and lost because of so many traumas that had taken place in my early childhood and young adult life as well. I never thought I would ever live a decent life until One, marvelous, loving person stepped into my life. It was at that point, issues from my childhood could be dealt with, and layers and layers of grief, heartache, and sorrow could be peeled away…a little at a time…setting me free to be the new person I am today! Here is a link to part of my journey out of darkness and into the Light, the light of Christ!
http://powertochange.com/discover/faith/love-the-girl-in-the-mirror/
May it minister to your heart, knowing that you are not alone in your battle! May our beloved Lord, Jesus Christ, set you free from the “inner” war, pain, and sorrow you are trapped in at this time…In Jesus’ name, Amen
Hi Karen, I have just been looking back on some of our conversation here and I read you comment on Jan 23 “I don’t think there is such thing as perfect timing…the time would be now to tell me what He wants me to learn…because I am about at the end of this rope”. I unequivocally believe that God’s timing IS perfect. I have seen it in my own life and there are examples of it throughout the stories in the Bible. As I read through the story of Job I see Job’s demands for an answer from God. We are not told how long it took for Job to receive God’s answer but we know that God did not respond right away even though Job was desperate. I read the Psalms of David and hear his pleas for God’s help. In some cases we do have record of how long it took. The most significantly was the 13 years that David was running for his life away from King Saul. David was desperate for God to help him but God waited. One thing that is common between these two men was even though God did not respond in the time frame that they thought was best, they never lost their faith that God would answer and that God would do what was right. They kept their eyes firmly placed on God, spoke honestly with Him about their hurts, and always trusted that He would rescue them in His perfect timing.
I have no idea how long God is going to wait to rescue you but you can be sure that He knows exactly what you need and when you need it. So continue to keep your eyes focussed on Him, be honest with Him about your pains and doubts and emotions, but have confidence that He will act in the perfect time and way.
One of the lessons we learn from David is that even in our sorrow there are things to be thankful to God for, and giving thanks is an important part of our relationship with Him. Often David’s poems would be full of hurt and pain but he would end with words like “I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.” Let me encourage you to ask God to help you find things to be thankful for and make a point of giving thanks to God for the good things He does in your life.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the way You have always done what is right. Life is hard and many people face great pain and sorrow but You continue to work those situations for the good of those who love You and are called to follow Your purposes. I know right now Karen is facing very dark days with pains and troubles coming from so many different directions. I ask Lord that You would help her to have great faith in You in the middle of this terrible storm. I pray that she would experience Your hand of healing and rescue. I pray that she would discover good gifts that You are bringing into her life and that she would be thankful for all the things You do for her. Lord I pray that You would bring people into her life who help her to see Your hand at work in her life. I pray that she would feel the reality of Your presence through the love of Your children in her life. Bring Your promised peace to her as she discovers more and more to trust You completely. In Jesus name, amen.
Barbara, Thank you for letting me read your story, I appreciate it. Jamie, Thank you for the prayers, as they are much needed still. Had treatment stuff today..DBT and an IT appt…They were hard….I’m falling apart.. :’-( emotionally, mentally, physically…I am so falling apart.. :-( These up and down moods are terrible… Is it even worth my time to continue with treatment stuff…when I can’t get my care teams to even understand how severe this stuff is..with the ED and everything else hitting me all at once…no matter how many times I explain this to them…They are not agreeing with me on what I think is best for me or would be good for me…This weekend I was really struggling and arguing with myself on quitting all my treatment stuff.. I wanted to throw all my meds across the room and into a wall…I cancelled an appt…And,I am falling apart… :( feeling broken…and helpless and even worthless at times too.. :(
Hi Karen, let me share some more truth about God that David wrote:
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down– this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Selah
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:1-8)
Let me encourage you to look to the Bible to hear what God is saying to you in the middle of all the confusion and pain, Karen.
Jamie, Thank you. Those are all really good verses.. Maybe I should try reading Psalms. I find myself having a hard time reading the Bible..but I suppose it is the best place to go–with so many things going on and feeling the way I am feeling. Thanks Jamie…I am basically falling apart and really can’t fight on my own right now…yet..I don’t want help from others either at times…because it feels like no one else could or will understand it..does that make sense? I don’t know how else to explain it..maybe it’s just me..I don’t know….I am not in the best of places right now….but anyways…I am not totally all here at the moment either…I wish I understood things better and that I wasn’t dealing with the stuff I am…It unfair..but life is I guess…but why I had to be given all this stuff and more…I don’t understand at all..these things I am dealing with are basically life sentences…and I am falling apart… even with God in my life, these things I am dealing with are basically life sentences..
Karen, I know reading the Bible can be a struggle. What are some of the things that make it difficult for you to read what God has given us?
Jamie, I can’t concentrate on it. Get Distracted easy, Then when I do try to read the Bible, I may get through one or 2 verses–but then such a strong force comes over me and I have to set it down or get it out of my hands. It’s weird as I’ve never had that problem before..So…it’s a number of things I think that are making it hard for me to do.
Karen, the Bible is significant part of God’s communication to us so the forces that are going to try to keep us away from the Word of God are the enemies of God. That includes Satan, those who are opposed to God and our own sinful nature. Those are the forces that are pressuring you to put down the Bible and not let you concentrate on what God is saying to you. But the wonderful news is: God is far more powerful than any force that would try to manipulate you. So when you take up the Bible to read ask for God’s help to be able to see and know what He has for you. When you feel that force pressuring you to put down the Bible, ask for the Spirit of God to give you the strength to continue reading and hearing His Words to you. The Holy Spirit will help you to understand the message that God wants you to know and so you need to look to Him for that enlightenment. You can also connect with a friend who is also a follower of Jesus and ask their help in reading God’s Word. The two of you together can take turns reading what is written there and talk through what it means for your life right now.
But do not give in to the forces that want to keep you from the things of God. That will lead you down a path the gets further and further from God and His plans for you.
Heavenly Father I see that Karen is being pressured to put aside the things that You have given her to know You. She needs Your help to battle against those pressures so I ask that Your Holy Spirit protect her. Help her to be attentive to knowing You through the Bible. Give her a strong desire to seek You out in the pages of Your Holy Word. Help her to find others who can help support her study of the Bible and give her the joy of discovering Your voice speaking through the scriptures. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Jamie, Thanks for the prayer and the ideas as well. Appreciate it. Will try to do some of them. I’ve got a headache right now. The depression is really getting me right now too along with the Eating Disorder. It’s hitting me all at once. :( Anyways, thank you for the suggestions. I will try them.
Hi Karen, how are you doing? I have been praying for you and your headache.
Jamie, Hi there. Um…Thanks for the prayers. Much appreciated. Got a massive headache coming on tonight too…I had DBT today and that was a hard one…Um..one of the members of the group were an hour late and she was there for second hour, but then got up and left 3rd hour…which threw me and the other member off today..we had to take a few minutes after to just try and bring ourselves back to a place where we were calmer, as her leaving the way she did, it was hard for us. I feel like this gal lied on her numbers on the diary cards we have to do..she reported them as low numbers, but the way she reacted and the way she left, I think her numbers were a lot higher than she was reporting…so I don’t know..but it really threw not only me off–but the other members too…My numbers were pretty high today on the diary card already and that..what happened in the group just kind of pushed my numbers even higher than they already were..once we were able to calm down, it was a little easier to actually take time and talk about what was going on in my mind and such and how I felt about the situation with the one gal being late and then leaving and stuff. I am upset too because we found out yesterday in DBT that one of the facilitators is leaving the group in 2 weeks. Sudden change on short notice…so, that threw me for a loop too. Lot going on in such a short period of time…I don’t do changes well..so…it’s been hard for me. The transitioning stuff is really hard on me…I also find myself feeling like and wanting to quit all my treatment stuff too..I am so tired of it all….I can’t take anymore…It is doing a number on me physically, mentally and emotionally too…as well as spiritually…I am so tired of it all…but anyways….I am not sure what else to say–other than all these changes and such coming up and the situations happening in the DBT group–the depression has been doing a number on me…in addition to everything else all hitting me at once..so yea…Thank you for the prayers–I appreciate them…
So how does your leader figure the best way to respond to the lady who was late and left early? It seems to really be impacting you.
Jamie, I don’t know what the leader is going to do. We talked about how it affected us after the one gal left that day…I don’t know what the leader decided to do once group was over though…and then we didn’t bring it up at all today in group. So, I really don’t know..maybe a behavior contract or something…I am not sure…but anyways..Had DBT this morning and then appts at the ED clinic…those people still aren’t listening to me really though…however, according to my psych, they are worried..I started eating again on February 6th..but it’s only been liquids pretty much… eg: chicken broth, yogurt smoothies.. I have started incorporating solid foods now, but not going well..No where near where it needs to be though…so, still have to be monitored regularly and such for a while though..my psych told me today that they are still worried….but otherwise..the team still is not really listening to me at the ED clinic…so…I dunno…I am just…I am sick and tired of almost everything…treatment/appts/meds…All of it….it is so draining/exhausting..I have mentioned this a lot I think..but this life, my life, really isn’t much of a life..because it’s become all treatments/appts and such…so…it doesn’t feel like it’s a life at all…so..I dunno…Been tough all around..with the depression and everything else too..sighs….Anyways…Have a good evening…and please keep the prayers up..thank you..
Hi Karen, how are things going this week? Have you been able to maintain your food intake? Any further steps that your Dr’s have taken? What about your time with God? Have you been able to hear more clearly what He is trying to say to you?
Heavenly Father, I pray for Karen’s ongoing health. I ask Lord that You would help her improve steadily on her ability to eat well. I ask that You would be strengthening her emotionally so that she is not held captive to the depressive state. I ask that You would help clear away the things that get in the way of her understanding Your voice in her life and that she would discover the transformative power of Your hand in her life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Jamie, I have not been able to keep my food intake up and where it should be. I am having troubles getting back to solid food regularly. I’ve been able to do some–but still a lot of liquid type things..soup…yogurt smoothies…so yea…um..at my last appts at the ED clinic I was told that I am at a critical point right now with the Eating Disorder and that the team are still worried and so now–the psych said that when I am at the clinic–with the OT or the dietician–that we are to be trying to do a meal or snack depending on the times I am there…and I am still to be monitored closely. I am at a critical point with it because getting me back to regular eating and eating solid foods is not going really well and also because of all the changes and transitioning I am going through and also because of the way my moods have been with the bipolar and such. Getting me to eat normally has not been easy…so yea–I was told that I was at a critical point right now with the ED and that they are worried..so I guess they are trying to figure out what to do….seeing as I am struggling so much to getting back to eating normally and such…beyond that though–they aren’t really listening to me completely…still…but anyways–The depression is acting up a lot due in part to all the transitioning and changes I am going through..with DBT group, with trying to eat normally again and everything…so—I dunno how else to explain it…I am still no where near where I want to be or need to be..It’s frustrating…and then I have another issue that’s been pressing on me since this past weekend…that is hard for me to handle right now….but yea…Thank you for the prayers….
Hi Karen, while I know you have said you are feeling overwhelmed by all the treatment you have been going through it must give you comfort having those kinds of professionals looking out for your eating habits and planning out how to turn things around for you. What kinds of things are they doing to help you get back to solid foods? What kinds of results are you seeing from their help?
Lord God I pray that You would continue to lead the doctors in Karen’s life to know how best to help her. I pray that You would reveal to them the treatments that will make the most difference and that Karen’s body would respond well to that. I also pray for Karen’s thoughts and emotions; help bring balance back to that part of her life and help her to recognize Your hand in her life. Amen.
Jamie, these doctors and stuff dealing with the ED have not been listening to what I think is best for me.at all…that connection we had a first, when I started, has pretty much disappeared…however, they are having me do a meal or snack with the dietician or OT on days I’m at the place, depending on the times I am there…other than that, they aren’t really listening to my thoughts and ideas or validating things for me…so, I have been looking around for a different place for treatment….As far as results I am seeing in this situation–I don’t see or feel like there are that many results at all….anyways….Thank you again for the prayers…much appreciated..as always…so..thank you…
Hi Karen, that can be so hard when it doesn’t seem like you are able to communicate well with your doctor. What kinds of things are you trying to say that they are not understanding or listening to? What are they trying to say to you?
Oh, Jamie, I didn’t realize it had been quite a few days since answering or checking here. Hmm… Sorry bout that…They weren’t taking into consideration my thoughts about what I thought/think would have been the best for me at certain times, they were just brushing it off pretty much and not doing anything about it…I was going to look for a different place to go to and such, but, things have changed some since I answered the last time. At the end of this month, I will be finishing at that place and will be transitioned fully to just DBT 3 times a week, IT at least once a week and a psych once a month or so. In a month I will be done at the ED clinic. It is actually very anxiety provoking for me, yet, it will be easier on my body, easier on the people who have to take me to appts and pick me up and also easy on the wallet of the people who have to take me and pick me up in regards to the unreasonable gas prices here where I live. Once done at the ED clinic, a good amount of my support system is going to be gone–and I am scared about it–because–knowing myself–I know that I am not going to be anywhere where I need to be when I leave the ED clinic which is in all reality going to lead to another huge relapse with it. There is no doubt about it. I know my body and I know that that is what is going to happen. There’s no way to get around it–especially when such a huge amount of your support system is going away and knowing that I won’t be where I need to be before I am done. But anyways–It’s a lot to take in. So yea–my moods this week so far have been really up and down–for certain reasons–and some things have happened in the last couple days that have been triggering to me and I had a minor relapse of another issue/behavior I’ve dealt with in the past…and then having to cancel appts this week that had been scheduled and should not have been cancelled but had to cancel them because one day it was the weather and the other day it was that I was not feeling well at all. So..I have just not been in a good place the last week or so…but anyways…Am not really sure what to think or do, or read at this point in the Bible and such. So yea–That’s about all I have right now–as to how things are going and answering the questions you asked in the best way I could. Will try to watch more closely here for replies and such. God Bless.
Hi Karen, I am sure that the thought of being on your own more is a little frightening, but that has been the goal all along. It is a good motivator to put the supports you need in place so that you can continue with your progress towards a healthy lifestyle. A lot of your success will come from your mindset: if you convince yourself that you will fail than it often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But if you focus on the things you can control and trust in God’s ability to help you through you will be amazed at what He can accomplish through you. That’s why Paul wrote, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
So what kind of support systems do you think will help you be successful?