Jane Larson has struggled with clinical depression for 30 years. “I get feelings of sadness. I just want to cry” she says. With the help of her doctor and antidepressant drugs she’s brought her depression under control.

Depression and anxiety -- which often go hand-in-hand -- can be crippling, leaving victims helpless to cope with the challenges of everyday life, threatening family relationships and even bringing on thoughts of suicide.

Now there’s help in the parish for those struggling with these two mental health issues -- a newly formed depression support group.

“Our goal is to bring together for mutual support people who have experienced depression or anxiety,” says Parish Administrator Frank Handler. “It will be a place where we can share our experiences with the hope that somebody wilt benefit from that.”

The support group will not offer treatment or advice, though it hopes to gather resources and to be able to refer those needing professional help. Anything discussed in the meetings will be held in strictest confidence.

A place to share
Jane Larson, founder of the group, looks forward to having a place where she can simply share how she’s feeling and what’s happening in her life. “It will be nice to have a place where you can simply talk without paying for counseling. Sometimes people just need to share. “This will be a place where people can come and say ‘I’m in this funk and I can’t seem to get out of it. What do I do?’ Sometimes a person just needs to talk it out. And if more help is needed, hopefully we can guide them in the right direction.”

Almost 55 million Americans suffer from depression and or anxiety, many reluctant to seek treatment because of the stigma attached to mental health issues. “It’s not something to he ashamed of,” says Jane. “It’s like having diabetes. If there’s something wrong with your body, you get it fixed.”

Depression is very “fixable” with antidepressants effective in restoring the brain’s chemical balance that keeps us on an even keel. When Jane started taking antidepressants, “the difference was night and day.”

Meanwhile, the support group will be there for those who need help. “There will he no pressure of any kind,” says Frank Handler. “We want to be warm, inviting and compassionate. If you don’t want to say anything, that’s perfectly okay. You can come and just listen.”

The group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday night. See the bulletin for details or call Jane Larson, 282-9892 evenings or weekends or Frank Handler at the parish office:
282-0223.