As I perceive depression and anxiety, it appears to be more rampant in varying degrees than it has ever been before. We live in such a fast paced society where competitions to be "top dog" are high. Much is expected out of us as employees and for some of us living up to high expectations are daunting. We sometimes pull over to the side, to slow down and find some peace from the tasks our bosses and family want us to complete...yesterday. That is just one cause of stress in our lives. We go to work, work for our jobs, think about our jobs, miss time doing fun things because of our jobs and that can really get to us. Then when something unexpected happens like an prolonged illness, a death in the family, or any number of traumatic events over which we have no control happen; the super moms, dedicated dads and anxious kids have a difficult time coping with all the anxieties of life.
Well known Christian comedian and singer, Chonda Pierce, in the last year has gone public about the depression that almost ruined her career. For her, an extremely taxing road schedule, family, her past, and her present all collided while on vacation. A panic attack and the inability to overcome on her own, brought doctors to diagnose Chonda as clinically depressed. Fortunately, with counseling, loving family and friends, and some medication, she is back on the road with limited engagements and maintaining her mental balance.
It happens to the best of us and it happens to Christians as author and physician, Don Colbert, explains in the opening paragraphs of his booklet. He explains the function of specific vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements as natural alternatives to the more common and sometimes addictive synthetic antidepressants. His open talk about how depression and anxiety can make us physically sick and what we can do to combat these ailments is presented from his years of medical research.
Colbert is also an advocate of a healthy diet free of high-sugar foods, processed white flour foods, alcohol, cigarette smoke and caffeine. His advice to increase fruit, vegetables, and essential fatty acids while also drinking 2-3 quarts of water a day is advice I've read recently from many doctors. South Beach Diet guru, Arthur Agatston, M.D. would surely agree with Colbert's recommendations for a nutritional diet.
In addition to a healthy diet and taking essential vitamins and minerals, he promotes a routine of exercise. (I could have done without that one too.) Colbert writes, "Exercise is the absolute best natural antidepressant." The exercise a person does releases endorphins into the body and brain which elevates a person's mood. So there we have it, the walk around the block that we sweat over will make us a happy camper or employee, or parent, fill in the __________.
Along with that exercise we should be getting more restful sleep. It seems that during the night while we sleep our bodies are repairing damaged or worn tissues. Apparently our bodies need more time to do that repair. With more restful sleep we get "an improved immune function, improved mood, a more youthful appearance, improved stamina, improved mental function and improved memory". Okay, so now we know what happened to me and maybe you? It's probably time that we shut off the TV and GO TO BED!!
Another very essential part of Dr. Colbert's cure is written in the title of his book, "The Bible". Scriptures are printed throughout the pages of this little 74 paged booklet. They are God's words of promise that will help readers focus on the "healing power of God". There is a reason that Alcoholics Anonymous advocates that its members look to a "higher being" for a cure to their disease.
My analysis of this booklet, "The Bible Cure for Depression and Anxiety" is favorable. I found the information provided by Dr. Colbert to be useful. The emphasis given to The Word for Divine encouragement was an added bonus for me. If you too are one out of six people suffering from depression or anxiety, I would suggest that you pick up a copy of this small book. It is a start, however, as Dr. Colbert writes, "if your depression persists or deepens, consult a physician, pastor or Christian counselor before you take any steps. At times even the strongest ones among us need a helping hand to climb over an obstacle."
"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
--John 14:27
--John 14:27
4 comments:
Sounds like a very helpful and positive little book. I've never read it, but as a fellow sufferer of bouts of depression/anxiety, I would endorse all of his recommendations. I've utilized almost all of them and find them to be very helpful.
Yes, I have too and I'm trying one of supplements now for emotional well-being, (SAM-e). I'll let you know how that goes.
This same author has written many little "The Bible Cure...booklets" and he has also written a longer book entitled, "Deadly Emotions". I'm thinking about reading that one too. He talks about how our mental health effects our physical health. Very intriguing work.
This isn't a "Christian" book per se, but there's a popular little book called Skinny Bitch. It advocates many of the same things that you are talking about here. The girls that wrote it are actually vegans and really promote it as the only healthy option. While they go a little far with that side of the coin, they do talk about eating organic, cutting out sugar, alcohol, caffeine and processed flour. It's not a book for people who can't appreciate a woman with a foul mouth. I also wouldn't read it if you don't want to be called some pretty bad names. Mom, just don't read it, but know that that is a very popular school of thought.
Okay, I'll take your word for it and won't read the book. ;-)
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