As a person who experiences occasional bouts of depression, I can sometimes struggle with the day-to-day. Sometimes, even just the bickering between my children, the messes they make, or the physical pains that I am going through can be too much for me. I just want to give up, crawl into bed, and sleep. But I know that my children depend on me so I must press on.
How do I find that strength to press on? I've tried so many things. I've tried talking to my friends, but the only friends I seem to have are on Facebook and this just tends to isolate me even more. I try to get out of the house and do something without my kids, but that's not always easy to do. My husband works so hard at his job that when he comes home he just wants to sleep. He doesn't want to go out. Finding a sitter is not always easy either.
Besides, these are just temporary fixes. What works for me every time? Turning to God.
In his book Transform Your Thinking, Transform Your Life, Dr. Bill Winston reminds us that our thinking will be transformed when we continually read the Word and fill our minds with God's Word. So when I am feeling down, I remember to do this. I read the Bible. I read books like Dr. Winston's book. I attend church services to fill my mind with God's Word. And I am comforted.
A friend of mine recently gave me the book God's Promises for Graduates as I was struggling through some tough times. I'd like to share a few of the verses with you that have brought me comfort lately.
I have a decoration in my home that includes the beginning part of this verse, so I always try to have it in my mind.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalms 55:22
There are by far more where those come from, but I find that when I couple these verses with positive thinking, exercise, and a good night's sleep, I feel much better and I am able to move forward. Depression does try to press on sometimes, but the more I am in the Word, the more I am able to get through it.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Sunday, June 12, 2016
VIP Very Influential Person: How to Influence with Vision, Integrity, and Purpose (A Review)
I received this book for free from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for my honest review.
VIP. When we read that abbreviation, we all think the same thing "Very Important Person". In a world where success is often determined by how "important" you are, how much money you make, and how many people know your name, the book VIP Very Influential Person: How to Influence with Vision, Integrity, and Purpose by O.S. Hawkins gives an entirely different perspective on the meaning of VIP. For Hawkins, VIP stands for Very Influential Person, and in this book he outlines how to be a person of influence. Becoming a person of influence means having a Vision. This means knowing what you want to accomplish. This can be a "mission statement" for your life or for your company if you are a business owner. Next, Integrity is an important part of being an influential person. People need to know that you are who you say you are and you're going to do what you say you're going to do. Finally, Purpose is a vital part of being a VIP. What does purpose mean? It means that you look to God to find the reason that you are here and that everything you do aims towards that purpose in your life.
Though it was a "dry" read for me at times, I think that was because I have heard messages like this before and they have been spoken. To me, a spoken word is so much more powerful. I'd love to have the chance to listen to O.S. Hawkins deliver these words in person.
Thinking on this book is part of what made me decide to change things up on my blog a bit. I want to write about mental health because that is my purpose. I want to share your stories and be of support to the bigger community. So, if you want to be a part of this, send me a message with your story!
Risa
Monday, May 2, 2016
How to Live In Fear: Mastering the Art of Freaking Out (Review)
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers and the BookLook Bloggers Programin exchange for my honest review.
The title of this book piqued my interest. As a new counseling professional, I am interested in reading books about mental health. When I read on and discovered that this book was about a pastor's struggle with a severe anxiety disorder, I knew I had to check it out. Pastor Lance Hahn has struggled with a severe anxiety disorder since childhood. Through this book, he talks about his struggle, what it means to be a Christian with an anxiety disorder, practical steps to help cope with anxiety through practical solutions such as medication, exercise, thought restructuring, and even maintaining a health diet to exploring scripture and what it says about worry. It's a misconception that people who struggle with mental health issues aren't strong in their faith, but Lance Hahn proves this wrong as he speaks about his struggle and how his faith has been made stronger throughout this struggle. Hahn makes sure to stress that he is not a mental health professional and anyone who is struggling should seek professional help while working through the practical solutions that he has found to be helpful as someone struggling with these issues. I highly recommend this book and I will keep it on my shelf to share with clients that may be struggling with these questions as well.
The title of this book piqued my interest. As a new counseling professional, I am interested in reading books about mental health. When I read on and discovered that this book was about a pastor's struggle with a severe anxiety disorder, I knew I had to check it out. Pastor Lance Hahn has struggled with a severe anxiety disorder since childhood. Through this book, he talks about his struggle, what it means to be a Christian with an anxiety disorder, practical steps to help cope with anxiety through practical solutions such as medication, exercise, thought restructuring, and even maintaining a health diet to exploring scripture and what it says about worry. It's a misconception that people who struggle with mental health issues aren't strong in their faith, but Lance Hahn proves this wrong as he speaks about his struggle and how his faith has been made stronger throughout this struggle. Hahn makes sure to stress that he is not a mental health professional and anyone who is struggling should seek professional help while working through the practical solutions that he has found to be helpful as someone struggling with these issues. I highly recommend this book and I will keep it on my shelf to share with clients that may be struggling with these questions as well.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Lessons I've Learned from Counseling
Before I decided to become a mental health counselor, I myself had undergone counseling on a couple of different occasions. First, as a child. I had a bit of trouble making friends and my parents took me to a counselor. Years later, as a young adult, I saw a counselor to help me with depression. I no longer see a counselor, though sometimes I think that it may be a good thing to do once in a while. I am able to manage depression myself using what I have learned from counseling along with my much stronger faith in God and prayer. Here are some things I learned from counseling.
- Every little thing that goes wrong is not the end of the world. Learn to choose your battles, when to let things go, and how to deal with the disappointments in life and you will be a lot happier. It's not always easy. It takes time. It's worth it.
- Complaining just bums you out more than anything. Stop complaining and do something about it!
- Good counselors are not there to give advice or tell you the answer. Good counselors will guide you to find it for yourself.
- Good counselors do not accuse you or blame you for all of your problems.
- The right counselor can help to empower you, strengthen your resolve, and provide you with tools to help you move on.
It's interesting to be on the other side of the couch, so to speak. But here I am. I'm waiting for the right opportunity to come along and meanwhile I'm continuing to learn all that I can so that I can be an effective counselor in the future.
Thank you for sharing my journey!
- Every little thing that goes wrong is not the end of the world. Learn to choose your battles, when to let things go, and how to deal with the disappointments in life and you will be a lot happier. It's not always easy. It takes time. It's worth it.
- Complaining just bums you out more than anything. Stop complaining and do something about it!
- Good counselors are not there to give advice or tell you the answer. Good counselors will guide you to find it for yourself.
- Good counselors do not accuse you or blame you for all of your problems.
- The right counselor can help to empower you, strengthen your resolve, and provide you with tools to help you move on.
It's interesting to be on the other side of the couch, so to speak. But here I am. I'm waiting for the right opportunity to come along and meanwhile I'm continuing to learn all that I can so that I can be an effective counselor in the future.
Thank you for sharing my journey!
Monday, March 28, 2016
Review: The Case for Hope by Lee Strobel
I received this book from the BookLook Bloggers Program for free in exchange for my honest review.
It's taken me a while to write this review. I received this book before Christmas, got caught up in all the holidays, was working hard on my internship and finishing up school, and before I knew it my 3 months that I had to write the review had expired! Luckily, BookLook Bloggers knew I was good for my review and started my account back up again so I could post it. So, without further ado, here it is!
The Case for Hope by Lee Strobel explores the question, "Where can we find hope in a hopeless world?" These days, when we hear the hate spouted from the mouths of politicians, see the news of terrorist attacks across the world and even violence, homelessness, and heartache in our own city streets, it can be hard for some to find that hope. Some turn to other things for hope, but not of them can sustain them for long. Lee Strobel explores the Biblical basis for the case that our hope should be in The Lord. Strobel explores the hope of what Jesus did for us, dying on the cross and sacrificing himself so that we might live. He also relates many stories of people in his life who turned to Christ in their hour of need and found hope in the Lord. I highly recommended this book to anyone who is in doubt, from Christians who are having so much doubt that they are having trouble studying the Bible for the verses that may bring them hope to someone who has not even found Christ and needs somewhere to turn for direction. At the end of the book, Strobel offers a 30 Day Journey of Hope with a Bible verse to study each day to remember the hope that is in the Lord. This is a great book to anyone who wants to "look ahead with confidence and courage." The most profound thought that Strobel shares and that I took away from this book is the thought that we should take this hope out to the world. God died for all of us and this should be shared with everyone.
It's taken me a while to write this review. I received this book before Christmas, got caught up in all the holidays, was working hard on my internship and finishing up school, and before I knew it my 3 months that I had to write the review had expired! Luckily, BookLook Bloggers knew I was good for my review and started my account back up again so I could post it. So, without further ado, here it is!
The Case for Hope by Lee Strobel explores the question, "Where can we find hope in a hopeless world?" These days, when we hear the hate spouted from the mouths of politicians, see the news of terrorist attacks across the world and even violence, homelessness, and heartache in our own city streets, it can be hard for some to find that hope. Some turn to other things for hope, but not of them can sustain them for long. Lee Strobel explores the Biblical basis for the case that our hope should be in The Lord. Strobel explores the hope of what Jesus did for us, dying on the cross and sacrificing himself so that we might live. He also relates many stories of people in his life who turned to Christ in their hour of need and found hope in the Lord. I highly recommended this book to anyone who is in doubt, from Christians who are having so much doubt that they are having trouble studying the Bible for the verses that may bring them hope to someone who has not even found Christ and needs somewhere to turn for direction. At the end of the book, Strobel offers a 30 Day Journey of Hope with a Bible verse to study each day to remember the hope that is in the Lord. This is a great book to anyone who wants to "look ahead with confidence and courage." The most profound thought that Strobel shares and that I took away from this book is the thought that we should take this hope out to the world. God died for all of us and this should be shared with everyone.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Say Something!
This time of year, just a little over a week before Easter, 15 years ago, I was at the lowest point in my life. I had always been a little “down in the dumps” from time to time. I was sort of a pessimist. I complained a lot, didn't have many friends, and just kept to myself most of the time. I had someone I loved in my life, but we were in a long distance relationship. I was also away from my parents and I had started to push away the few friends that I had with my isolating behaviors.
It's been said that one of the first things to be affected in depression is one's perception. With me, this was absolutely true. I felt like my life was spiraling downward and out of control, but things were actually ok! I was doing well in college, getting good grades. I had a couple of great friends and I had a boyfriend and parents that loved me, even though they were miles away. So why did I feel so awful? I couldn't put my finger on it. I didn't know how to define it.
Until one day, my practicum supervisor (I was studying to be a teacher) pulled me aside after class. She wanted to speak to me privately. She asked me how my practicum was going. I lied and told her it was going fine when truly I felt that I couldn't handle it and I could barely drag myself to get out of bed every day. She asked me how I was feeling. I said fine even though I had been to the doctor recently trying to find out why I was so tired all the time. She looked, her eyes full of concern, and said, “It just seems to me that you are very very depressed.” That was the word. That was it. The truth hit. I began to cry, at first just a little, and then sobbing almost uncontrollably. She gave me some information about the student health center and help me set up an appointment to go see a counselor there.
I can't remember the name of that professor, but that first step; her ability to recognize the signs in me that I was denying in myself, set me on the path to recovery. If it weren't for that professor, I don't know if I would be here today. I hope that somewhere out there in internet land, this reaches her as a thank you. But even if it doesn't, I want her to know that I am thankful for what she did and said. You never know how your words may influence another. For me, her words set me on a path to recovery and eventually led me down the road to become a professional counselor. I encourage everyone to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of mental illness if you are concerned about a friend or a loved one. Let them know you are concerned. Sometimes it just takes a few words to change someone's life forever.
It's been said that one of the first things to be affected in depression is one's perception. With me, this was absolutely true. I felt like my life was spiraling downward and out of control, but things were actually ok! I was doing well in college, getting good grades. I had a couple of great friends and I had a boyfriend and parents that loved me, even though they were miles away. So why did I feel so awful? I couldn't put my finger on it. I didn't know how to define it.
Until one day, my practicum supervisor (I was studying to be a teacher) pulled me aside after class. She wanted to speak to me privately. She asked me how my practicum was going. I lied and told her it was going fine when truly I felt that I couldn't handle it and I could barely drag myself to get out of bed every day. She asked me how I was feeling. I said fine even though I had been to the doctor recently trying to find out why I was so tired all the time. She looked, her eyes full of concern, and said, “It just seems to me that you are very very depressed.” That was the word. That was it. The truth hit. I began to cry, at first just a little, and then sobbing almost uncontrollably. She gave me some information about the student health center and help me set up an appointment to go see a counselor there.
I can't remember the name of that professor, but that first step; her ability to recognize the signs in me that I was denying in myself, set me on the path to recovery. If it weren't for that professor, I don't know if I would be here today. I hope that somewhere out there in internet land, this reaches her as a thank you. But even if it doesn't, I want her to know that I am thankful for what she did and said. You never know how your words may influence another. For me, her words set me on a path to recovery and eventually led me down the road to become a professional counselor. I encourage everyone to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of mental illness if you are concerned about a friend or a loved one. Let them know you are concerned. Sometimes it just takes a few words to change someone's life forever.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
The Word of Promise New Testament (Audiobook) - A Review
I received this book for free from the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
I thought it would be a nice change of pace to review something different, an Audiobook! This is a review of an audio version of the New King James Version New Testament published by Thomas Nelson Publishers. The Word of Promise is presented in "dramatic audio theater" and stars Jim Caviezel, the actor that played Jesus in Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, as Jesus. Other famous voices include Terence Stamp (General Zod in the old Superman movies, and more recently the YES Guru in Jim Carrey's Yes Man!) as the voice of God and Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Brad Paisley's wife and star of the Father of the Bride movies) as the voice of Mary, Mother of Jesus.
I have to admit that I am not used to listening to the Bible, or audiobooks in general. I started listening half-expecting to be hearing biblical passages read and recited like they are in church. So, the drama of it threw me off a bit at first. But after a few minutes, I was pulled in. I was wondering how Jim Caviezel was going to present the voice of Jesus when he became angry, turning over the tables in the temple. I was wondering how Mary's voice would sound when she was morning the loss of her son. I was drawn in and I found that this was a new and different way to "read" the New Testament. It may be a great way to present the New Testament to children, who may have trouble reading the words presented in the Bible or have trouble paying attention. Listening to the Bible may be a great activity for families. They can listen to a passage and then talk about what happened, learning about Jesus as they go. I also gave an audio Bible as a gift to my mother-in-law, who would need a very large print Bible in order to read it and would probably have trouble turning pages. An audio Bible is a great tool for her and she was very happy to have one. This is a great presentation of the Bible with big name voice actors to boot! I recommend it!
I thought it would be a nice change of pace to review something different, an Audiobook! This is a review of an audio version of the New King James Version New Testament published by Thomas Nelson Publishers. The Word of Promise is presented in "dramatic audio theater" and stars Jim Caviezel, the actor that played Jesus in Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, as Jesus. Other famous voices include Terence Stamp (General Zod in the old Superman movies, and more recently the YES Guru in Jim Carrey's Yes Man!) as the voice of God and Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Brad Paisley's wife and star of the Father of the Bride movies) as the voice of Mary, Mother of Jesus.
I have to admit that I am not used to listening to the Bible, or audiobooks in general. I started listening half-expecting to be hearing biblical passages read and recited like they are in church. So, the drama of it threw me off a bit at first. But after a few minutes, I was pulled in. I was wondering how Jim Caviezel was going to present the voice of Jesus when he became angry, turning over the tables in the temple. I was wondering how Mary's voice would sound when she was morning the loss of her son. I was drawn in and I found that this was a new and different way to "read" the New Testament. It may be a great way to present the New Testament to children, who may have trouble reading the words presented in the Bible or have trouble paying attention. Listening to the Bible may be a great activity for families. They can listen to a passage and then talk about what happened, learning about Jesus as they go. I also gave an audio Bible as a gift to my mother-in-law, who would need a very large print Bible in order to read it and would probably have trouble turning pages. An audio Bible is a great tool for her and she was very happy to have one. This is a great presentation of the Bible with big name voice actors to boot! I recommend it!
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