Original artwork by Becky West. Design and layout by Anna Swartzentruber
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maude Montgomery
I love this quote from Anne of Green Gables. Such hope. Such dreams. Such imagination. You might assume, Dear Reader, that Anne’s creator shared the sense of childish wonder she gave to Anne. But the author’s diaries show something different. I am sorry to tell you Lucy Maude Montgomery battled severe depression.
That isn’t unusual. Lots of creative people through the ages have struggled with depression. Many of us still do. Previous generations wrote about it as melancholy. We sometimes call it a case of the blues. And it seems to plague loads of people in our society. Especially as winter approaches.
For me, depression was never a deep sadness. My life was filled with love and joy. Yet, a grey veil would often come down over the world and make me feel listless and dull. I was’t mad or sad. I was nothing.
When depression became full blown for me, I couldn’t even get out of bed to face the day. Thank God for the mother-in-law who came over to keep us fed and washed our dishes. Thank God for physicians and medication. Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s power to lift me out of that crisis and help me win the battle every day for the past forty-some years.
So, as we applaud the beauty of Autumn here in the Midwest, please consider this Public Service Announcement:
If you are suffering from depression, lingering sadness, a lack of motivation, anxiety, or any other attack, consider these steps in no particular order:
- See a doctor. Our brain is an organ. It relies on chemicals just like everything else in our bodies. Sometimes those get out of whack, and medication can help. I know there’s still a stigma. But we aren’t telling diabetics to have more faith, so let’s be kind to our brains.
- Tell someone. Isolation and depression are great companions. When you say things out loud, the darkness tends to back-off just a bit and the light floods in.
- Ask for prayer. We often can’t pray for ourselves when we are struggling. If you are in a community of faith where mental health issues are recognized and not ostracized, hurray! Lean on those folks. (If you aren’t, please find one.)
- Find a counselor. (Review step one)
- Repeat all the above until you find the people, the plan, the meds, the path, the support that truly helps you. I’m sorry it is a trial and error process, but please, please, please keep trying.
(I’m sending out loads of good thoughts and gratitude for so many friends who are working Step Five . You amaze me.)