In another post I told you about depression from the viewpoint of blogger Darren Rowse of ProBlogger.com. He shared how he dealt with depression, steps that I endorse and recommend to my patients. In this post I talk about another public person who has depression and uses her insights to help others.
Sheila Walsh-singer, speaker, author
Sheila was an accomplished singer when she became co-host of The 700 Club. She seemed to be at the peak of her career publicly but privately she was careening downward. One evening she left the studio on the verge of suicide and checked into a mental hospital .
Since then she has lived with depression but not under the weight of depressive feelings.
” After entering the hospital, Sheila went through therapy and evaluation. Along the way, she discovered things about herself that were harmful. For example, when she was unable or unwilling to deal with what was true about her life, she buried it.
“You can try for years to deny the things that are tearing at your soul, but they will not go away. They thrive in the shadowlands, and if you don’t deal with them, they will one day deal with you.”
Sheila
Her doctor determined that she was severely clinically depressed. She had all the classic signs:
- insomnia,
- loss of memory,
- loss of appetite,
- overwhelming feelings of hopelessness,
- loss of emotional control, and
- an unbearable sadness.
Sheila’s doctor helped her understand that mental illness is a reality, a treatable reality, and there is no shame there. Through prayer, reading the Bible, therapy, and medication Sheila began to manage her depression. At the end of thirty days, Sheila left the hospital and returned to CBN to say goodbye. ”
from CBN.com
Sheila’s top 4 tips
In a radio interview with Jenny Dean Schmidt of Channel Mom, Sheila lists 4 things that help her deal with depression.
- walking her dogs
- listening to worship music
- sleeping well
- staying in touch with trusted friends who “know all about me”
“a kind supportive boss”
In this interview with her former boss, Pat Robertson, Sheila explains how his kind and caring support, medication, and her faith helped her overcome depression .
These are all similar to things Darren mentioned in his article- exercise (walking), getting a dog, telling friends and family, medication, and prayer/meditation.
How Sheila was “Loved Back to Life”
In this book, Sheila tells her story of her recovery from depression.
Sheila’s “Unexpected Grace”
I enjoyed Sheila’s story about supporting her mother-in-law through a cancer diagnosis.
“Unexpected Grace is a tender account of the relationship between a mother and daughter-in-law and how they discovered extravagant grace in the midst of what could have been the most tragic experience of their lives. Their story will encourage you and help you see how God can bring good out of even the bleakest circumstances. “
Sheila Walsh
books available on Kindle Unlimited and Audible
If you haven’t read it already, please read my post about how Darren Rowse manages to control his depression.
How to relieve depression in 11 simple steps
Not everyone needs antidepressant medication, but when they do, it can make a dramatic difference. Medication needs adequate time and dosage to be effective, and once that is reached should be continued long enough for the depression to stay in remission.
If you are depressed and thinking about or planning suicide, please stop and call this number now-988
exploring the HEART of freedom from depression
Dr Aletha
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 
I do think staying in touch with people is important, even when you don’t feel like it. Any physical exercise, esp if outdoors is good.
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I agree Lydia, and it’s hard to do when you don’t feel like being around other people. And, others may not want to be with a depressed person or may feel inadequate to deal with it. The support of understanding and caring friends and family can keep a depressed person connected and active , important steps to recovery.
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