Depressed? Me, Too.

I don't know if it is mid-winter blues, post-holiday let-down, or life in general, but I have been having a hard time lately. I want to accomplish things, but I am too tired and too overwhelmed. I get discouraged, even depressed. I know I am not alone. I am going to link to three articles that might help you if you are going through this despondency, too. They may or may not help. They may not "speak to you" as they did to me. However, if you will read them, you may find some ideas that will help you begin feeling hope and peace. The first two are articles from Meridian Magazine and the third is from the Ensign.

"Keys to Overcoming Discouragement, Despondency, Depression" by Darla Isackson

"Finding Rest from Traditional Resolutions" by Darla Isackson

"Do Not Despair" by President Ezra Taft Benson

Overcoming these negative feelings is important and it is something we can do. It isn't easy. The main thing is to turn to the Lord and lean on Him.

I know that sometimes we look down on what might be called Self Help articles and books, but I feel we should be open to whatever ideas and encouragement we can find. Just reading these things doesn't automatically make everything okay again. What we can do, however, is find perspectives that perhaps we hadn't thought of before. We'll find at least one or two ideas that resonate with us. If, in addition, we search the scriptures and read books or hymns or poems that we have found uplifting in the past, we can begin to raise our spirits and find a little energy to tackle life again. As we do so, we'll find ourselves being lifted a bit more, and so it continues.

Here's wishing you a truly happy new year.