Depression and suicide seem to go hand in hand.   Sometimes getting to the bottom of a problem requires letting go of it.  Sometimes we need to share our thoughts with others.  Sometimes we have to look for the signs and seek professional help.  This is a malady that is effecting far too many in our immediate families, in our church communities, in our workplace, all around us. It has reached epidemic status and continues to grow.

Have we forgotten that we’re not alone in our struggles?  Have we become so isolated and encapsulated  in our own little world that we’re oblivious to what is happening under our own roofs. It may sound cliche’ and even like a cop out to some.  It might seem that even our faith is not strong enough to get us through this, but when you’re depressed, you need something to cling to – someone to go to bat for you – someone to love you and tell you it’s going to be alright.

Maybe it’s time to turn to the One who knows what it’s really like to suffer.  He did so willingly, so that we wouldn’t have to.

There is a reason for your existence.  Don’t ever think that taking your own life is the solution.  Your contribution to the betterment of the world will be lost if you do.  Those you leave behind will also be scarred forever.  Only God can determine the extent of your life.  He will also be there to get you through the toughest of times.

I have posted this poem before.  I wrote it shortly after Robin Williams’ suicide.

ART  & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When fears and worries are so real,
We sometimes wonder why we feel,
The pangs of deep depression.

The weight’s extreme – we lose all hope,
Our hearts grow sad – for strength we grope,
To lighten this progression.

We look within and try to cope
There are no answers in our scope
It now becomes oppression.

We try so hard to rise above,
We search in vain for any love.
To deal with this obsession.

We cannot do it on our own,
We need one advocate alone,
To bring our full confession.

God takes our hand and leads us out,
Relieves our pain – our fear – our doubt.
He is our best possession.

His love is great – it sees us through
When there is nothing we can do.
Our words hold no expression.

He lifts us from the pit of death.
He died for us to give us breath.
To wipe out our transgression.