Sad Story, Belsay, On the Mount, Why Believe, Time for You to Leave, The Tree

 Life Balance Key to Keeping Sadness and Depression in Check 

This week we shared the principles of living a balanced life as a foundational principle to keeping sadness and depression at 'normal' levels.  Most of us will experience or encounter sadness and depression in ourselves or others.  To help prevent debilitating levels of these emotions, we are advised to review our life balance.   When we have good life balance, we are more likely to be able to cope with disappointments, unmet expectations and severe emotions that can derail us from moving forward in life in a normal way.  President Russel M. Ballard said:

“Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain."

We love this scripture from the Book of Mormon:

“See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength..." (Mosiah 4:27).

We also need to recognize that there may be physiological and psychological factors in our makeup that can make it difficult to live a balanced life and can contribute to an emotional condition of sadness and depression.  Professionals can help us identify these factors and how to cope with these conditions.

Normal sadness and depression can come through difficulties resulting from rejection, interpersonal relationships, disappointments and other pains.  We need to recognize that this is a normal part of life and our growth.  Bruce C. Hafen taught that Heavenly Father allows us to have painful experiences in our lives so we can ultimately experience joy more fully. However, our level of sadness and depression can get out of wack and lead us to a place where professional help is essential.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland discussed the difference between normal sadness/ depression and major depressive disorder: 

“When I speak of this, I am not speaking of bad hair days, tax deadlines, or other discouraging moments we all have. Everyone is going to be anxious or downhearted on occasion. … I am speaking of something more serious, of an affliction so severe that it significantly restricts a person’s ability to function fully.” 

Major depressive disorder is characterized by the presence of three or more of the following symptoms that continue over a period of time and limit one's ability to function or are difficult to escape despite personal and family efforts.  These symptoms include:  constantly feeling sad, helpless or worthless; little energy or motivation; change in appetite and weight loss or gain; trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up; loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable; difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions; and thoughts about death or suicide.  See suicide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or mentalhealth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org for help lines and resources.

Being together as an institute group has helped us to feel love and camaraderie that boost our ability to cope with life's challenges. We need each other more than we think. And of course, feeling the love of Heavenly Father and His Son, can always brighten our days.

Belsay Castle and Gardens

We had a delightful visit to Belsay castle and gardens, a spot we have previously written about.  Visiting these beautiful places lifts our spirits and helps us cope with the rigor and challenges of missionary life. 

District Council Brunch

This last week we hosted the district council brunch at our flat.  We have a wonderful district.  From left to right after Sister Betteridge we have Sister Dorning (Redwood, Oregon), Sister Hilton (Orem, Utah) , Elder Pentz (Morgan, Utah), Elder Trotta (Northern Italy), Elder Bedwell (Atlanta, Georgia) and Elder Magnesen (Santa Clara, Utah).

Preston Temple Trip w/ Newcastle Ward

We rode on the bus on Saturday to attend the temple with the Newcastle ward.  Parsa and Harriet were first time attenders.  Parsa is a new convert from Iran-- He said it was his best day ever.  He was baptized for several people and also baptized Elder Bedwell.  We enjoyed seeing Ryes Elson, a Priest, baptize his three sisters.  Such a tender time for him as he was so gentle and loving with each of them.

Why I believe Fireside

Sunday evening we had another "Why I Believe" musical program at the Billingham stake center.  Sister Betteridge accompanied 7 of the 'musical items' on the program.  Connor Duncunson, the Branch President of Peterlee branch and a 4th year law student conducted the choir.  Many of the numbers were his arrangements.  He is a wonderful, talented young adult!  (Elder B was in the choir).  Every time we sing about the Savior and hear testimonies of how He has changed the lives of individuals, it is a joyful, tearful celebration.  We know He lives and loves each one of us!

Big Transfer - Sending 17 Missionaries Home

It is such a touching time as we have a major exodus this week in our mission.  We are sending 17 missionaries home after completing their missions.  It is another tearful yet joyful time.  One of the missionaries going home shared with us the following card with the inscription, "If I don't see you on the path, I will meet you at the Tree."  So let it be for you and me...