Myrtle
About the Author

Myrtle's old life as a teacher should have prepared her for motherhood- but God has a great sense of humor! Join her at Myrtle's Turtles and follow her on twitter

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. So, so true. My mother had a “talk” with my sister and I when we were younger about depression because it runs rampant in one side of our family (we can trace it back to the 1800’s it’s so severe) I’ve always grown up seeing it as a sickness, that’s just what it is, like a cold only a lot worse. You wouldn’t blame a person that caught the flu, a person has no control over depression either once things get so unbalanced in their mind. Praise God his strength is sufficient for any of us going through depression or having a family member go through depression. Thanks for the post and openess.

    • Thanks Kasey. It runs rampant in my husband’s family as well. Without God’s strength I don’t know what we would do. I am thankful that I can pray for my children now so they won’t have to suffer like my husband.

  2. Thanks for your honesty, courage and ablitlity to be brave with the rest of us. When I hear stories of depression, my heart aches a bit. I know the consuming power it can have on people. May God continuing His healing power in your family. Hugs.

    • Thanks for your encouragement Kristina. I knew that God was leading me to talk about this very sensitive issue. I am glad I listened.

  3. I have heard people say ‘get up, get dressed, and go outside’ like it is a simple thing to do. When you are in the grip of depression, it is the hardest thing to do. Someone who hasn’t been through it, either personally or along side one suffering, doesn’t understand. I stopped watching a ‘famous’ doctor on TV because I heard him telling a woman to ‘get up’ and ‘do something about it.’ A doctor, specifically a psychiatrist, should know better than that. Someone who is suffering the darkness of depression can’t just ‘get up’ and ‘do something about it.’ It doesn’t work that way. It IS all consuming and devastating. BUT, God can do something about it. He did something about it for me. I still have moments, but I’m an not in that dark pit I used to be in. And I have Him to thank for that; it was and is His hand that carries me out every single time I start slipping back.

    I thank you for your courage and honesty. And I pray that your family is blessed beyond measure each and every day.

  4. Hugs, Myrtle. People don’t realize how much of a strength and fortress He is until the storms of life force us there and we finally feel safe and those words become reality. Obviously, you’ve been there enough times that His arms are the natural place for you to go. I’m sorry that you’ve been through that, but glad that you know where the Source of comfort and strength really lies.

  5. Oh Myrtle how I love you babes! You are one incredible, inspiring and tough Momma! I love how you can pour out to others even through your pain and still pass along a courage that truly comes from White Knuckling it with God. You are amazing. xo

  6. I know God is here, but I can’t feel him. It’s dark, I can’t see Him. I function, but I DON”T WANT TOO !! I want to be open to love but I don’t trust anyone. They walk on egg shells around me and don’t tell the truth. I just want to take all my pills and sleep, to stop feeling this way. Pray for me, PLEASE !

    • Sue, my heart aches at reading your words. I ask that God surround you with his protective and comforting arms of love. I know depression is a daily battle. It robs the person of even the idea of hope. Don’t listen to that lie. Jesus came to offer hope. Please hold on to him. I pray that God would send you compassionate and loving people who will embrace you while you fight this terrible disease. Please hold on.

      • I also just want to say that it took me many years to understand what my husband was going through. I did a lot of dismissing and later trying to fix him. I felt like I was walking on egg shells. It did not have anything to do with my love for him. I just didn’t know how to respond and didn’t know what to say. Sometimes people speak out of pure ignorance. They really don’t know what to say or what they are saying. Please take care.

  7. There are so many things in society that are taboo that just shouldn’t be. Your husband didn’t choose to have depression. I didn’t choose to have ADD. I didn’t choose to have a miscarriage yrs ago. None of these topics should be off limits. They’re a part of life and we all know someone going through something!

    Thank you for sharing your amazing and emotional experience. Your honesty is appreciated!

  8. Thank you for sharing your story and the important reminder about depression. So many people suffer from this and even with all the talk, I feel as if it is still a hush, hush topic.

    So nice meeting you Myrtle. I’m going to head over and check out your site.

  9. What a beautifully written story about a horrific experience. But thank you for having the courage to share. Christians, above all people, must realize that depression is not just a matter of changing one’s thoughts. A better understanding of this physiological condition must be given to all, especially those suffering from it and the guilt that is heaped upon them for not just conquering their thoughts.

    Much needed post.

    Blessings,
    Janis

  10. Thanks for your honesty Myrtle . . .your story is so touching and heartfelt. God Bles you and your family!!!

  11. Thank you for sharing your story. I so understand the struggle, as my husband also has depression. Your story is an encouragement to me and reminds me that I am not alone. There are others like me and my husband, but more than that God is always with me.

  12. Thank you for sharing your story so honestly and compassionately. Depression is more common than people recognize and the face of depression cuts across socio-economic levels. You are blessed with loving friends and family and God’s grace… I pray that others will find comfort in a community that can help during those dark days.
    Thanks for posting this and for stopping by my Blogger blog.
    Best,
    Elizabeth

  13. My daughter suffers from depression. Most of the time I just don’t know what to do or say, and I’m a nurse. I never know what each day will bring. I don’t know what will be in her future. She has physical scars that she self-inflicted because she didn’t know how else to express her pain. She has mental scars I can’t even imagine. Dpression is a terrifying illness, not just for the sufferer, but for everyone who loves that person and feels so powerless to help.
    Thanks for sharing your experience.