You are Not Alone

I don’t know if it is just because of the economic and social problems of our country, or where I work, or because I deal with it myself, but I am encountering more and more people who struggle with depression.

In a recent book I read (Engaging the Powers), the author suggested that such a response is natural in light of the ever-increasing tide of natural catastrophes and human tragedies that are paraded before our eyes on Television and the Newspapers on a daily basis. The human soul can only bear so much pain, and those who are more sensitive to the suffering in the world, will experience increasing struggles with bouts of fear, anxiety, anger, and depression.

I don’t know if this is correct or not, but one thing I do know: If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone.

I say this not to depress you further, but to let you know that there are others out there who feel the same way, and who struggle with the same things, and one way to cope with your own depression is to connect with others who also struggle with it, to learn from them, help them, and be encouraged by them.

There is a new book coming out in October called Not Alone, edited by Alise Wright, which will help in this way.

Here is the publication announcement about this book:

Depression is a very real experience for many people. The causes can be varied. Abuse. Chemical imbalances. Divorce. Rejection. There is no one reason that a person might suffer depression. However, one common theme is that it can leave the person feeling isolated and alone. Because of the stigma that is often associated with depression, people often remain silent about it, never knowing that the person next to them is going through the same thing or has experienced it in the past. Instead, they hide away, believing that no one understands, believing that no one cares.

In this book, the authors break the silence, boldly sharing their stories of depression. Whether sharing how they first discovered that what they were feeling was depression, telling how they sought help for their depression or giving words of hope that depression can be managed, the authors all tackle the lie that you must suffer in solitude. With courage and honesty, these stories give a glimpse into the depressed existence. While you will not find a cure for depression in these pages, you will find a sense of community. You will find words of hope. You will find that you are Not Alone.

I have dealt with depression, and am a contributor to this book. Though I think I am doing better now than at times in the past, I am looking forward to reading what the other contributors have to say.

If you are dealing with depression, or know someone who is, I encourage you to pre-order a copy of the book today.