There Is Life After Depression
“Where am I?”
“Southeast Memorial, Intensive Care Unit,” the nurse said, opening the window blinds.
“Why?” I shielded my eyes from the glaring sun. “Was I in an accident?”
She walked to the side of my bed and began a new IV bag. “You took a bottle of pills. Don’t you remember?”
“N-no. Are you sure?” I paused as the memory floated back – including the reason I wanted to die. Tears rolled down my cheeks.
I knew. If I had the opportunity, I’d try again.
That was a dark and scary season in my life. I underwent years of counseling, found the right medication, and prayed (and received) lots of prayer before I finally acquired the skills and faith to help me handle life’s stresses and disappointments. Not perfectly. Even today, though I no longer need medication, I struggle with some anxiety. Disappointing days bring me to tears.
Although my life is far from perfect, I rejoice that this past Friday, I celebrated another birthday. Like most women, I don’t relish the extra lines and other signs that my body is aging. But I’m thankful for another year. Had I succeeded in taking my life on that evening long ago, I wouldn’t have the privilege today of coloring my gray and applying copious amounts of anti-wrinkle creams.
I’m sensitive to the reality that many of my readers have lost someone to suicide. You wonder why God didn’t protect your loved one. I’m sincerely sorry for your pain. I lost a dear friend to suicide, and it still affects me today. I can only imagine how much worse it must be for you who lost a spouse, child or sibling. You are in my prayers.
To those of us who are still alive despite our choices, I’d like to offer this verse:
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17 ESV)
I pray we’ll not take lightly the honor of sharing God’s marvelous works with those who need to hear about them. I praise God for the opportunity He gives me with this blog to recount to you what He continues to do in (and for) me.
And what He can do for you.
(October is National Depression Awareness Month. If you’re in a mental health crisis, dial 988 and speak to a trained counselor. This nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.)
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post
I’m glad you survived that day too! And now you are such a blessing to so many people.
THANK you, Barbara!! I’m glad – I’m thrilled – that God brought me out of that terrible darkness into His marvelous light.
And thank you for the compliment. Your consistent encouraging comments and sharing my devotions on your Facebook page mean a lot to me, Barbara.
Sheryl, thank you for your exceptional blog message today! Your heartfelt testimony and powerful words will reach out and touch so many hearts around the world for His purpose and glory! I found your words to be both insightful and encouraging and have shared your important message on our Heart”wings” A Women’s Fellowship/Ministry community page as well as my Timeline. j
I appreciate your kind words, Joyce. Thank you so much. I love how God uses us (our stories) to encourage others – and to glorify His work in us! And thank you so much for sharing my devotion on the Heart”wings” A Women’s Fellowship/Ministry community page – and on your personal Facebook page, Joyce.
I will share this to help others. I suffered from depression for years, but I had a wonderful Doctor and together I am still here.
Hello, Dave. I’m glad you’re still here. I sincerely pray you will experience freedom from your depression.
Thank you for the compliment in telling me you’ll be sharing my post “to help others.” May God use this post – and others I’ve written on the subject – to help those suffering from depression!
I appreciate your stopping by again, Dave. Please stay in touch.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Your story will help others.
That is my prayer, Melissa. Thank you for stopping by again! I always appreciate it.
Hi, Sheryl. I lost both of my parents to suicide 3 1/2 years apart. They both loved the Lord and had a genuine personal relationship with Him. I’m glad you are still here! Thank you for sharing your experience. As believers, the more we openly share our experiences in the area of mental health, the more quickly the stigma that sometimes still surrounds the topic in Christian circles can be erased.
Out of the tragedy of my parents’ suicides, God birthed a ministry to people who are hurting. He often gives us opportunities to speak with people whose lives have been touched and forever changed by suicide or depression. He also had me write a book that combines biblical principles with life experience to show that God can be trusted, even when life hurts. I thank the Lord for the good He has brought out of their deaths. The book is The Other Side of the Tapestry: Choosing to Trust God When Life Hurts. If it sounds like something you would like to read, please let me know and I would be happy to send a copy to you at no charge.
God bless,
Maureen
Hello, Maureen. Wow!! I am so sorry to hear about both of your parents taking their lives. I can only begin to imagine how horrific that must have been. I’m ordering your book today on Amazon.
Please consider subscribing to my blog because I write a lot about depression and suicide – as well as many, many ways we can make today better than yesterday.
Thank you for stopping by Today Can Be Different, Maureen. Please stop by often.
This is a powerful story, Sheryl, and I am so thankful for you & your transparency. Depression is a real stigma but most of us have experienced it at some time in our lives. I know I have. Thank you for being so open & vulnerable, you are making it easier for everyone around you to share their stories! Me included!
Hello, Mary Doug. WELCOME to Today Can Be Different.
It always thrills me when God uses my devotions to help others – especially the ones I write about depression and anxiety. Praise God for His continued work in you, Mary Doug. I pray He continues to use you to offer hope for those suffering.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you stay in touch and let us know how you’re doing.