I’m glad the holidays are over!
No, I’m not some sort of Scrooge or Grinch. I love the Christmas season, the lights, the presents, the food, time with family, the songs… all of it! As the song goes “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
No, I’m glad the holidays are over, because it’s the hardest time of the year for a lot of my patients. Many feel socially isolated and alone. For others, Christmas is a time of grief, a painful reminder of loved ones they’ve lost. Still others face the New Year with hearts filled with despair over the mistakes they’ve made in the old year. Whatever the reason, depression and anxiety reach a peak in the holiday season and I end up seeing their devastating effects in our exam rooms every day.
This past year seemed worse than ever before. I stopped counting the number of people I was seeing with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. It was heartbreaking to see a young person break down in tears, because the stress was too much, or an elderly lady mourning over her husband who had died the previous year.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of year filled with “Joy to the World” and “Peace on Earth, good will to men”, but instead so many are crying out with David, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” Psalm 42:11 NIV.
Unfortunately, depression and anxiety don’t go away at the stroke of midnight on December 31st. Mental health disorders don’t take a winter vacation. No, depression and anxiety are a fact of life for far too many people all through the year.
That’s why I’m excited the Cashmere Seventh-day Adventist Church is sponsoring the Nedley Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program.
A wholistic lifestyle program, developed by Dr. Neil Nedley, this comprehensive, evidence-based program has helped thousands find freedom from depression and anxiety. I have helped out with this program in the past and I can testify to the difference it has made in people’s lives.
If you live in the Cashmere or Wenatchee area and you suffer from depression or anxiety, or know someone who does, please join us for the free introductory session at Cashmere SDA Church, 507 Pioneer Ave, Cashmere, WA 98815, at 6:30 PM.
For more information or for directions go to http://nedleydepressionrecovery.com/listing/cashmere-sda-church-507-pioneer-ave-cashmere-wa-98815/.
If you don’t live in the area you can find a program near you at http://nedleydepressionrecovery.com/program-locations/.
Whether you come to the Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program or not, I encourage you to seek the help you need. Science has made major strides against these devastating diseases. Don’t let depression and anxiety win. There is hope and it’s yours for the asking!
Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” That abundant life can be yours. Contact your doctor or mental health professional today and take the first step towards living fully alive in 2018!