In the light of Naomi Judd’s recent tragic suicide and struggle with debilitating depression for much of her life, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on this very serious issue.
Many of you have read my book, Rainbow in the Night: A Journey of Redemption. I shared my own struggles with depression for much of my childhood and even episodic depression as an adult.
My father was a psychiatrist and administrator of a very large state mental hospital from 1958-1978. (A picture of the hospital is in this blog post.) I remember when we first arrived, his first administrative decision was to bring dignity to the mentally ill. In those days there was terrible stigma attached to mental illness. He made “Who Was Who in America” for the amazing transformation of this hospital during his tenure.
To his credit, the hospital is one of the few state hospitals still open today. He always used to say, “But for the grace of God, go I.” I learned never to judge people suffering with mental illness and followed in his footsteps by getting my Masters Degree in Social Work in 1993.
I want to encourage anyone who is trying to hide depression to get help, and for the rest of us to keep our eyes and ears open and gently encourage those we know and love who are suffering to get help. There are many wonderful treatments today and much hope for a productive and fulfilling life.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Here for you,
Life Coach Jane “Goldie” Winn, MSS
JaneGoldieWinn.com
More of Goldie’s Nuggets HERE
For an encouraging read, RAINBOW IN THE NIGHT: A JOURNEY OF REDEMPTION, on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Kindle.
Click on any of the following links to buy my book; thank you!
