Hello All,

My name is Melissa (honeybee) and I have suffered with depression since 2009 when I was diagnosed with MS. It was a devestating time and only God could get me through it. My family supported me, particularly my  96 year old grandmothers (then 86), my angel of a mother, and my daughter. I thought my life was over and my wonderful doctor suggested medicine. I was raisd not to believe in medication for mental health, just pray and God will fix it. Well, I have learned that God uses medicinal methods as well just as He does with my asthma or medical need, anti-depressants have served to regulate my moods and offer me the necessary serotonin that I lacked neurologically.

It is now 10 years later and God has miraculously healed my body through my faith and medical regiment. I worked 20 years as a fifth ad sixth grade teacher and now I have transitioned into the therapy field as a counselor. I love it. It wasn't easy. I missed a lot of work and being an educator the stress was tremendous. My daughter supported me beautufully, but I regret putting a lot of burdens on her. I was in bed two summers straight before I found vitamin and medications to offer me a boost of energy to combat fatigue. It was a tumultous time and extremely frightening and ambiguous. I went to therapy one day and a lady asked me why I was there. I told her about my diagnosis. She goes on to say that I would end up in a wheelchair. I cried my eyes out and then talked to my sister who encouraged me and prayed for. I learned then that I would have to guard my pisitivity, my thought processes, and those I allowed to speak into my life. The Lord told me, "I shall live an abundant life, and not die while declaring the goodness of the Lord."

I still have challenging days, but my granddaughter has helped to combat those low moments. Surrounding yourself with loved ones and friends helps a lot. Isolation keeps us in a low place. Please keep believing me and knowing that you are loved and not alone. It's such a struggle at times because others don't always understand that there doesn;t have to be "something wrong" for a battle with depression. Fostering positive thinking and environments is critical. Talking to your doctors anfd therapists is critical.

I want to leave you with this, "Wshatsoever things are pure, true, lovely, praiseworthy, of virtue, and of good report, think on those things. And the peace of God which passes All undertanding shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." ( Phillipians 4:8).

You have a wondrous life ahead of you...please don't give up!!

Love, honeybee:)