SADNESS & DEPRESSION

In 2009, Gallup-Healthways conducted a survey that revealed about forty million American adults had been diagnosed with depression.  Signs of depression include a feeling of emptiness and extreme sadness, making everyday life somewhat of a struggle. 

And here’s another statistic.  On average, American’s spend 95% of their time indoors isolated and cut off from creation.  If God speaks to us through His creation, then how can one expect to heal from the sadness that grips the heart?

Ever since the Deepwater Horizon Disaster, I have had to deal with my own depression, among many others, who live here in the Gulf of Mexico region.  Some took their own lives.  When BP destroyed the one thing that gave us salvation, we no longer had that elective to tap into the healing energy that we were accustomed to.  The damage was done, and it wasn’t something any of us could fix.

I know of one Gulf resident who began taking some of the most beautiful pictures of birds. She said she had to look up, because what lay at her feet was just too horrifying.  She claims her new found hobby saved her life.

I myself found solace in starting a couple small vegetable gardens in my yard, and we purchased an above ground pool for the backyard.  Those two small activities really did help me tremendously.  Even today, I and my other half spend most of our weekends in the backyard cooking out and playing like kids in the pool.

Just being outside among nature with bare feet planted on the ground can heal the spirit tremendously.  Some of the best photos/video I have ever taken of wildlife has come out of my backyard; which is an example that you don’t have to drive an hour or so away to be a part of the outdoors to heal yourself of your burden. 

And I can support this opinion even further when I consider my pets.  We have two dogs and two cats.  The unconditional love of a pet is food for the heart. 

We’re a product of our environment.  If you spend 95% of your time indoors, you mostly likely have your attention directed at the television.  You’re assaulted with commercials telling you you need a pill for whatever ills you.  Abused dogs and starving children tugging at your heart.  The nightly news affects your mood as well, whether it is anger or sadness.  Angry at our government, or sadden by the endless bombing of babies and civilians, like in the Israel-Palestine Conflict.

Turn the T.V. off and step outside.  Shut down your thoughts.  Look to the sky, or get on your hands and knees and lay your head to the Earth and ask her take away your troubles.  Or just sit and be and watch what comes to you.  The seat of the divine is in your heart – feed it well.