Excerpts from talks by Jeffrey R. Holland that have been compiled and modified by David Muanda on August 12, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya
Today I am talking about MDD—“major depressive disorder” —or, more commonly, “depression.” And the purpose of this post is to identify how you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love.
And as hard as this is, watch for signs of depression, despair, or anything hinting of self-harm. Watch for the stress indicators in yourself and in others you may be able to help. As with your automobile, be alert to rising temperatures, excessive speed, or a tank low on fuel.
When you face “depletion depression,” make the requisite adjustments. Offer your help. Listen. Make some kind of intervention as appropriate.
Not everything we struggle with is a result of our actions. Often it is the result of the actions of others or just the mortal events of life. But anything we can change we should change, and we must forgive the rest.
If you are lonely, please know you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please know you can find hope. If you feel you are broken, please know you can be mended.
THE REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Are you battling a demon of addiction—tobacco or drugs or gambling, or the pernicious contemporary plague of pornography?
- Is your marriage in trouble or your child in danger?
- Are you confused with gender identity or searching for self-esteem?
- Do you —or someone you love —face disease or depression or death?
Whatever other steps you may need to take to resolve these concerns, and regardless of your background, you need to first understand that fatigue is the common enemy of us all —so slow down, rest up, replenish, and refill. Physicians promise us that if we do not take time to be well, we most assuredly will take time later on to be ill.
Do what you can to change the situation. But in doing so, if things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles.
If you are the one afflicted or a caregiver to such, try not to be overwhelmed with the size of your task. Don’t assume you can fix everything, but fix what you can. If those are only small victories, be grateful for them and be patient.
For caregivers, in your devoted effort to assist with another’s health, do not destroy your own. In all these things be wise. And to everyone else, whatever your struggle —mental or emotional or physical or otherwise —do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it!
And to any of our youth out there who are struggling, whatever your concerns or difficulties, death by suicide is manifestly not the answer. It will not relieve the pain you are feeling or that you think you are causing.
Please, choose to stay, choose to fight, and choose to win. Continue staggering toward the finish line and refuse to get off the track because you are still in the race.
#Depression #StopSuicide #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealth #Awareness
