Time: Sat Jul 26 20:45:24 1997
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Date: Sat, 26 Jul 1997 20:42:53 -0700
To: jrueck@ejmark.org
From: Paul Andrew Mitchell [address in tool bar]
Subject: Paul Mitchell quote / My depression sermon
References: <1342178212-188487728@mailhost.kspress.com>
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I would first try to form a very frank image
in your mind of what it would feel like to be
healed of your chronic depression, and then
ask the Lord Most High to make this imaginary
feeling become a reality which you know is true,
for you, and for anybody else who needs to know.
Just remember where the cure came from, and
be sure to tell others how it happened, when
it happened.
The Lord Most High loves to get credit
for miracles.
This is the lesson which you will come to learn
from your illness, and its cure.
/s/ Paul Mitchell
http://www.supremelaw.com
At 09:09 PM 7/26/97 -0700, you wrote:
>Paul Andrew Mitchell (by way of Mark Freel ) wrote:
>>
>> Today's Quote:
>>
>> "God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas,
>> but for scars."
>>
>> Elbert Hubbard
>
>Sure enough! A good one, indeed. I should send you a copy of the
>sermon on "depression" I offered on 7/13/97 at Silver Lake UMC.
>So I will. Also, I should let you know that I fell from my bike
>on the approach ramp from US24 to US75 south (Westgate Bridge)
>just adjacent to Payless Cashways. It was 6:40 a.m., about, and
>the PC manager saw me, and asked the Coors manager to watch out
>for me while he called 911 (I guess -- I was unconscious at the
>time). I broke two ribs, and put a gash in my scalp that took
>10 stitches to nail back down (the flap of scalp that got abraded
>loose). I'm walking again, although it's not comfortable. The
>tough part is breathing, with the broken ribs. I'll make it though.
>I was on my way to Popeye's to do my workout, before going to class
>at Topeka Technical College, where next week I'll be teaching their
>highest level microprocessor class (that's a bit of a hoot, but they
>needed an engineer, and I am that) this next term.
>
>At the hospital, our daughter Robin noted that she would be among
>the first to sign a petition reminding me that riding a bicycle on
>US24 without a helmet was DUMB! Sure enough!
>
>OK. here's the sermon:
>
>On December 16, 1990, my mother passed away. Connie and I were attending
>a
>bell choir concert at the time at a Baptist church in Topeka. We had
>prepared for my mother’s death for quite some time, perhaps a year. And
>we
>were prepared, as was she. There were matters of our own responsibility
>which simply got set aside, on the notion that Mom would be gone soon,
>and
>then we could put our own lives back together.
>>
>>Thirty seven days later, my father passed away. He had celebrated Christmas
>of 1990 at our home in Silver Lake, and it seemed he was looking forward
>to
>a continued life of good health for some time. We hadn’t really
>considered
>his pending demise, nor had we prepared for it. Neither had he. He had
>gone
>into a hospital for some routine (he thought) checks to take care of
>matters
>he had let slide during Mom’s last days. There he discovered that one of
>his
>kidneys had shut down, and the other was near complete failure. He died
>within three days of entering the hospital.
>>
>>As you can imagine, this was quite a shock to me. The things we had hoped
>to involve Dad in, in our “recovery” from Mom’s illness, now had to be
>handled differently. It seemed I should take a look at my own physical
>condition, and try to recover some of the losses there. As I tried to do
>that, things just didn’t seem to work well at all. Intellectually it was
>obvious what I needed to do. Still, awareness wasn’t enough. I was
>somehow
>“stuck” in my situation, and couldn’t seem to move on.
>>
>>A wise physician suggested I seek some counsel with a social worker. That
>social worker led me eventually to a psychologist who gave me the best
>news
>I’d heard in years! He said that I DID NOT HAVE any “organic mental
>illness.” Yet, things weren’t working.
>>
>>Our local news media covered a story about National Mental Health Week,
>during which the Menninger Foundation would be holding a Depression
>Screening event. They were involved in a drug comparison study, and were
>seeking clinically depressed candidates to participate. There was no
>cost
>involved, so it seemed reasonable that I at least go to the seminar.
>After
>a cursory evaluation there, further study confirmed that my case
>qualified
>me to participate in the study. Over the next 13 weeks, I went from a
>placebo,
>to a “routine or normal” dose of a psychoactive drug (either Prozac or
>Zoloft,
>I still don’t know which), and eventually to a higher dose of the drug.
>What
>we determined during that time was that the drug seemed to have some
>beneficial effects on my moods -- my ability to address normal daily
>responsibilities. Going away from that study, arrangements were made for
>my
>case to be handled by a psychiatrist who could prescribe continued use
>of
>the drug (my primary care physician apparently felt this was out of his
>league). After an initial visit with the psychiatrist, my case was
>assigned
>to an ARNP (Nurse Practitioner) who continued to review my case, and to
>supply the prescriptions for the medication (Prozac).
>>
>>Also, the psychologist who had given me “the good news” initially, was able
>to continue to monitor my case during the time the medication was being
>administered. This continued for some months (about two years). During
>this
>time I continued to function as a professional engineer, and to handle
>our
>family responsibilities as needed.
>>
>>As Christmas 1996 approached, it seemed to me that it had been entirely too
>long since I had addressed the stresses and strains of daily life
>without
>the benefit of medication. I hadn’t seen the psychologist for a time,
>and
>had been given three month’s supply of the medication which was nearly
>gone.
>With some counsel, I chose to end both the psychotherapy and the
>medication
>at that time.
>>
>>Several things have happened. I’ve continued to function about as
>effectively as I did prior to either my Mother’s or my Father’s deaths.
>It’s
>apparent to me (and to those who see me often) that my fuse is a little
>shorter, without the benefit of the medication. Still, stresses of
>everyday
>life are not longer a debilitating threat to my functioning. This is not
>to
>say that I may not some day experience another “episode” of depres-sion,
>nor
>that I’m completely “out of the woods” on this one. The “door” remains
>open
>to me should it be necessary to again seek either medication or therapy.
>>
>>So what does all this have to do with us here today?
>>
>>Let’s look again at our Psalm reading this morning. In Psalm 24, v. 3
>(NRSV) Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his
>holy place? In v. 4, Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do
>not
>lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
>They’re
>not talking about profanity here. What this scripture states in other
>versions, is that it is those who are honest, and do not lie under oath.
>It
>wouldn’t be too hard for someone of limited self-esteem to think they’d
>never be able to “ascend the hill.”
>>
>>As I prepared for this time (of speaking to you this morning) I put out a
>note on the internet, which was broadcast literally around the world,
>asking
>for advice. Some of what came back, mostly within 24 hours, offered:
>>Even the risk of getting ahead of “the leading of the spirit” is of the
>spirit! Go For It!
>>When I got over depression, I forgot anything I found funny at the time.
>Sorry.
>> (in response to my request for a joke or two).
>>You’re going to be a “wounded healer” in this situation. Christ did that.
>>One pastor offered a complete sermon outline on a parallel topic.......
>>On one of my observations, a fellow from South Africa said “You are Spot
on!”
>>One cautioned me to keep “the blues” and “depression” distinct.
>>Another tactfully reminded me:
>> “...being in a pulpit should be an opportunity to talk about God and
something that
>> we have to share about that relationship. It is not a public service
lecture.”
>>
>>In response to a comment I made, about recognizing depression when it
>comes...that measures can be taken to respond....some of which will work
>right away, and some later:
>>
>>A respondent offered: A personal relationship with Jesus Christ was what
John
>> the Baptist knew that carried him through, even to his death (in his
imprisonment).
>>
>>When I described how big I am, one offered a paraphrase of the
twenty-third psalm:
>> If you've ever had a problem with poundage this one's for you!
>>
>>The Twenty Third Pastrami
>>
>>My appetite is my shepherd; I always want.
>>It maketh me sit down and stuff myself.
>>It leadeth me to my refrigerator repeatedly.
>>It leadeth me in the path of Burger King for a Whopper.
>>It destroyeth my shape.
>>Yea, though I knoweth I gaineth, I will not stop eating
>>For the food tasteth so good.
>>The ice cream and the cookies, they comfort me.
>>When the table is spread before me, it exciteth me
>>For I knoweth that I sooneth shall dig in.
>>As I filleth my plate continuously,
>>My clothes runneth smaller.
>>Surely bulges and pudgies shall follow me all the days of my life
>>And I shall be "pleasingly plump" forever.
>> -Author yet to be found!
>>
>
>>Some folks expect a lot of themselves. Their broad interests include
>insight in many topic areas. They fail to see that the insights held by
>experts -- has taken a long time to develop -- and that they can’t just
>“get
>it” overnight isn’t a failing at all. Even the experts didn’t “get it”
>overnight.
>>
>>Characterizations:
>>~* depression and the sense of loss of vocation and calling
>>~* loss of faith and the growing dark despair
>>~* the desert/wilderness of John the Baptist as an image of depression
>>~* John’s imprisonment as a “dark night of the soul”
>>
>>Remedies:
>>~* Jesus in Gethsemane
>>~* The Psalms
>>~* Jeremiah
>>~* Job
>>
>>From Connecticut, a pastor offered:
>> If anyone deserved to be depressed, it was Jesus. Yet it doesn’t seem so.
>Then again, in Phillipians 2 and Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a
>high
>priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
>who
>in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.” And 2 Cor
>5:21
>NRSV: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in
>him we
>might become the righteousness of God.”
>>
>> What does it mean to “sympathize” and to be “made him to be sin”? And,
>what was there about Jesus that gave him the ability to allude
>depression?
>Manning has written, “It was his continuous closeness in communion with
>his
>Heavenly Father in prayer and meditation, will and word, obedience and
>passion for others.
>>
>>In a brochure prepared by the National Institutes of Mental Health, the
>term “depressive episode” suggests that the distinction between “the
>blues”
>and “depression” may be hazy. Among the suggested causes of an episode
>are:
>“A serious loss, chronic illness, difficult relationship, financial
>problem,
>or any unwelcome change in life patterns can also trigger a depressive
>episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psy-chologic, and
>environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive
>disorder.”
>>
>>What is depression, or, taken another way, what is a Depressive Disorder?
>>“A depressive disorder is a ‘whole-body’ illness, involving your body,
>mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you
>feel
>about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive
>disor-der
>is not a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a
>condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive
>illness cannot merely ‘pull themselves together’ and get better.
>With-out
>treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate
>treatment, however, can help over 80% of those who suffer from
>depression.”
>>
>>Depression, and depressive disorders come in “types.” There’s Major
>Depression which shows a combina-tion of symptoms. There’s dysthymia,
>which
>involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep you
>from
>functioning at ‘full steam’ or from feeling good. Sometimes peple with
>dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes. There’s
>manic-depressive illness, also called bipolar depression.
>>
>>What causes depression? It runs in families, so maybe a tendency for it is
>inherited. However, not everyone with the same genetic makeup will
>necessarily suffer from this illness. There may be additional factors
>which
>produce its onset. It can occur in an individual whose family has never
>had
>(knowingly) any evidence of it. There may be a neurochemical dimension
>to
>it. Persons with low self-esteem, who consistently see things
>pessimistically, or who are readily overwhelmed by stress are prone to
>depression. In a column published last Monday in the Topeka
>Capital-Journal,
>Dr. Harriet Lerner suggests that depression may result from our sense of
>“the imbalance, .....of the distribution of power in relationships.”
>>
>>How can it be treated? A variety of antidepressant medications and
>psychotherapies can be used. It takes different strokes for different
>folks.
>Some do best with both regimens. Sometimes electroconvulsive therapy is
>used
>in those cases where it’s necessary to get the patient’s attention, and
>other methods don’t seem to work. I see this a little like the story
>about
>hitting the mule with a 2x4, as having to get his attention first. The
>drugs
>used these days are not habit forming. Depending on which drug is used,
>there may be dietary restrictions. (Not in my case. - Heavens, had there
>been some dietary restrictions, I might not be so big!)
>>
>>What does our faith have to do with depression? Tom Durrance, in a recent
>sermon on Anxiety, offered some advice. Others commented on things we
>can do
>to minimize its likelihood, as well as to limit its influ-ence in our
>lives.
>Among the scripture references are:
>> Generally, the whole book of Hebrews.
>> Matthew 6:24-34 “The road to anxiety free living.”
>> The Psalms (many of them)
>>
>>Here follow some of Tom Durrance’s comments:
>>
>>1. Get to know God
>> - [this] requires an intimate relationship of sharing and listening.
>> A Personal relationship - not rules or "just the bible".
>> How can we do this in Silver Lake? Several of us have indulged in the
>DISCIPLE Bible Study. The devotional life this study supports gives us a
>grand opportunity to have a closer relationship with God. Our church
>offers
>devotional materials you might find useful. This “knowing” isn’t
>necessarily
>simple, but a matter that must be “grown.” Get started today!
>>
>>2. Learn to trust God - incremental
>> Remember what God has done: - in the lives of the Hebrews
>> - in the lives of the Saints (& our friends)
>> - in our lives
>> - through the work of Jesus Christ
>> God is faithful - does not abandon us.
>>
>>3. Aim to please God
>> v.33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
>> and all these things shall be yours as well.
>> What is the Kingdom of God? [where God reigns]
>> Stress buster - seek to please God alone!
>> Our only concern: what if I fail? OK - Forgiven!
>>
>>Will you respond to the faithfulness (love) of God?
>>---------- * * * * *
>>After a brief pause, I described the NIMH self-screening test, and referred
>those concerned to our pastor.
>>
>>This message was delivered on 7/13/97 at Silver Lake United Methodist
>Church, in Silver Lake, KS at the “summer schedule” morning worship
>service,
>at 10:00 a.m., by Jon M. Rueck, Certified Lay Speaker
>>
>> Here’s the NIMH Clinical Depression Self-Screening Test
>>Use the following checklist to determine if you or someone you know is
>suffering from clinical depression. If five or more of the following
>symptoms have lasted for more than two weeks, tell a doctor as soon as
>possible. Clinical depression can be treated successfully with
>medication
>and therapy.
>> Feelings of sadness and/or irritability
>> Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
>> Changes in weight or appetite
>> Changes in sleeping pattern
>> Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless
>> Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
>> Fatigue or loss of energy
>> Restlessness or deceased activity noticed by others
>> Thoughts of suicide or death
>>
>> _____ TOTAL: If you checked five or more symptoms and they have lasted
>more than two weeks, tell a doctor.
>>
>> In addition, look for the following symptoms of the manic phase of
>manic-depression:
>>
>> Increased energy and decreased need for sleep
>> Inappropriate excitement or irritability
>> Increased talking or moving
>> Promiscuous sexual behavior
>> Disconnected and racing thoughts
>> Impulsive behavior and poor judgement
>>
>>------------------------------
>>For no good reason, the footnotes where I gave everyone who
>>contributed due credit, doesn't copy using the Edit Copy function.
>>If you can receive attached files, let me know and I'll send you
>>the raw Microsoft WORD 6.0 source file.
>
>>responding to the reactions I got....
>>
>>There were a couple of mental health professionals in the congregation.
>>One didn't say a word as she shook my hand at the end of the service.
>>Another complimented me on it. The one I treasure, is a fellow who
>>asked for a copy of the text. He's a fellow in his 70s who was really
>>interested in what was said. Another one I'll treasure, is the Ph.D.
>>Nurse who's a member of our congregation. She also wanted a copy of
>>the text (you can bet I gave it to her).
>>
>>Others who would have complimented me even if I had done a poor job,
>>did -- and I accepted their comments graciously. One lady who seems
>>to appreciate my delivery, said "You're good at this!" and that felt
>>sort of good.
>>
>>That's about it! I'll see what the pastor says (if anything) when she
>>sees the manuscript upon her return from vacation -- mixed in with
>>all the mail she'll have to catch up on....
>>
>>Grace & Peace .............. -- Jon
>Jon Rueck
>P.O. Box 456 / 617 Walnut Street
>Silver Lake, Kansas 66539-0456 USA
>E-Mail: jrueck@ejmark.org
>
>
========================================================================
Paul Andrew Mitchell : Counselor at Law, federal witness
B.A., Political Science, UCLA; M.S., Public Administration, U.C. Irvine
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