Caring for a Depressed Soul

O My Soul:

My wife is visiting her mom and sister this weekend. This is they first time they have met face to face since my sister-in-law told her mom about her struggle with depression. My mother-in-law is a considerate woman but this is not easy.

My wife asked me what she could do to help her mom this weekend. What advice might she give her mom to help her cope with her daughters depression?

Things to try:

1. Listen to her daughter's experience with depression.

2. Indicate you have noticed a change in her behavior.

3. Listen to her daughter without judgment.

4. Ask how her last appointment went.

5. Talk about depression and help find information she needs.

6. Encourage her to find a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a pastor she trusts. (The trifecta of a good professional mental health network.)

7. Encourage her to exercise, eat well, and become involved in social activities.

8. Keep in touch and encourage close family and friends to do the same.

9. Pray for her.

10. Listen to her again, and

11. Pray for her again.



Hope this is helpful.
God bless you,

-oms

Mrs. OMS is Expecting Our 4th Child in November

O My Soul:

What a joyful surprise!

Mrs. OMS is doing well. Resting a little more, but also bargain shopping at local rummage sales. I'm always surprised at what she can find for so little. Nesting has begun.

The children are overjoyed. Asking questions. Trying to decide which of their toys they might give to the baby. The youngest doesn't let me go to work without specifically saying good-bye to the baby.

I, too, am overjoyed and thankful. I'm thankful to God that we have this opportunity to care for another person. Mrs. OMS and I have a strong and strengthening marriage (even in spite of my anxiety/depression which is not true for all marriages).

I also feel deeply content with this and all the other changes that have taken place or the last year. More later. Until then...

Keep us in your prayers, and

God bless you and yours
-oms

Doxology: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care

O My Soul:

I attended the three part program offered by Doxology: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care. I commend to you this video along with my recommendation to pastors and their congregations to attend. I also provided a link to some of their work in the sidebar under Lutheran Resources.



-oms

Depression and Family

O My Soul:

Today was not ordinary for our family.

The two older children had their first soccer game of the year. They enjoyed it even though one child's team lost. I watched both of them.

While the first game was going on, I watched my youngest son. We sat on the sidelines. I read on of his library books to him. We had a nice time.

I spent time with my son on his 4-H project. He enjoyed it and we have some ideas for the summer fair. (This is our first time in 4-H).

We set up the backyard fire pit (thank you Menards). We made hot dogs over the fire with smores for dessert. The kids had a great time.

My daughter wanted to play a board game. So we did. Lots of fun.


You may ask, "Who cares?" Everybody does that kind of stuff.

Well not this family. It has been a long time since I spent the whole day with my family. I did have a few grumpy moments but pulled through.

My point is that it's not only the depressed that suffer from depression but also the family. Emotions are contagious. Good emotions. Bad emotions. Depressed emotions bring the whole family down.

I'm glad we had a good day; not just me but the whole family. I hope we can build many more good memories, good emotions, and good days this summer.

God bless you and yours,

-oms