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

Best Actress

O My Soul:

This year's Oscar for best actress in a dramatic role goes to my wife.

She played the role of single parent to three children while single handedly keeping a dark marriage together. Not to mention caring for the dog.

Thank you. May the future be brighter.

-oms