Fat Frog in a Dry Well

Fat Frog in a Dry Well
When You’re Down

He was the greatest American President who guided our nation through the Civil War. He suffered from depression his entire life. At one point Abraham Lincoln wrote his law partner and said, “to remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better.” Many Americans feel that way at times but when it becomes persistent, it is depression.
Depression is the number one problem in the work force today. More than half, 56%, said they suffer from some form of depression. It’s happening at younger ages also, many teenagers drag through a day with a mind tied down with depression. Symptoms may in include loss of interest, guilt, change of weight, sleep disorders, lethargy, crying, slow thought process and even suicidal thinking. It is all quite serious.
Many great Bible characters were subject to depression. It is not new just more wide spread. Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, Paul, Saul and Daniel, to name a few, suffered bouts of depression. There are some good medicines. See your physician soon. However, there are some spiritual, practical, simple things you can do.
First, pray. Okay, you expected a minister to say that but it is a genuine help. Talk to God. Share with a friend you really trust. Listen to them and listen to yourself. Exercise, go for a walk. Sing, whether you sound good or not it is therapeutic. Read a good book. Watch a humorous movie and laugh out loud. Take a “Calgon” break and clear your mind. All these will help.
If you need to gain or grant forgiveness from anyone, go do it. Don’t let your past own your present peace. Life is short, full and unpredictable. Writing to the church of Rome, the Apostle Paul listed many depressing items and then said, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” Rom. 8:37
It’s hard to smile when you’re depressed. The Chaplains office is Pastoral Care for not only patients and their families but for you also. Call us, we care. Ext. 8129 when you feel lower than a fat frog in a dry well there is some help available.

Chaplain Sparks and Chaplain Ward