Advice for depression/anxiety sufferers (part 3)

Advice for those dealing with depression (part 3).

I gave previous advice about taking a daily multivitamin, and taking one half an hour a day of TV or computer time away and instead reading a favorite nonfiction book. Here's a new activity to add.

In the previous blog post I quote Psalm 52 and draw attention to the last two lines of the psalm, which are wonderful, refreshing, and rich in their imagery.

I'd like you to select two similar lines from your Bible or Qur'an that are particularly inspiring, illuminating, but not agitating. The best ones are those that have a natural reference, as the first of the two lines has, plus a spiritual role model, as does the second line. They are lines that should make you feel centered and rooted when you read them, with a touch of refreshment. I suggest you use these two lines until you find ones that are unique to you. Handwrite or print them on several small pieces of paper that are handy for you to carry, and also to post at your place of work, and in your home. If you start of have a feeling of anxiety or the depression is impacting your ease of mind, read the lines and visualize yourself as the olive tree in the garden of God. You can also visualize the saints by thinking of them seated, looking upon the goodness that is life and viewing it with satisfaction. Remember, the saints thought life was good even though they had no modern conveniences, and often difficult and deprived lives, but with none of the societal and workforce induced artificial pressures of today. The martyred saints believed life was good; they did not surrender their lives for God because they thought life was bad (that is escapism, not true martyrdom.) Saints loved life and saw it as God's beautiful creation, even though it may be as subtle as an olive tree in front of God's house. So use your favorite passage to read as needed when you need a visualization and faith tool during the day's activities.

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.