Fight the Good Fight!

This recent General Conference, Elder Holland delivered another premier address focusing this time on a topic that I think hit a cord for all of us, that of depression, discouragement and self-doubt.

His talk entitled "Like a Broken Vessel," as the Psalmist says,  addressed an issue that a lot of people deal with. Elder Holland went on to explain "we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind."

If we have suffered with this in the past or do so now, we are not alone. Some of the greatest men and woman in the history of the world have suffered with this mental disorder at some point in time in their lives, such as Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchhill, President George Albert Smith and even Elder Holland.

We should never consider ourselves alone in this struggle. It is something that is real and has, or does now, affect us. I think all of you, at one point in time, have shared with me your personal struggles in this area. And I've shared with you my struggles with it as well, trying to cope with the trials and opposition in life. It is something that is sometimes difficult to share or admit we have or are going through. But it is critical to not ignore it, hoping that it will just go away, or that we can work through it. Elder Holland said, " However bewildering this all may be, these afflictions are some of the realities of mortal life, and there should be no more shame in acknowledging them than in acknowledging a battle with high blood pressure or the sudden appearance of a malignant tumor."

Elder Holland went on to say, " In striving for some peace and understanding in these difficult matters, it is crucial to remember that we are living—and chose to live—in a fallen world where for divine purposes our pursuit of godliness will be tested and tried again and again. Of greatest assurance in God’s plan is that a Savior was promised, a Redeemer, who through our faith in Him would lift us triumphantly over those tests and trials, even though the cost to do so would be unfathomable for both the Father who sent Him and the Son who came. It is only an appreciation of this divine love that will make our own lesser suffering first bearable, then understandable, and finally redemptive."

He also counseled, " Whatever your struggle, my brothers and sisters—mental or emotional or physical or otherwise—do not vote against the preciousness of life by ending it! Trust in God. Hold on in His love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee."

My father, Grandpa Stone, struggled with this demon most of his life. I never noticed it in him as I was growing up, but it was very noticeable after his brain tumor surgery, when he lost the nerve feelings in the left side of his face, causing it to droop. That is the Grandpa you all probably remember. I learned later that he actually suffered with depression most of his life. My Dad is now free from this mortal trial and busy giving his family love, encouragement and support.

So this leads me to a question. Is depression hereditary? And is it something that we can inherit?

Experts largely agree that the origins of depression could be caused by a mixture of genetic and other reasons such as stress, and that our genes help determine the likelihood of depression. In a 2001 study, they found that a person's genetic makeup does matter in how she or he reacts to stress and supports earlier findings that people who had a less functional short allele on a certain area of the serotonin gene had a more difficult time recovering from trauma compared to those with long alleles. (An allele is one of a number of alternative forms of the same gene or same group of genes. Source: Wikipedia)

So yes, this type of disorder can be hereditary. But because it is, doesn't mean we have to live with it all our life. There are ways to work with it. But before I get into that let's look at just what physically, or mentally, causes this disorder.

To understand this further, the website www.aboutdepressionfacts.com, states, "The hormone serotonin serves a crucial role within our brain chemistry. The level of serotonin within the brain has a major affect on our emotions, thinking and behavior. Given that anti depressants modify the amount of serotonin within the brain, it’s always been thought that the hormone plays a part in the forming of mental illness. As a result, the level of serotonin which your body makes and keeps seems to be vital in the struggle against depression. Since the TPH2 gene is a key part in controlling the serotonin level, experts believe that TPH2 plays a part in the development of psychiatric disorders.

So depression can be a chemical imbalance from our brain. There are prescribed medications, and other supplements and activity that can help to bring this imbalance into balance.

In my efforts to personally fight this demon,  I have tried the prescribed medications and did not like the way it left me emotionless and flat. So I went about doing some Internet research and found some good alternatives that have worked well for me. These are not in any particular order. But all of them are important to use in combination. If you do one and not another, I feel it will not have the same result. So here they are.

Exercise - Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.

I love to play racquetball. When I was playing, it was a great stress reliever. But with the deterioration of my knees, it has become a little more difficult to do. I have found cycling to fit the bill best for me. (I have to thank Adam for getting me into it) You've probably noticed recently that I have picked up the pace with this activity. I'm feeling much better for having done so.

Vitamin Supplements - I found vitamin supplements, namely vitamin D, that help in improving the chemical imbalance area of the brain that causes depression. A study of more than 81,000 women found those with the highest intake of vitamin D from food sources had a significantly lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. The researchers suggested that vitamin D may affect the function of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters that are likely involved in depression, while also modulating the relationship between depression and inflammation.

I've tried a couple of different vitamin B supplements, and am finding the Walmart brand of "Stress Vitamin B Complex" to be working the best. It has the key B vitamins for stress, as well as vitamin C and Zinc. I would recommend this kind.

Your Family - One of the most important aspects of dealing with stress and depression is to rely upon family members for support and help. Aside from just talking with them about it (Which is extremely important to do), allow them to help and pitch in. Don't carry the burden of heavy responsibilities all on your shoulders. Be willing to allow them to help. But, you say, "They are so busy with their own lives, how can I lean on them?" Dealing with this disorder is a two way street. Let's say you ask a sibling, who is also dealing with depression. Their help will give you some relief, and them helping (Serving) is good medicine for their own struggles. To me, it seems when we are helping others, it takes our mind off of our own problems, and makes us feel better.

Spiritual Nourishment - Seek God and His spirit. Live your life such that you are constantly inviting the spirit into your life. Pray and read the scriptures every single day. Never miss a day! And don't just read the scriptures, but study, ponder and pray about them. There is great solace in studying the Word of the Lord. It is the iron rod (The Word of God) that will lead you through the dark and dreary mist of discouragement and stress, and lead you to the Tree of Life, which is the love of God.

Speaking of God's love, Elder Holland said, "Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. As President Monson said to the Relief Society sisters so movingly last Saturday evening: 'That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.' Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings. Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Believe in miracles. I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead."

And lastly, know that Mom and I are always there for you. We love you and are amazed, on a daily basis, of how blessed our family is. We have 5 adorable and beautiful children. Your beauty is deep, both physical and spiritual. You have, along with your spouses, brought into this world, through birth and adoption, beautiful and talented grandchildren. You and your children (Our grandchildren) have been held back in the heavens to be on this earth at this particular time. You have the greatest responsibility, more than any other parent who has ever lived on this earth, throughout the history of time, to raise a generation of young people who will prepare the world for the glorious second return of our Savior Jesus Christ. They are here, living in your homes. And He will return, sooner than you may think.

That is why challenges are immense and trials unbearable. Satan knows who you and your children are and how close the Lord's return is. He has unleashed every stratagem to destroy this earth and its people. With gold and silver, he has bought armies, navies, corrupt governments and the media. He wants us to be depressed and discouraged. He wants us to to think we are worth nothing... because he knows our true value. The question is, do you?

As a family, lets pull together and fight the good fight!

For we are the army of Stones!

Love, Dad