Depression: It's more than just feeling blue

Following the suicide of the former South Korean president, I decided to dig up some stuff on depression. I found this fact sheet by the Canadian Mental Health Association to be one of the best and simplest in explaining it, so I am posting it here. I wish that more people were better educated about mental health issues because they can help themselves and others identify danger signs and intervene early.



What is depression?

The Canadian Mental Health Association describes “depression” as a clinical term used by psychiatrists to describe a period of time when a person feels very sad – to the point of feeling worthless, hopeless and helpless.

It is a serious illness. It can affect all aspects of a person’s life – at home, at work, at school and in society at large. It’s an illness that can go undetected for a long time, and yet it can be treated successfully in many people.

If left untreated, depression sometimes worsens and can lead to suicide.


Is there a difference between depression and just feeling down?

Yes. Most people feel sad or down from time to time. But in time these feelings pass and they don’t disrupt everyday life. People who are depressed, however, feel an intense and overwhelming sadness which lasts for long periods of time and eventually prevents them from carrying out and enjoying the normal activities of daily life.



Does depression affect women more than men?

Yes. It’s estimated that one in four women and one in 10 men will suffer from depression at some time in their lives.



What are the symptoms of depression?

Some symptoms include:
• a change in appetite or weight
• difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• feeling more agitated or slowed down
• feeling worthless
• losing interest in everyday life
• avoiding people
• thinking about suicide
• difficulty concentrating or making
decisions.



Is depression hereditary?

People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves.However, while depression is sometimes hereditary, it can also be triggered by traumatic events.



What should I do if I think I am suffering from depression?

You should talk to your family doctor or another health professional.



What should I do if I think someone close to me is suffering from depression?

Many people don’t seek help for depression – often because they don’t recognize, or accept, that they are depressed. Get advice from your family doctor or another health professional about how to get help. There are many support groups that can also help.



Can children be depressed?

Yes. Depression often starts in childhood or during teenage years. Depression in children and the elderly is often undetected and can go untreated for some time.



How is depression treated?

Depression is the most treatable mental illness. Most types of depression are treated with drugs and psychotherapy. The support of family and friends is often a critical factor in recovery.


PS: This fact sheet provides basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a healthcare professional about any health concerns you have, and before you make any changes to your diet, lifestyle or treatment.

A good character

"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when the forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble."
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

When I say I am a Christian

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved


Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer









Carol Wimmer and what she said about the poem she wrote:

My heart was heavy as I wrote the poem, When I say, “I am a Christian. ” The year was 1988. I had begun to sense an increasing societal resentment toward the attitude of self-righteousness that has been adopted by so many Christians. I knew such behavior was and is a perversion of Christianity. Thus, the sentiment of the poem was born out of my personal awareness of this perversion and the heartache it can cause in our pluralistic society.

I jotted down my thoughts with an inner determination to define the Christian spirit as I wished to experience it. The resulting words formed a reflection of me and the reputation I hoped to secure for myself. Four years later, I sent the poem to 5 different publishers. As a result of its first publication in 1992, someone placed the poem on the Internet where it miraculously began taking on a life of its own.

From Manila to South Africa; Australia to Singapore; Finland to Bahrain—I’ve received e-mails from people all over the world who express a common desire to walk humbly with God. Therefore, I owe a sincere “Thank You” to the unknown person who originally posted the poem on the Internet and the countless number of readers who have subsequently passed this simple expression on to others.

Will is character in action

The Aware saga has been illuminating for me on various issues. I got to hear and read the response of various people on the developments at Aware, some of which I agreed with and some of which I disagreed with.

I pondered in my heart, prayed about it and wrote a long response to a friend who urged me to clarify my stand.

This was what I wrote:

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The Aware saga brought out many issues:

1. Spiritual warfare (always with us and illuminated in this skirmish)

2. Christianity versus gay lobby (blown up as an issue - why has it become so?)

3. Christianity versus "secularism" (society does have an inherent standard of values, be they drawn from religion or otherwise - how do we prevent erosion of family values?)

4. Workings of democracy (we respect the vote)

5. Discernment in the body of Christ (the key question: have recent actions been positive or negative for the kingdom of God?)

6. Grace, love and wisdom versus anger, rudeness and ignorance (which side was presented?)

7. How do we present our faith to society?

8. Social harmony (key role, and so how do we bring about reconciliation, forgiveness and inclusion instead of divisiveness?)

9. Values versus rights (we stand by the Bible. It has a very clear stand that homosexuality is sin but we are to love sinners - how do we do that with discernment?)

10. Role of education in future generations: I think the Aware saga is a wake-up call to parents that they need to be more involved in the education of their children.

11. As a result of the Aware saga, a lot of things have been shaken, both in the physical realm and in the spiritual realm. I don't think we know or comprehend even what God is doing behind the scenes. :-)

12. Singapore is the Antioch of Asia. :-)

13. The Bible has not changed and neither should the views of Christians. It remains the Word of God, for us to follow and abide by.

14. God is in full control. Amen to that!

Had a difficult time explaining such things to people over the past few weeks. :-P But it has been a wonderful few weeks because I had the opportunity to tell people about what Christ stands for, and that is a good thing. :-)

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I thank God that I attended a two-day conference on "Transformation in the marketplace", helmed by Pastor Ed Silvoso. His teachings added to my understanding of God and His purpose and plan.

I just read today's papers, and was gratified to read one part which shows the grace of God. Josie Lau's conduct through the entire EGM - she was cool and collected even when things went out of control and the conduct of people was unbelievable. God bless her and her family.

A Tanzanian story

I had the tremendous honour and privilege of playing host to a 23-year-old Canadian Chinese girl, J, two weekends past. I don't even know how to begin sharing about this encounter. She is a fervent believer of Christ and last year she went to a Tanzanian village of 3,000 for nine months just to teach the kids and the villagers about nutrition.

I think I would just summarise our encounter in a few points:

1. Her attitude, beliefs and actions give me hope for a better future.

2. We need to help the poor in the world.

3. God can do wonders with a willing heart.

4. We need to pray for countries like Tanzania, where girls as young as 10 become sexually active because in their culture, they find it hard to say no to guys.

5. I was extremely encouraged and edified by what she said about her life.

6. It was wonderful just to see the photos and videos that she took of her stint in Tanzania and to see the absolute joy on her face when she was sharing with me about what she did there, the children there, the pastors there, the mothers there, the village there etc.

7. After that day, I shared my encounter with her with my colleagues as well as some of my counselling group members.

8. I pray that she will do mighty things for the Lord, and I believe that she is more than able to do them, because of the Holy Spirit in her.

9. I felt my heart sing for joy when I heard her sharing.

10. May God bless and keep her. Amen.

Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time

I had lunch with a friend, who told me that she had stopped smoking. I was delighted at her decision because she had been a smoker for many years. I was really glad to catch up with her because it had been a few months since we last met. We were able to share some thoughts we had about certain issues. I told her that I will pray for her. :-)

As I was walking back to my office, the Serenity Prayer came to mind.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.