Depression

Hello reader, thank you for visiting.

Bobby's physical problems are, for the moment, not getting drastically worse. He will probably lost a third finger sometime soon and meets with his hand doctor tomorrow. The constant gout pain is now in both feet. But as I say, he is not in critical condition, physically. Mentally and emotionally, I wish I could say that the news were as good. He is being overcome by depression and sadness. The pending loss of his finger and the unrelenting, myriad health complications are pushing him into a place that he can't and won't come out of.

Naturally, I have suggested seeing a psychologist or mental health professional, but the steps have never been taken to see that through. I think he believes that all mental health workers are like they were in the rehab centers he has been in. My response is to say that the rehab mental health people are specialists in rehab, whereas the mental health people I want him to see are going to focus on chronic illness and its effects on the mind. He resists, though, and I don't think I am breaking through to a place in his mind where my words have value. I know enough about depression to realize that if he won't take those first few steps, nothing can change how he feels.

In order to facilitate those steps, I am recruiting help from our church. That is what we are supposed to be about, right? Looking out for one another. Here is a case in point where a team approach might be the best medicine. I have not and will not lose hope to help him take advantage of every day. There are a few other people besides me that are working on Bobby, but its going to take more. Let's hope he is willing to let us help him.

Talk to you soon.