Beyond the Blues:Treating Depression One Day at a Time

Edward F. Haas

November 21

Thought for the day
So lonely 'twas that God himself
Scarce seemed there to be.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Meditation

I should never soon forget the agony that was mine when I called out to God to save me from myself, only to find that my prayers would not take flight and leave my soul. So lonely was I when I believed that even my God found nothing worth salvaging from the wreckage of my life. So scarce were my hopes of ever feeling the zealousness for life that I had once known. How jealous was my heart of all the other people that God had chosen to love. I should never soon forget how God loved me when I could not love myself.

Prayer

God, often when I do not feel your presence in my life, my faith in your love for me waivers. Help me accept in my heart that your love for me is perfect and unconditional. Help me to remember that I should always turn to you for the guidance and inspiration that I so desperately need. Amen


August 23

Thought for the day:

There is nothing so moving - not even acts of love or hate - as the discovery that one is not alone.
Robert Ardrey

Meditation

Clinical depression manifests itself in our lives in so many different ways. There are a multitude of warning signs and as many symptoms, both mental and physical. Beyond persistent pessimism, I declare isolation as the most dangerous behavior that is associated with this disease. When the sadness won't go away, we begin to isolate ourselves from our employer, family, and friends. We become filled with self-pity, guilt and shame. We begin to believe that we are worthless and hopeless. We all know from our shared experiences, how unbearable the feelings of loneliness and despair can be. The irony is that we feel all alone along with an estimated 20 million other Americans. I cannot express completely, the relief and security that I felt once I began to meet and talk with people who also suffered from this illness. I felt liberated knowing that, not only was I not alone, but that I never have to be alone again.

Prayer

God, I pray today for all people that are currently suffering from the devastating loneliness of depression. I ask that you grant them the courage to seek the help and the fellowship that I have found. Amen


September 3

Thought for the day:

What does not destroy me, makes me strong.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Meditation

A few years ago my untreated depression nearly ended my life. I was certain I would never know a better way to live. I was convinced that it was my time to die. My internal voice was screaming for relief from the persistent push of this disease. My spirit was beaten down so badly that my will to live had become practically nonexistent. By the grace of God I finally saw a doctor regarding my suicidal thoughts. I had no preconceived notions concerning what the outcome of that visit might bring about, but I did know in my heart that I was dangerously close to killing myself. At that time, I had no knowledge of the disease of depression or its related symptoms. Once I was diagnosed, I began to recover my lost life. Today, along with millions of other men and women, I fight against this illness one day at a time. It has not destroyed me; it has made
me stronger. I am determined not to die by suicide today. I plan to die with this disease,
not from it.

Prayer

God, please give us the courage and strength to continue to fight off the symptoms of this illness one day at a time. Help us to see how much stronger we are today, by surviving through those darkest times.
Amen