Overcoming Depression

Nov 13–16, 2007 - comments: 11

Today our focus is on one family’s struggle to find equilibrium after a surprising diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. Our guests are Michael and Heidi O’Brien. Michael is a talented song writer and the lead-singer for the group NewSong. Heidi, a mother of four and a gifted writer and singer in her own right, also suffers from bi-polar disorder. Together they have traveled a rough road. Today they will share with us what happened when Heidi began to find it too difficult to cope with life.

There are times when we all get the blues, I am sure that many listening today can say that felt down and discourage from time to time, but what happens when those feelings continue for weeks on end. Well people used to think depression was “all in your head” and that if you really tried, you could “pull yourself out of it.” But it’s just not that easy. Depression is a disorder that affects your thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and physical health.

Heidi and Michael’s story of overcoming bi-polar disorder is one of hope, and it will certainly benefit us all to hear it. If you know someone who exhibits the characteristics of depression, please encourage them to seek professional help. Symptoms include losing interest in once enjoyable activities, feelings of sadness and worthlessness, and significant changes in eating and sleeping habits.

topic(s): Faith, Family, Living, Health, Marriage

11 comments (post your own) feed

1 On Nov 13th, 2007, at 5:01pm, Judi Tabler wrote:

I need the tape message of Michael and Heidi because our daughter has bi polar and it has been the most difficult thing to deal with. She has fought this for 20 years. Your program was aGodsend for me today, and my husband must hear this testimony. Thank you. We are strong Christians, but totally in a desperate situation here. Thank you.

2 On Nov 14th, 2007, at 12:02am, Susan Saenz wrote:

I only heard the very end of what you said and it sounded so ‘right on’. I have a close friend who has severe bi-polar disorder. It is hard to watch other people judge him. They have no clue how different he is and how great he’s doing given his circumstances. Did I hear you say you have a book? He is not a Christian and thought I might offer it to him if there is one as a witness.

3 On Nov 14th, 2007, at 8:23am, Sulyn Wilkins wrote:

You may listen to this program on our website, download it, or you may want to order it for $12.00 on the website.  Just click the"Radio" tab on http://www.faithandfamily.com, find the correct program, and you may do any of the suggested actions.  It may even be listed on the front page of the website since it is such a recent program.  The book may also be available on the website in our Family Bookstore.  Thank you for listening!!

4 On Nov 14th, 2007, at 1:25pm, Barb S. wrote:

Praise God a Christian ministry is educating the flock about this devastating brain disease. We were ostracized at church because of our children’s illnesses even when they were properly medicated. The pastor thought mental illnesses are from Satan and refused to have anything to do with us. Even a friend who was an elder was relieved of his position because he was our friend. Can’t tell you how devasted we were. Our kids, now adults, willnot attend any church in large part because of that experience, and have gone their own way. We felt not only abandoned but bloodied, and whatever chance our kids had is gone. The information in this interview is long overdue and needs to be disseminated EVERYWHERE. Too late for us, not for others.

5 On Nov 14th, 2007, at 3:13pm, Judi Tabler wrote:

I certainly do understand.What a miserable experience.  But, I do have one answer to you, if nothing more...You can continue to pray for your kids and to cover them daily in prayer ( or whenever you can) and because our Lord is a Great God, He will do a work in your children. Take heart. Your kids have a chance because our God is bigger than anything people can do to them. They will come back to God.

6 On Nov 17th, 2007, at 11:39am, reda mcfarland wrote:

My son suffers from the manic side of bipolar.  This has been devastating for our family.  He has a large family and everyone is in prayer for him.  I believe one day God will heal him.  He has been in trouble with the law and jailed several times.  God says he won’t give us more than we can handle, but I as his mother has not been able to handle this!!!

7 On Nov 19th, 2007, at 5:19pm, Judi Tabler wrote:

I know how you feel, reda. And as a mother, we always have hope, even when we think we give up. Can’t give up anyway. Where can we go but to the Lord for answers? Noone, I mean NO ONE could ever understand all the ramifications, and twists and sorrows associated with this, unless they too have experienced it...Praying for you.

8 On Mar 12th, 2008, at 1:41pm, Derick Wellington wrote:

I have been experiencing a low spell and it has affected my memory,vision,energy level,uplook ,
outlook and other areas as well . I ask for your prayers and advice. Derick

9 On Mar 13th, 2008, at 7:55am, Judi Tabler wrote:

Derick, I am praying for you. Life can be very hard at times, can’t it? I know very few people who have not had problems and heartaches, but God delivers them out of them all..not in one big swoop, but line upon line, precept upon precept. I like to say that God doesn’t usually take us from A to Z. He takes us from A to B then to C, then to D. We grow in the process. How devastating depression can be. Today, just today, praise Him for the good things in your life, and do something really nice for yourself. I am praying, Derick.

10 On Mar 13th, 2008, at 8:22pm, Susan wrote:

To Derick,

I, too, will pray for you. I very much agree with Judi. I am sorry that you have to struggle, but I also know that God has made us overcomers. The only advice I would give is not to do something for yourself, but to do something for someone else. There was a particularly low time I had once. When I got up and did something for someone else, I felt the depression lift off of me in a very noticeable way. SS

11 On Mar 14th, 2008, at 7:42am, Judi Tabler wrote:

Oh, Susan, that is great advice. Yes, Derick. And we are praying for you.

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