Today's Meditation

 

May 21 

“Before you begin, get good counsel; then, having decided, act promptly.” SALLUST 

Depression during chronic illness may be inescapable, but it need not be inescapably permanent. There are a number of steps we can take to overcome depression and its effects. 

An essential first step is to openly and honestly discuss the feelings of depression with your doctor. The condition could be a symptom of your illness, an illness in its own right, or the result of side effects or cross-reactions from medications. In any case, your doctor should be able to determine whether the depression can be overcome with relative ease, or is a condition requiring further medical treatment.

 One of the best ways to overcome depression is to talk about it in a support group. By opening up about your feelings you will surely find that they are not uncommon, that you are hardly alone, and that you most certainly are not “losing your mind.”

Many people believe that mild depression is a spiritual malady. In my own case, I’ve learned that when I’m depressed I have almost always become “disconnected” from my own inner spirit. At that point I ask for God’s help; I surrender and allow myself to be transformed and rejuvenated by His power and grace. 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 I may not feel like taking action, but action can change my feelings.

Dorian, J.S.. Above and Beyond: 365 Meditations for Transcending Chronic Pain and Illness . Central Recovery Press, LLC. Kindle Edition. 

MY SHARE

Depression has been a major problem for me. It is something that I have to work on all the time if I don't want to drift into despair and morbid reflection. So I am responsible for my recovery.  One of the best things I ever did with my depression was work on the 12 Steps. If not careful, addiction will look like a solution as it is a temporary fix to my problem until it bites me in the ass. Recovering from nicotine addiction was one of the hardest things I ever did but it was also the most beneficial thing I have ever done too for my depression problem. I found I was no longer powerless - I have power and it was the correct use of power that came from my higher power.