Just when you think you know it all...

As I'm trying to watch my daughter play baseball I feel a dizzy sensation. Not the first time - I've felt it frequently in spring or fall when watching outdoor events and there is a cool or cold breeZe on my face.

Finally it clicks - I do have a skin reaction of welts and itching when my skin is exposed to cooler air. This can happen inside as well as outdoors. But I did not consider the dizziness was a symptom so I looked it up. Yup, it's
another.

I've also been experiencing severely dry mouth which I had not previously. Guess what? Yup that's a symptom too.

So although I stand in faith on the promise of healing, I am momentarily feeling like a victim: like what next; not more symptoms!

But then I remember the bazillion things I have to be thankful for and I am no longer brought low. I know I can persevere. I have the God given grace to do it. I choose not to be a victim. I choose to reach out and help someone else.

It always works. When you think you can't bear another symptom, reach out and help someone else. It doesn't have to be physical help. It can be a phone call, an email, a listening ear. It may not make the pain or symptom go away, but it will release good chemicals in your mind and body that will help and it will get your mind off of the symptoms.

Teenage Depression

Not a lot of people know this statistic - 30% of teenagers suffer from teenage depression! Seems hard to believe. The problem is most parents don't think it's possible for their seemingly normal teen to suffer from depression.

We're not talking moody or depressed over some things that are going on. Or the ups and downs of relationships and hormones. Those things are a part of life. If those things send your child into a downward spiral most often you will recognize it. I mean depression - the kind that your child may not be able to explain. There is no particular reason for it. There are things going on in their minds that don't make sense or make them think or feel like they are going "crazy".

And sometimes the teen does ask for help or mentions things they feel but as parents often do, we tell them it's just a phase, no big deal, it'll pass, there's nothing wrong.

You know how they find out it is a big deal? They end up in the hospital because their teen has been cutting, or worse, they've attempted suicide and failed or succeeded.

I'm not trying to scare anyone. I just want to make parents and teens aware of this fact. So parents while you're talking to your child ask straight forward questions. Ask them if they've ever had thoughts of suicide or tried to commit suicide. Or if they have intentionally hurt themselves. Thoughts of suicide include things like feeling or thinking they are worthless or a waste of space; feeling like the world would be a better place without them. Don't be afraid to ask and don't be afraid of their answers. Depression does not have to be a death sentence. There is a way out.

And kids, if you reach out to someone and they don't take you seriously or they brush it off, reach out to someone else. Teachers, principals, pastors, doctors, your friend's parents, the suicide hotline - these are all possible avenues to get help. Don't give up. Talk about it. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed. You are loved and wanted. Someone wants to help you. And God loves you no matter what. There is nothing you can do or say or think that would make Him stop loving you.

Some people try to cope by drinking or smoking or doing drugs. You don't have to do that either. It is possible to cope and move through this without those things.

So let's not make this subject off limits. Ignorance is not always bliss. Sometimes it can be deadly.