Depression/Anxiety

Did you know that even Big Bird got depressed? The man inside Big Bird, I mean, Caroll Spinney (December 26, 1933 — December 8, 2019). He walked around in Big Birds feet for 49 years, retiring in 2018.

a really good 2014 documentary 

 

It was a challenging job to operate Big Bird. Spinney stretched his right arm up through the puppet’s neck to control the mouth and eyes. Can you imaging doing that for almost 50 years?! His left arm controlled both of BB’s. To not trip over a kid or another character on Sesame Street, Spinney wore a TV screen strapped to his chest.

As Big Bird, Spinney was cheerful and optimistic, but in real life, he suffered from depression, and even suicidal thoughts, after a divorce in the early 70’s.  In a documentary about his life, called,  “I Am Big Bird”,  Caroll explains how he was able to overcome it. To anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, he said “It isn’t that bad. You will find a day that’s better. The sun will eventually come out for you.”

Caroll Spinney quote illustrated by @Gloris_Smith_Young

I’ve struggled with depression, myself, off and on, over the years. Prayer has really helped. Well, not just prayer, but the One to whom I pray, God. He has really helped me when I’ve cried out to him. Again and again, he has lifted me up, brushed the dust off my clothes, so to speak, and set me up on a higher place, sheltered safely beneath his wing.

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4

I feel comforted. In fact, God is called “The God of All Comfort” in the Bible.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort…”  (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV)

When I pour my heart out to Him, like Psalm 62:8 encourages us to do, I feel better. Even if I’m still depressed, I feel better. 

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8

God comforts, and has guided me to resources, like an article  written by Dr. Erica Eliott. She is a physician in Santa Fe, NM, who discovered a link between gluten and depression. She explains:

In some people, gluten sensitivity can manifest as a neurological disease affecting primarily the brain, and can cause or exacerbate “brain fog,” profound fatigue, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar illness, schizophrenia and other mental conditions.”

I learned through research and trial and error to avoid gluten, sugar, and to limit pretty much anything that comes in a box, a bag or a tube.

The better I eat, the better I think and handle the hard things in life, like this pandemic.

Exercise, sunshine and music help, too.

What about you? Do you struggle with depression? If so, how are you overcoming it? Or maybe you aren’t and want some prayer? Comment below.

What you say may be more important to someone reading this than what I’ve said. 

And remember,

“Bad days happen to everyone, but when one happens to you, just keep doing your best and never let a bad day make you feel bad about yourself.” — Big Bird

I’m not alone. And neither are you.

Sometimes, life seems like a great Big SMACKDOWN ! I mean, you jump a hurdle, like maybe get over an illness or your family’s finances improve, than Smack! Before you can finish the victory jig, your face-down in the dirt again.

   Take this pandemic, for instance. Finally, businesses and parks are starting to open. It feels safer to leave our homes again, then smack! “Two Inch Long Murder Hornets land on U.S. Soil!” Wait, what?!

Then, of course, I have my own personal ups and downs, like a scary thing that happened yesterday. It started with a “Help, Dave!” and ended with a “Why, God?!” 

After a winter-long exercising slump, plus a health setback, Dave and I finally started exercising again. We were muscle-toning and walking our ever-lovin’ hearts out. It felt great. In fact, I said to Dave, “I feel a decade younger!” Yay!

Then, smack! 12 hours later, my back goes out. I’m crumpled on the floor, crying out in pain. Just like that. No warning. Today, I’m hobbling around like I’m a decade older, not younger. sigh…

But, fortunately, I have backup. God’s word and His good Spirit will see me through this storm, like He has seen me through every storm I’ve ever faced ever since I came to know him in college, lo’ those maaany years ago. (No, I ain’t sayin’ how many) (Yes, college educated folks say ain’t)

The point is?

I am not alone…I may have struggles and doubts. I may have pains that make me shout! But I am not alone.

~~”For it is written, ‘I will never leave you not forsake you.’ ” Hebrews 13:5b

~~”For whatever was written in former times was written for our instruction that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. ” Romans 15:4 ESV

^{~~ “}And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV

~~”Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV

How ’bout you? How has God helped you through some storms? Please share. Your story may be a lifesaver for someone else….