“When Saints Sing the Blues”

Scripture-based men and women group for those living with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. The goal is to give each other perspective, validation, and support while working through the book, When Saints Sing the Blues. The this group is open to all and meets at Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) in Huntington Beach, CA, USA. For more information contact the CPC at 714-968-4940.

Meetings are scheduled for every other Monday at 7:00-8:30 PM in Modular 2A.

Next meetings schedule:
August 20: Chapter 11. Paul - When the Pressure Is Keen
September 3: Chapter 12. Treasures in the Darkness
September 17: new book (TBA)

Note: Men and women

Bring Back the Hope (Depression Support Group - DSG)

Those of you in Orange County, CA, USA, can find a great depression support group at Saddleback Church (How can we help you? – Support Groups - Medical Support Groups - Depression). They meet every other Tuesday night from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in Room 305 (modular buildings near Tents 1 and 3). The group consists of people struggling with depression and/or anxiety as well as others learning about how to be supportive. While Christian based it is not high pressure, this is truly a loving and welcoming environment for all. For more information feel free to call them at 949-609-8392.

Upcoming 2007 dates:
August 14 & 28; September 11 & 25; October 9 & 23; November 6 & 20; December 4 & 18.

Note: Men and women

Conquering Depression (Life Changers)

Mariners Church in Irvine, CA (near UCI) as part of their Mariners Care Support Ministry has a weekly depression support group that meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.

Conquering Depression will change the way you live your life! You will learn how to better connect with yourself, God and others.

The support group is led by Todd Clements, M.D. and Mike Marino. Dr. Clements has worked with Focus on the Family and Meier Clinics, he is a former youth pastor, and actively attends Mariners Church. Mike was the Executive Director of New Life Ministries and the producer and co-host of the New Life Live radio program.

This group is open, just show up as needed.

Note: Men and women

Morning Has Broken

While I have many topics in my mind for "Today’s Ramblings," I want to plug a book I am reading now (squeezed in between three others). Morning Has Broken is the firsthand description of Phillip Aronson’s experience with major depression along with Emme Aronson’s description of her life as wife, mother, and caregiver during Phil’s depression. I believe there are many parallels that can be taken from this book to any family experiencing depression, even less severe cases like mine.

In a number of places Emme provides tips on how she wishes she had been more active in Phil’s treatment, 20/20 hindsight, Monday morning quarterbacking, and/or the classics “I wish I knew then what I know now.” While I know this may sound strange, luckily for the rest of us she was not more active and Phil’s depression was life impacting. Because if not, I am sure they would not have felt the need to write this helpful book, which I believe is in God’s plan to help men and their families deal with the depression illness.

Emme and Phil also have a Wellness Coaches page with additional information. There is a podcast interview with Emme and Phil about the book, which is interesting. I think the video series is an excellent overview of depression the disease and its effects on others. The podcast and all of the videos (11 in total) can be reviewed in under 30 minutes and it is well worth your time. While this “coaching” may be beneficial to the person with depression, I think it is excellent for those that have taken on the roll of caregiver and anyone else interested in learning more about depression. Unfortunately, there is not much else available on this site at this time.