Comments on: Depression…

By: Tater Mama

Tater Mama — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:25:19 +0000

This was beautifully written and I have no doubts that what you've written has helped many, many people. As more folks find your blog and this post in particular, I'm sure your words will continue to bless them. I just started reading today, and I'm so glad that I did. Tater Mamas last blog post..Am I THAT Forgetful?

By: Martha

Martha — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:13:07 +0000

I know God will use these words you wrote to help someone else, as is the case with almost all of your posts! I'm praying for you and to some extent, know the valley you're walking through. Take care, my friend. Love, Martha Marthas last blog post..East, West...Home's best!

By: ElleBee

ElleBee — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:25:27 +0000

Thank you so much for this post. God bless you and your family. ElleBees last blog post..Hard as Nails

By: Pamela

Pamela — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:19:11 +0000

my husbands sister (59) has Alzheimers. The things you said about the side effects of your surgery and chemo sound so much like what she is going thru. Except that it gets a little worse each day -- instead of hope and improvement. Pamelas last blog post..Heron on The Roof

By: CaliforniaGrammy

CaliforniaGrammy — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:17:42 +0000

Oh sweet Heather, I continue to pray for you daily. You're such a good writer. I know you'll get through this stage of you life and will be well again. Your writing is so touching, and I know that some one reading it who is depressed will be strengthened by your words. I can't relate because I've never been depressed, however I can still pray for your complete healing. :wub: CaliforniaGrammys last blog post..Simply Country Stroll

By: Casey

Casey — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:23:37 +0000

Heather, I have dealt with depression as well and it is not fun! It is so hard to explain to the people around you what it is like to deal with something that hangs over your life. I struggled with the decision to see a dr and receive treatment and or drugs. I took me a long time and a lot of tears to realize that I am not less of a Christian if I am treating my depression. It is such a hard thing to deal with when you can’t explain just exactlyt what it is to other people. I was thinking just morning about how it affects so many areas of life. My taste buds, sleeping habits, children raising, intimacy….the list goes on. I feel your pain and can’t imagine how it is on the scale that you are dealing with. I appreciate your post and know there are women out there that needed to see that post.
Much LOVE!

By: Deirdre Kohler

Deirdre Kohler — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:51:31 +0000

Hi Heather Its normal to be depressed - You have a BRAIN TUMOUR. I do to. It also affects my speech. I try not to let it bother me, blogging helps... keep it up. What I miss is how I used to look with my long blond hair that took years to grow. I still have to get used to looking at photos or myself in the mirror. Silly, I know, but it makes it obvious there is something wrong. Keep well d:) Deirdre Kohlers last blog post..Eat chips

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:08:03 +0000

This is a post that I think a lot of us needed to hear. Thank you for putting it out there so eloquently. Life is dang hard sometimes, it's no wonder that sometimes it seems incredibly overwhelming. *hugs to you* Jennifers last blog post..How'd I Do?

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:55:46 +0000

Bless you, Heather. I've only had a slight depression once, and it was after my first child was born. I wanted to go home and the doctor said I had to stay a few more days and I went to crying. I have a sister-in-law who has gone through cancer for the last 4 years, female first, and then, in April of this year, she found out she had cancer in both lungs. She's never smoked. She had surgery on the left lung and they took out part of it. She was told that lung was fine and there would be no further treatment. They had to give her chemo on the small spot they found on the right since they couldn't operate on it. Then, after that bout of chemo, she went for her checkup, only to find that they had not gotten all the cancer on her left lung - one small spot remained. So she just finished up her 6 weeks of treatment yesterday, the last day of 2008. Now, she has to wait again. I know she has to be depressed. My brother told my husband that she is doing good, although she cries easily. I feel like she's depressed because she thought she was over the worse, and was beginning to get her strength back, and then she was hit with chemo again. It took her 6 months to get better from the first bout and now she's just underwent it again. Will be praying for you. I think you have a right to be depressed. Will be praying for your speech, that you are able to form your sentences as you used to do -that the old Heather comes back. Our God is a God of miracles, and I'm praying for one for you!! Barbs last blog post..Happy New Year 2009

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:43:29 +0000

Amen Heather! Very well said and very much needed to be said and heard. Lauras last blog post..Happy New Year's Eve!

By: Audrey

Audrey — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:11:05 +0000

Hello, Heather. I loved this post of yours. I have been on anti-depressants ever since my son was born several years ago. I also believe it is NOT a sin to be depressed and that you MUST ask for help medically if you feel depressed. It's nothing to be ashamed of. God is there with us, yes, but medication helps, too. I admire your faith - you are an inspiration to me. I have followed your blog for over a year now. I was diagnosed on December 8, 2008, with invasive breast cancer. I know that my cancer is VERY different from yours, but some of the feelings of isolation are the same. One can NEVER know the feeling unless they have been there. So, I just wanted to thank you for your blog. I will be praying for you on your Journey and may the Lord be with you constantly and may you feel Him there always. :heart: Audreys last blog post..A New Year and Thankfulness

By: Kara-Noel

Kara-Noel — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:26:44 +0000

Found your blog while blog hopping. Thanks for this post. My mom is on medication and I think some of her “friends” have kinda made her feel guilty about it… because that will TOTALLY help her out! You put this in to words in such a wonderful way!
http://elislids.blogspot.com/

By: martha

martha — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:53:33 +0000

Thank you and AMEN! Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for using your eloquence to show Christ through your weakness. We love you, MB

By: Lindy

Lindy — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:15:00 +0000

Heather, I've been in the dark lonliness of depression severly three times in my life. I never wish to return to those days or have any of my loved ones go through the agony. For all those who have not yet been diagnosed or those who do not believe that they could suffer from depression, I thank you for your post. I have learnt (am learning still) it is only through Jesus that we can cope when life hits us with this heaviness. Take your medication. One day at a time, sweet Jesus, it's all I ask of you. :heart: Lindys last blog post..Stepping back in time: July 2007

By: Butterfly Mama

Butterfly Mama — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:06:45 +0000

Heather, Your honesty and candor as always amazes me. This was beautifully and truthfully written and we are praying for you. May you find peace in the New Year. Many hugs, Heidi Butterfly Mamas last blog post..2008 Snapshot!

By: Chris in MI

Chris in MI — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:17:14 +0000

Heather – I’ve commented once or twice before; found your blog last year through a friend in Sarasota area who knows of your family.

I am so glad you seeked treatment for your depression. I think there are far more people who have been there than most realize (especially Christians, unfortunately). After having post-partum depression after each of my 3 children, it’s now become “chronic” for me, though usually under control, both through meds and natural health practices. I understand what it’s like to miss the old me. But slowly, I’ve come to like the new me that has learned to accept God-allowed limitations. Hang in there, you will feel better!

I also wanted to mention that my twin sister lost her fight with melanoma, which spread to her brain, 3 years ago at the age of 39. She said the same thing: that she was most afraid of the process of what would/could happen before she died. But you know what? God gave her the peace and grace to handle it – as each step came. And she also was blessed with far less issues and symptoms than is “normal”. Though she didn’t get the complete earthly healing we hoped and prayed for; God provided in sooo many other ways for her, and for her husband and children. He will provide for you too.

By: roberta

roberta — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:06:40 +0000

I am going to print out your post and paste the last three paragraphs in my Bible. It will give me the point of reference that I need when faced with those disapproving looks and comments.

You have no idea how your blog ministers to my heart. This post was such a God thing. Clearly stated. Perfectly timed.

Thank you, Heather. I’ll be praying that your depression is only for a season.

By: Molly

Molly — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:00:41 +0000

Dear Heather,

It’s just awful to feel depressed, isn’t it? I know my depression isn’t coming from the same root as yours but it can be very disabling. I’m so sorry that you’re feeling this way but it is perfectly understandable, heck I’ve even wondered how you’ve been able to handle the cancer and Emma so beautifully (: You are very normal, to be dealing with all that you have. We really don’t know why God hands us the things He does but we accept them and look to Him for strength. I personally think you’re one of the strongest people I know, even though we’ve never met (: Hang in there, keep praying and know that I will be praying as well for you all. Your blog has really struck a chord with so many of us readers Heather and we’re all here for you, praying, believing and enjoying your candid, honest posts. People here on this blog care a great deal about you and your family! Be encouraged!! Best wishes!

Molly (:

By: Robyn

Robyn — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:10:14 +0000

Dear Heather,
Your so right, maybe you can find a place where there is support and encouragement that is christian based for depression? I am going through menopause and have been since I was 39, found out 2 yrs ago my daughter has HIV, she was 2 mos pregnant- we have 7 children and always homeschooled and tried to live right so I have been dealing with a lott of depression now for a few years and I am praying to get plugged into a home church , we moved to GA and there have been NO churches here in this area where they have praise and worship.
I have been reading your blog for a long time, I pray for you and Emma Grace daily. I would love to encourage each other. As I have no friends here and no church family .I will keep praying for you and know God is there and whatever choice you make we are there for YOU!!!

By: Denise

Denise — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:37:29 +0000

Your post has struck a cord with so many! I call it “chemo brain” or remind those around me that “I have no filter”. My cancer treatments are why I’m not being able to speak the way I did “BC” (before cancer). Communication and speaking are my livelihood, and it’s hard some days to get used to the “new normal” that my cancer has created. I hate that my emotions are on the surface all of the time now, but I’m alive, I’m a christian, and I see a therapist…and I’m open to depression medication if it gets worse. God bless and have a wonderful New Year!