I am 73, and perhaps my words will have some positive thought to add to what has been already said.
I am not a minister. I am a retired layman who worked in layman’s occupations, but I have suffered depression. I also suffer from normal pressure hydrocephalus, or, in non-medical terms, “water on the brain,” caused by severe blows to the head in my childhood. I blame my NPH for the loss of my Air Force career, at least two of my computer programming and analysis jobs, and for the loss of our insurance, both life and health.
My wife died of colon cancer on Jan. 11, 2000. After 43 years of having her with me, I drove home from the hospital without her. Perhaps two months after her death, I developed depression. Somehow, I was able to recognize it and ask for help, but most of the help I received was from support groups: the Greenville County Cancer Society, my pastor, and family, of course. God took care of me.
As good as their letter was, I feel a small correction is in order for what Dr. James W. Hayes and Glenda Hayes, R.N., wrote (“Your Views,” Feb. 18). When they said that comfort and support is what is desired by those who are depressed, I’m convinced that the word should be “needed” or “what they must have.”
One thing I must add: One of the correspondents mentioned that October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Why don’t we have Pastor Appreciation every week?
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