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by Andrea Ferris, 09/01/07
One of my passions in life is helping those who suffer from depression. My heart was first broken with the reality and cruelty of depression when I saw it consume my sister’s life. My journey with this began over twenty years ago when I came home to face flashing police car lights, devastated parents, and a cold, white sheet covering my sister’s body. Soon, I found out the shocking and disturbing news that my sister had committed suicide. Although May 7, 1986 began as an ordinary spring day, it turned out to be a day that my family and I wish we could forget.
At the time, it seemed like a terrible nightmare, and I desperately wanted to wake up. However, the harsh reality soon set in, and I finally realized my sister and best friend was gone. I encountered my uncle when I first entered the house, and he kept saying “yes” and shaking his head forward while I said “no” over and over again. As I proceeded further into the kitchen, I knew it must be true when I saw the painful look on my father’s face and the tears streaming down his face. I knew something horrible must have happened because I had never remembered seeing my dad cry before. Then, my mom embraced me with hugs and did her best to console and comfort me. There was nothing we could do to bring her back to us and our grief was indescribable. She became another sad statistic of suicide due to bipolar disorder.
My emotions were in total disarray. I kept asking myself “why” and “how could she do that?” There were so many questions that I wanted to ask my sister, my parents, her doctor, our pastor, and even God. I was the last person to speak to her on the phone that afternoon and the last to tell her goodbye. If I had known it was our last goodbye, I would have told her so much more. I wanted someone to tell me why this happened.
Years later, after childbirth, I understood for the first time, a glimpse of the severe suffering my sister dealt with for years. Until I walked in her shoes, I did not truly understand the agony of her daily situation. I experienced a major depression myself and felt like I was trapped in a deep, dark pit and could not get out. I felt lonely, fearful, hopeless, and despairing. With the love and help of others, and many prayers, I got through the most difficult time in my life. My desire is to share with others that there is help for them, hope for their future, and that they are not alone.
Where To Get Help If you or a loved one suffer with this problem, seek help as soon as possible. You can seek help from local counselors, medical care and possible medication, pastoral and church support, local support groups, or fitness and nutrition experts.
For a Christ-centered, peer-led support and resource group, call Peachtree Corners Baptist Church at 770-448-1313. Overcoming Depression is a local chapter of DBSA, a national depression and bipolar support alliance with facilitators who understand and have been through emotional struggles themselves.
Peachtree Corners Baptist Church also offers other support groups such as Divorce Care, Divorce Care for Kids, and a parenting support group called S.P.A.M. (Solving Problems Among Mothers.) |