The Call for help

Mental Depression is not a joke. It is a serious matter that needs to be taken seriously. Not only does it affect one's mental state, but also one's environment as well.

Two weeks ago, I've had the chance to catch up with a friend of mine whom I wasn't able to see for a long time, partly because of the quarantine measures being strictly enforced (at home). Though we were friends for a very long time, I never had the chance to fully see that he was suffering . Though I know it by words, for he briefly said it before, but I never really had the chance to fully understand why.

While listening to him though, I had a glimpse of what happened during his depression. It has already affected his work, his lifestyle, his relationship with his friends and with his family.

"Two weeks hinihintay yung report ko ng (ng work ko), wala talaga clouded talaga yung utak ko" he said. "Hindi lang po talaga sya pagkalungkot, totoo po sya," he added.

He added that while his state is already improving, he still needs to take the prescribed medicines as instructed by his therapists.

While our conversation continued, it is quite evident that depression is not supposed to be taken lightly, it is a serious matter that needs a serious addressing.

So, to help people suffering depression, here are a few practical advises not only for those suffering but also those people around them.

1. Prayers
- Prayer helps. Pray for the people suffering. The Lord answers every prayers in His own way. Though we might not know it, though we may not feel, God answers to our every call.

2. Family and Friends' Support
- People suffering depression tends to look for support groups that helps them to cure depression. It can either be their family members or their friends or any people in their life. Make sure to be one.

3. Never belittle 
- Belittling someone's situation doesn't help neither does comparing your own situation to them. Be an encourager that lifts them up not someone who puts them down. They do not know how to express it, but they are asking for your help. Be one.

4. Seek therapeutic help
- This one is probably for the worst case scenario, though this will help big time. Do not be afraid to seek therapeutic help if needed. They will instruct how to deal with this medically.

and lastly,

5. Check and Encourage them regularly
- They needed to feel the love. This is probably to perfect time to check them and encourage them. They needed it.

In Conclusion,
Depression is  serious, it has taken a toll to people, mostly young adults. Make sure to help and check people regularly. Help prevent depression for it is easier to prevent illnesses than to cure.
Though it is serious, it is preventable and curable.

For those suffering suppression, know this fact, you are loved, not only by your family and friends but also your Creator. God loves you and He cares for you. He wants cure your depression, come to Him in prayer and He will make you feel His love.

To God Be the Glory!

Bayan ko? Malaya ka na ba?

         

            1986 nung naranasan nang bansa ang isang malawakang pagkilos upang wakasan ang diktaturyang naghari harian sa loob ng dalawampung taon. Diktaduryang kumitil nang mga buhay, kalayaang pinagkait ng mahabang panahon. Kaya nga siguro nung nakahanap ang mga Pilipino nang pagkakataon upang makalaya, madami agad ang sumunggab sa oportunidad upang makapag simula nang isang malawakang pagbabago. Isang makasaysayang pagkilos na umukit ng kasaysayan hindi lamang sa bansa, ngunit pa din sa iba't ibang panig ng mundo.

                    Ngunit ano ba talaga ang tunay na kalayaan? Ito ba ay kalayaan mula sa mga nanakop? Ito ba ay kalayaan sa maduming kapangyarihan na patuloy na bumalot sa bawat isa? Ano ba talaga ang kalayaan sa isang bansa? Lahat ng ito ay importanteng matandaan. Ngunit ang mainam ata na tanong ay, Malaya na ba talaga tayo?

                  Taong 1946 nung unang nakalaya sa gapos ng panananakop ang bansa. Marahil ay maraming pilipino ang nagbunyi at natuwa dahil sa wakas, malaya na tayo sa bansa nanakop. Daan daan din ang taon na ating inasam asam ang kalayaang sa wakas ay nakamtan.

       

                   Makalipas ang mga buwan, taon at henerasyon, marahil eto na ata ang perpektong pagkakataon upang ating matanong kung tayo pa ba ay malaya? Kung oo, hanggang saan ang sakop ng ating kalayaan? Hanggang kailan ang ating tinatamasang kalayaan? Basa sa kasaysayan, ilang ulit nang nangyari na tayo ay lumaya ngunit kalauna'y nagapos din.

                  Sa kabilang banda, Maaari rin namang, hindi na tayo malaya. Tayo ay muling nagapos ng isang kaaway na hindi natin nakikita? Teka, hindi nga ba? O hinda kaya'y, marami sa atin ang naging bulag sa nangyayari sa ating kapaligiran? Hindi kaya, pinili nating huwag pakinggan ang iyak ng mga biktima ng kagapusan? 

                   

                 Nawa po ngayong araw ng kalayaan, piliin nating maging malaya hindi lamang tayo, pati na rin ang mga indibidwal na ating nakakasama. Piliin at ipaglaban natin ang kalayaang matagal na inaasam asam. Piliin nating magsalita para sa kalayaan ng kapwa natin. Piliin natin ang kalayaan.

                 Ating pong alalahanin na ang laban ay hindi Pilipino sa Pilipino. Ngunit ang tunay na laban para sa kalayaan ay, tayo kasama ang Diyos laban sa kagapusan ng kahirapan, kurapsyon at iba't ibang mga bagay na sumira sa atin sa nakaraan. Ipananalangin natin sa Diyos na tayo ay makalaya sa bawat gapos sa ating bansa, Sumasagot Siya. Ilapit natin ang ating bansa Sa Diyos upang tayo ay makalaya sa bawat gapos na patuloy na sumisira sa ating pagkakapabuklod buklod. Sumasagot Siya.

                   

               Kalayaan para sa lahat!!!

               Kampai!!!

The Shepherd and His Sheeps

John 10: 4

And when he brings his own sheep, he goes before them and the sheep follow him for they know his voice

            A sheep knows the voice of its own shepherd and obeys whatever the things the shepherd  says. When he calls it out, the sheep answers. When he wants it to stay put, the sheep stays put. Whatever the shepherd instructs, the sheep willingly answers without any signs of hesitation.

           John chapter verses 11 and 14 introduced Jesus as the Good Shepherd to His flocks. A Good Shepherd who loves His sheep and knows them by their names. A Good Shepherd who never left His flocks unlike the hireling who left those he lead when tragedy strikes. 

           A Good Shepherd who was willing to give His own life to protect His flocks against ravage predators ready to devour His sheep. The Good Shepherd, Jesus, knows who are His and He protects them and loved them, cared for them, looked for them, and laid down His life for His flocks.

          As He loved His sheep, His flocks knows His voice very well and obeys every instructions the Shepherd gives. No matter where He brings them, they followed willingly. Those who doesn't recognize His voice are those who doesn't belong to Him. Yet He welcomes those who chose to come to His. For the Good Shepherd is always ready to welcome those who are willing to be a part of his flock.

         His sheep loves Him, obeys Him and follows Him all the way. Who are the flock of Jesus? They are those who gave their lives to Him. Those who gave their lives to the One who loved them first. Who are the Flocks? It's US!

Credits to:

https://animals.desktopnexus.com/wallpaper/737245/

https://medium.com/grmblogs/the-shepherd-and-the-sheep-4f91844b9dbd