Depression is a real problem that can have devastating effects to many individuals and to their loved ones. Today in a world of pandemic concerns and social-isolation, symptoms of depression may develop or worsen in those who already struggle with it.
Too often those who suffer do not seek help. This is unfortunate, because it is possible to move from depression to hope. Today’s post features an important resource that candidly shares how its author learned to move from depression to hope.
One author is living proof that mental illness can be managed. Her informative book offers hope. She genuinely wants to share help and hope and knows from personal experience with clinical depression that hope is possible.
An advocate for mental health, Julie Hersh is well-credentialed. She earned a BBA at the University of Notre Dame. Her blog, Struck by Living, is a feature on the Psychology Today website. Hersh is a guest blogger on the Menninger Clinic website, ”Say No to Stigma.” She was awarded the Mental Health America Ruth Altschuler Community Advocate Prism Award and is President of the Hersh Foundation.
Thankfully Hersh has authored STRUCK BY LIVING: FROM DEPRESSION TO HOPE and is donating proceeds from book sales to help programs on, research in, and victories over mental illness. Hersh shared, “Despite medical advances, too many people die by suicide, because they are afraid to seek help.”
I agree with this author’s statement and am sharing about her important book. Now it’s your turn. If you or someone you know may benefit from STRUCK BY LIVING, then please check out this book that has been called a story of courage, love, hope, and victory. Do it today, because hope may be desperately needed now. Tomorrow may be too late.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24-hour crisis hotline): 1-800-273-8255
Confidential online chat is available @ suicidepreventionlifeline.org
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
SAM BUTCHER: PRECIOUS MOMENTS AND HOPE
Even the most talented artists don’t always lead charmed lives. Sometimes the extraordinary beauty of their artwork that blesses us most comes after great suffering.
Sam Butcher is an American artist who has experienced the painful loss of 2 sons by death and has faced struggles that included bi-polar disorder, depression, anger, and excessive alcohol. Yet his artwork carrying the name, “Precious Moments,” brings hope, peace, and beauty to multitudes.
I plan to share more on Sam’s art and legacy in a future blog and will end today’s post with a poetic explanation of how he ultimately faced his struggles. Do you doubt that precious moments and hope can follow profound pain and suffering in one’s life? Read the poem below to understand how Sam Butcher found personal hope and peace he desperately needed.
“The sad loss of a loved one Can be so hard at times; I understand, because I lost Two precious sons of mine. I lost my way and wandered In a valley of despair, Because my heavy burden Was too much for me to bear. But then I heard a still small voice So warm and tender; It was the voice of Him, who said I’m here, just trust in me. Then all at once, I felt a touch. It was the hand of God So gentle, warm, and soothing Like a balm in Gilead. We need not be afraid, my friend, When sorrow comes, because The Lord will bless us and keep us By the power of His love.”
(Samuel J. Butcher)