Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I really have been struggling on if I wanted to write a blog about depression. Yes, depression is a subject that most people try to avoid, but I don’t want to avoid any part of my personal story. Well, here we go. When my mother passed away in December 2015 my whole world changed. Even though I know my mother is in a better place and no longer have to suffer or be in pain, I felt so hurt and defeated. I truly felt like I could not do enough within my power to help my mother overcome her illness. Even as I write this blog, I just feel some kind of way. My eyes get full of tears and my emotions start racing all over the place. Nevertheless, I fell into a deep depression throughout my grieving process. I no longer wanted to be bothered with the outside world, but I still managed to be a wife, a mother, and work my part-time job. I felt empty inside and turned to reading God’s Word, praying, meditating, and writing in my journal for comfort. I’ve learned so much through this process, but the most important thing I learned was to express your feelings and not hold them in. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I read an inspirational book, sometimes I went for a long walk outdoors, sometimes I just screamed, sometimes I just wrote in my journal, and sometimes I just sat in silence. Through it all, God blessed me with my supportive husband, Elon Porter, who at times did not know what to do or what to say, but he never left my side. You know the old saying find something good in every situation? Well, I found the strength to start my own blog and my husband encouraged me to proceed. Believe it or not, if I would not have experienced such a low place in my life, you probably would not have the pleasure of visiting my blog and reading this one right now. Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit was created in memory of my mother, Rosalynn K. Russell and my father, James O. Russell. My parents were so supportive of everything that I did in life, all of my personal accomplishments. If I could help someone else overcome depression or any of life’s many challenges, I am up for the task. Writing this blog is a part of my personal story. No matter what life throws at you, stay committed to your task at hand, reach out to your family and friends for support, seek counseling with a licensed therapist, write your feelings in a journal, but never allow yourself to drown in the belly of depression. Remember, depression is not healthy for you or for those around you. Thank you for listening and sharing this precious time with me. Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
In Loving Memory of
Rosalynn K. Russell
November 29, 1942 – December 19, 2015
In Loving Memory of
James O. Russell
June 12, 1941 – July 9, 2003
Quote:
I have fallen, but I will get up. -Maya Angelou
Inspirational Thought:
You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, condemned, ashamed or unworthy. You were created to be victorious.
Scriptures:
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
6 Ways to Stay Positive:
• Have Faith in God’s Plan
• Put Everything in God’s Hands
• Practice Gratitude Daily
• Focus on Helping Others
• Surround Yourself with Laughter
• Write it Out & Talk it Out
Thank you for this beautiful blog.
I lost my mother about ten years ago but I was so honored to be able to care for her the last few years of her life.
Wise words, my friend.
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment and encouraging words. Caring for our parents is such an awesome experience. God bless you!
Through sadness and difficulty you have emerged stronger and probably even wiser. What a nice tribute you have written to your husband and parents. Have a blessed week.
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment and encouraging words. God bless you!
This is a lovely tribute to your parents. I was clinically depressed for years, and it was at least partly responsibile for the failure of my first marriage. Various doctors gave me various drugs, but no one helped me understand my illness until I asked for a referral to a psychiatrist. After assessing me, she recommended a course of cognitive behavioural therapy. I worked very hard, did my weekly homework and now, 15 years later, I’m happier and more productive than I’ve ever been.
Wow, such a great ending to your personal story. So glad you were determined to overcome depression. We are always writing our own stories throughout life and only we can write our ending. May God continue to bless you!
This was a true blessing to read. I love the format of this post and your transparency. Depression has affected us all at some point, either directly or indirectly. Knowing how to handle it in a healthy manner is what matters. Mental health is serious. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless.
It was my pleasure to share my story. Thank you for reading it and making such a wonderful comment. God bless you!
The death of a loved one can indeed cause a pain that is unbearable. After our son died I was depressed and didn’t even realize it. I just felt empty and apathetic about life. With the support of my husband I sought out professional help. Now, 16 years later, I can accept that, although I will always miss our son, there is nothing I could have done to change God’s will and I am happy that our son is in a better place. The healing process really never ends, Latisha, it just gets easier.
It really helps to know that others feel the emptiness, guilt, loneliness, etc. Sometimes you just feel all alone throughout this journey even though you are not. Here’s to peace, love and comfort my friend!
I really enjoyed this blog, LaTisha you have always been a teacher of the people!
Thanks for your support and your encouraging comment. God bless you!
Such truths spoken! My mom passed 22 years ago and I still have days where I cry and talk with her. I believe that is when my depression began, although very quietly. It wasn’t until my son, now 13, was diagnosed with autism and the daily strain of it all got to be too much. I am much happier and more stable thanks to Sertraline! Depression is hard. It’s a dark place. I must keep the Light in my days and remember that He’s got this!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog today and for leaving such a powerful comment. I truly feel when you are able to talk about your reality, how you really feel and what you are going through in life, then and only then, will you be able to break through strongholds in your life. God Bless you!
Life can be so difficult. I have just started talking about how I feel to the people I see in my life. It has taken quite a long while to come to discover that yes, I may seem happy or appear to have a happy exterior- but I am struggling on the inside. Not only that- but I can be doing very well with my eating and exercising for let’s say even a few days- and then BAM!! I get struck down with negative & depressed thoughts and get thrown off path. But regardless- I get up and keep moving on. That’s all we can do! I will never give up on me!
I am in therapy and see a psychiatrist. They try to be helpful- but I sometimes feel I need more.
Sounds like you had a wonderful bond with your parents and your husband too. It makes life that much sweeter when we can share it with other people! Keep it up!
Jennifer, I appreciate your support and your willingness to be honest about how you feel. Believe it or not, your comment was allowing you to release and to share your true feelings which can take your journey to the next level. Continue to press forward and find your safe place, your happy place, then embrace it every step of the way. Be blessed!