Sara R. Turnquist's Blog, page 12
April 5, 2019
INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Author Robin Densmore Fuson
Welcome, all, to another day and another blog! I have another Tennessee author for you today – author Robin Densmore Fuson. And my interview with her was just delightful. I can’t wait for you to dive in. But keep with me, there is a giveaway if you can hang in there. But I doubt that will be a problem.
I met Robin through our affiliation with the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), but it seems we have other things in common as well. I have been a part of a critique group (mine is online) called Word Weavers International that she is a member of as well (we are not in the same critique group). This is a fabulous group that can place you in a group that will offer valuable feedback no matter where you are in your writing journey.
Again, I ramble. Let me jump right into the interview…
Welcome to my blog, Robin. First, can you tell us a little about your novel?
At first blush,
fifty-two-year-old Renee Harris appears to be a confident sophisticated woman.
Hidden are the scars of deep pain and fear. A meeting in an ordinary elevator will
not only take Renee to the designated floor but also on a journey of discovery.
Chaplain Lance
Freeman’s only thought is to help a family in their hour of need though unknown
to him, the woman in the elevator needs him more than the family down the hall.
Elevators
can be strange things. Full of ups and downs, they may be used as a vehicle to
change the course of someone’s life. Renee and Lance are about to find out just
how much a chance meeting can alter a person’s direction. Can real love be a
part of their new beginnings? Will they allow God to lead and interrupt their
lives so they can eventually find peace, joy, and love?
Interesting. And I must say, rather intriguing. I don’t see a ton of romance novels where the primary characters are more in the prime of life. What was the inspiration for The Encounter ?
My
publisher, Cynthia Hickey asked for a romance where the characters were older
than the typical young love. I have experience with this. A few years after my
husband passed away, I met and married my husband, Jimmy. Older people have
more life experience and can have a bit more baggage. At age fifty-three, my
character Renee has both. She needs to heal and learn who she is in Christ.
Some of the issues Renee faces I had to face. Love reigned supreme in my life
as well as Renee’s. I pray this book will touch hearts with romance and help
people solidify how the Lord sees them.
So great. I love it when the book contains a bit more of the writer’s own experience.
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what did you want to be when you were a child?
I didn’t dream of becoming a writer although I loved to tell stories. I first wanted to be a chiropractor then an elementary school teacher.
Fun! But eventually, that writing bug got ya!
I know we as writers are always learning more about our craft. Some of tht is learned, I believe, intuitively from what we read. And, reading is often a writer’s first love…
What are you currently reading?
I have a book going all the time. Currently I’m reading, Canyon of Death by J. Carol Nemeth. I love to read friends books and new author’s works and review them.
Same here. I like to find new authors to introduce my readers to. (And to find those gems for myself.)
One thing I do to “set the tone” when I write is listen to music. Especially i a coffee shop…some of those places have the strangest music playing 
March 29, 2019
SPOTLIGHT & INTERVIEW: Author Sara L. Foust
Welcome to another Friday and another author on my blog! This week I have another special friend for you to meet. Although, this author friend is one I have met, face to face! Author Sara L. Foust and I met at a Writers Retreat that the writing ministry I help lead, Clarksville Christian Writers, hosted a few years ago. Sara was an absolute delight and I am all too eager to introduce you to her and her books…
Welcome to my blog, Sara! I’m so happy to have you visit. First things first…can you tell us a little about your novel?
When their current
careers are yanked away, they are left scrambling to pick up the pieces. A
reality television show falls into their paths, offering a life-changing
opportunity that tests their resolve and their faith.
These two unlikely
partners must battle to survive for thirty days in the untouched wilderness of
Rarity Mountain with only a handful of survival items and a director who is out
for drama, no matter the cost. With their lives and their carefully guarded
skeletons on the line, they will discover how far they are willing to go to win
the million-dollar prize for Survival Tennessee.
Ooohhh….sounds interesting. I love settings I’m familiar with. Being a Tennessee girl myself (as you know), I’m intrigued!
What was the inspiration for Rarity Mountain ?
I enjoy watching survival shows and, after much prayer, God gave me the idea for Rarity Mountain. I’ve also thought East Tennessee is so wild in places, it would make a great location for a reality show, so why not write one?
East Tennessee is wild. And is ripe as an amazing setting for such a book. Love it! I love all the places inspiration can come from for writers.
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what did you want to be when you were a child?
I have always wanted to be a writer. I’ve also wanted to be a veterinarian, a horse boarding stable owner, a National Geographic photographer, and a mom.
I wanted to be a veterinarian for a short while. Quickly dismissed it. I know they love, care for, and help animals in pain, but I didn’t think I could mange the regularity of seeing animals in pain. Though I know that’s not what it’s really about…just a 7 year old girl’s tender heart…
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Second grade.
Nice! And I’m sure, like most other writers, there are parts of the journey you like and parts you are not such a fan of. Is there a part of the writing process you dread?
I love writing. I love editing for other people. I do not love editing for myself. Once I write the story, I want to move on but I can’t and I have to go back so many times for thorough editing. Ugh!
I hear you! Once I’ve been through the story for the umpteenth time, I am soooo done! Soooo tedious!
What are you currently reading?
I am in between fiction books right now and reading a couple different self-help, psyche-understanding nonfiction books.
Interesting. I, too, try to keep my fiction and non-fiction running at the same time. I’m sure you find the same struggle I do…house and kiddos and ministry means the time left a balancing act between writing and reading. So difficult!
What about your writing process? What kind of music, if any, do you listen to when you write?
I don’t listen to music when I write. Usually, I listen to whatever chaos is happening with my kiddos ha!
I’ve got plenty over here if you run out! Do you have a favorite time of day to write? What about a favorite place?
I tend to grab writing time whenever it is available, and I love writing outside. I think better with fresh air, sunshine, and birds chirping.
Sounds wonderful! I’m so glad it’s warming up. My deck is calling to me!
I get this question a lot…people seem very interested in writers’ processes and their productivity. So, about how long does it take you to write a book?
It takes me about 6 months to write a full-length book and then another 1-2 to edit.
Last question, I promise, then I’ll let my readers dig into Rarity Mountain! Do you have any current projects you’re working on? Care to share?
I am writing a book called, Jade Owl. It is the first book in the Serafina Jones Chronicles and tells the story of a self-conscious archaeologist looking for pirate treasure somewhere in the Smoky Mountains.
Another book series based in this region. I love it!
Sara, thanks so much for being on the blog and taking the time to share about your writing and giving us a peek at Rarity Mountain. So, without further ado, I’ll let you all (readers) jump right in:
Rarity Mountain
Excerpt
Dr.
Fern Strongbow settled into a folding chair across the desk from Dr. Sylvia
Greenlee. Fern popped a flower into her mouth and smiled as her friend and
mentor grimaced. “Dandelion?”
Sylvia
shook her head. “You eat some strange things, Fern.”
“They’re
delicious.” Fern ate another yellow top and smiled. “What’s on the agenda for
our weekly session?”
A
dog whined in the next room, drawing Fern’s gaze to the office door. No doubt
Max was having trouble awakening from his dental surgery. Pentothal did some strange
things to their patients in recovery.
“I’m
sure Kaylee can handle that.”
She
was probably right. But what if Kaylee was otherwise occupied? Fern leaned back
into the cold metal and sighed. “I miss the old chairs.”
“Well,
they were worth $50 at the farmer’s market. Paid the water bill last month.”
Max
whined again.
Fern’s
gaze once again darted to the closed door. “You sure Kaylee isn’t busy with
something else?”
“Max
will be fine. We need to talk.”
Sylvia’s
gaze landed on the wall behind Fern’s head instead of greeting her head on in
that penetrating, straightforward way Fern had come to appreciate long ago. Strange.
Did she have more news about the clinic? Fern’s pulse skipped.
“As
you know, things have been tight around here. But I haven’t been completely
honest with you about how bad things are.”
Fern’s
stomach flip-flopped. Her chewing mouth stopped. “Oh?”
“I
know I promised you partnership in another nineteen months, but we aren’t going
to make it that long.”
Wait.
What? Her pulse swished in her ears, thumping like the poor dog’s tail against
his crate-prison in the next room. “What are you saying?”
“As
of today, I’m seeking a buyer for the clinic. I’m sorry.”
Words
ping-ponged around in Fern’s mind, but none of them found her mouth. She
swallowed the bitter flower.
“You’ll
be fine, Fern. You’re a survivor.”
Her
neck stiffened. “Survivalist. There’s a difference. We’ve discussed it a
million times.”
“I
mean it. You are a survivalist, but you’re also a survivor.”
No, she wasn’t. She was a mess inside. Barely keeping it together so no one noticed. Where would she go now, with her dreams of part ownership in Knox Highway Veterinary Clinic dashed? Her safety net yanked away, feet dangling over open space, a chasm of uncertainty yawning below. How could she remain in control when everything was being turned upside down?
####
Simon
Fincuff returned his attention to the strips of flooring. Not a hard floor to
lay, but one that required his best work considering the customer. Arnie
reminded him of that every morning when they arrived.
Mrs.
Golden’s nasal squeak sounded from the other room. Growing louder with each
word.
Upset
again. Why didn’t that surprise him? Was it his imagination or did he hear her
spit out his name?
Arnie’s
muffled argument ended with the slam of a door.
Simon
glanced up as Arnie entered the room, reading the words on his boss’s face
before they formed on his lips.
Arnie
shook his head. “I’m sorry, man.”
“Not
your fault.”
“It’s
different this time.”
Simon’s
motions froze. The next words coming, the sentence forming in Arnie’s mind
would change everything, wouldn’t it? Again.
“I’ve
got to let you go, Simon. She insisted. I’m sorry.”
Heat
burned Simon’s cheeks. “Not your fault.”
“She
did a background check of her own, you know. I didn’t tell her.”
“I
know.”
“If
I have another job I’ll call you.”
Yeah,
that’s what they all said. Once he’d been let go, he never got that follow-up
call.
Simon
gently gathered his tools and tucked them into his canvas bag. He didn’t say
goodbye to Arnie or the job site. No one would miss him after a few days
passed. Why couldn’t people see past his past? Yes, it was dark but there was
light underneath. One he wanted to shine brighter than the penned ink of
failure.
Another
job lost. Another uncertainty looming. What was he supposed to do now?
####
“Come in, Betty.” Gregory
Vanderbilt, III, laid down his pen and took the chewed lid from his mouth.
“Don’t hover.”
“Sorry,
sir. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“We
do this every day. What exactly did you think you were interrupting?”
“I
don’t know, sir. Sorry.”
Gregory
held out his hand. “List.”
Betty’s
hands shook as she gave him the clipboard.
She
wouldn’t last another week. He’d bet money on it. “This is all of them?”
“Yes,
sir.”
“Buy.
Pass. Buy. Buy. Pass.”
“Sorry,
which ones?”
“Good
gravy.” He picked up the pen and scribbled in the margins. Buy veterinary
clinic. Pass putt-putt course. Buy television station. A good buy, that one.
Buy the gas station. With an overhaul of its front appearance, it should be
profitable. Pass on the bank. He owned enough banks already. Well, his dad did
anyway.
Gregory
thrust the clipboard into Betty’s hands and waved her out.
The Knoxville Sunsphere’s copper sides glittered under the gaze of a late summer’s sunset. Would Pops be satisfied with his purchases today? How would he react if he wasn’t?
Buy Links
More About the Author
Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author and homeschooling mother of five who writes surrounded by the beauty of East Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of the Love, Hope, and Faith Series, which includes Callum’s Compass (2017), Camp Hope (2018), and Rarity Mountain (March 2019). She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone and a novella, Of Walls (November 2018).
Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.
Connect with Sara and her books
Website: www.saralfoust.comNewsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/cfqP5HEmail: sfoust25@hotmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraLFoust/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sfoust25Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sfoust25/Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SaraFoustSaraLFoustAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/saralfoust
The post SPOTLIGHT & INTERVIEW: Author Sara L. Foust appeared first on Sara's Desk.
March 22, 2019
SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: Author Catherine Brakefield
I have such a treat for you today! Author Catherine Brakefield is back on the blog sharing about her Destiny Series. And there is some fabulous bits of history in these books. I am soooo in love! But I won’t bore you with my thoughts…I’ll get you to Catherine as fast as possible!
Catherine Brakefield’s Destiny Series
Sara, it is a true pleasure to be back on your
blog with you and talking about the third book in the Destiny series, Destiny
of Heart. I was on last year talking about Destiny’s Whirlwind and
really enjoyed myself!
Before I begin, I’d like to refresh you and
your reader’s memory about the series:
Swept into Destiny, book 1, begins in 1857.
Maggie Gatlan may be a Southern belle on the outside, but inside she’s a rebel.
She meets the handsome, strong Irish immigrant Ben McConnell. Ben is enchanted
by Maggie’s beauty and fiery spirit, but for him the South she dearly loves
represents the injustice and deprivation he left behind in Ireland. As the
country divides and Ben joins the Union, Maggie and Ben are forced to call each
other enemies.
Destiny’s
Whirlwind,
book two,
begins in 1898. Smallpox and the townspeople’s fears capture the McConnell
family into its evil clutches. Collina promises her dying father that his
legacy for Shushan will continue. Dashing Rough Rider Franklin Long offers his
help and suddenly Collina’s heart has a will of its own. War calls him to the
shores of Cuba. Collina is flung into a tangled web of deception and greed when
a vindictive lawyer places the family in peril. Will Franklin return in time?
Tell us a little about
your novel, Destiny of Heart?
Book three opens in 1917 and Ruby McConnell (Collina’s sister) is married to Stephen Meir. The story unfolds as they travel to the prairies of Colorado for Stephen’s health. Ruby’s sister Collina and Franklin Long are also in this story. Destiny of Heart covers a large span of history and three states: Colorado, Kentucky, and Michigan. The reader will experience the patriotic fan-waving that plunged America into World War I, as well as the extravagant lifestyles of the Roaring Twenties, and the grand old sport of fox hunting.
Readers
will experience those affluent lifestyles evaporating in a blink of an eye and Maggie,
Ruby, Collina, and Franklin’s spirals into the Great Depression. Destiny
of Heart concludes in 1933 after Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration into
the presidency and a life-altering decision must be made.
Thank you for that wonderful synopsis! I am all the more eager to hear more! First, can you share the more historically significant events behind your story?
I’d love to! I could not rely solely on the internet for my research, nor modern-day history books or Hollywood movies. When I tried, I felt out of step with the story. I had one foot in modern pop culture and one foot in a watered-down version of the past. I sought out people who had lived the era and interviewed them.
WWI – troops marching toward the Battle of SommeI
learned that the typical American did not cherish the modern conveniences of
their day. Their family, however, was a vital part of their existence. Wow! I
realized that people of this century were polar opposites of their ancestors
who did not carry a phone in their pockets or check the latest news, weather,
and style.
Our children are brought up to believe they are ‘the enlightened generation,’ but I want my readers to experience a feeling of entering a time capsule. I decided not to watch any show or read any books dated from the 1960s forward.
History books published before 1959 gave me insight, as did old newspaper clippings and interviews. From the 1800s up through the 1940s scripture verses were a common part of everyday language. Some of you might recall seeing a Bible where your ancestors recorded their marriages, births, baptisms, and deaths within the reverend folds of their Holy Bible.
Wow! I so appreciate your dedication to your research!
What was the inspiration for your Destiny series?
My grandmother’s stories and my father’s memoirs are a major
part of the Destiny series. My siblings and I would ask Dad, “What was it like
back then?” So he wrote about the good ol’ days. We sure learned those days
weren’t always so good. You will learn more about that in book 4, Waltz
into Destiny, which releases on D Day, June 6.
I think what
Harry S. Truman one said sort of sums this up: “There is nothing new in the world except the
history you do not know.”
Much that our young people are learning today about our America is a watered-down version of the truth. Much of our classic literature that I grew up reading are now being banned or edited. I feel this is wrong. I have heard the age-old jargon that history can repeat itself. So how can our young people know what not to do if they don’t know the truth about our American history? Hence, my reason for writing the Destiny series.
Enjoy an Excerpt
President Wilson’s words blared out. “The right is
more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have
carried nearest our hearts.
“Come on.” Stephen took her hand and they rushed down the stairway. Bus boys arrayed in flashing red and gold braided suits greeted her. Crystal chandeliers twinkled gaily about the lavishly decorated lobby of the hotel, accenting the deep red and gold drapes and rich mahogany furniture in the lobby.
The doorman opened the outside doors of the Grand Hotel; a gust of cold air greeted them. Snow lined the newly shoveled walkways. The horses’ neighs and the tinkling of sabers clashing against the soldiers’ stirrup irons mingled with the cheers of the crowd.
A regiment of the cavalrymen rode before them, the insignia of the crossed swords displayed on their sleeves and cavalry blankets. “How dashing.” Ruby squealed with delight. “I can envision that gallant Rough Rider Franklin Long there among them.”
“Far better it is to dare mighty things…even though checkered by failure,” Stephen said, quoting Theodore Roosevelt. “The United States became a world power because of the Rough Riders when America defeated Spain in 1898.”
The horses nodded their fine heads, and their flowing manes caught the sunlight and glistening snow, as they pranced forward as proudly as the foot soldiers in the snow that last evening and this morning.
Stephen laughed. “I seriously doubt we have seen the last of Franklin Long.” He drew her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Shall we purchase our tickets for tomorrow’s train to Colorado?”
“No, you mustn’t,” the woman’s voice vibrated with emotion. She dotted her eyes. Her embroidered handkerchief was moist. “The porter said the railroad crew just tunneled through a large drift.”
Stephen nodded. “He told me that Amarillo’s never seen a storm of this magnitude.”
The woman dabbed at her eyes again. “True. This morning I overheard one of the workers on the railroad crew tell the engineer that they hadn’t been able to clear all the track… He said the passenger car could become a steel death trap for those foolish enough to ride the iron horse tomorrow.”
More About the Author
I am an award-winning author of the
inspirational historical romance Wilted Dandelions. My faith-based Destiny series includes Swept
into Destiny, Destiny’s Whirlwind, Destiny of Heart, and Waltz
into Destiny, which releases June 6.
I have written two pictorial history books. Images of America: The Lapeer Area, and Images of America: Eastern Lapeer County.
My short stories have been published in Guidepost Books True
Stories of Extraordinary Answers to Prayer, Unexpected Answers
and Desires of Your Heart; Baker Books, Revell, The
Dog Next Door, Horse of my Heart, Second-Chance Dogs, The Horse
of my Dreams (releases
on September 17);CrossRiver
Media Publishers, The Benefit Package and Abba’s Promise;
Bethany House Publishers, Jesus Talked to Me Today.
I am a longtime Michigan
resident and live with my husband of 45 years and our Arabian horses in the
picturesque hills of Addison Township. I love traveling the byroads across
America and spoiling my two handsome grandsons and two beautiful
granddaughters!
Connect with Catherine and Her Books
https://www.catherineulrichbrakefield.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CatherineUlr...
Blog: Hopes, Hearts, & Hoofbeats: https://catherineulrichbrakefield.wordpress.com/
Twitter: : https://twitter.com/CUBrakefield
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-brakefield-4710b315/detail/recent-activity/shares/
https://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Ulrich-Brakefield/e/B001H6UI8U/ref=dbs_p_ebk_rwt_abau
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3387463.Catherine_Ulrich_Brakefield
https://www.instagram.com/catherineulrichbrakefield/
GIVEAWAY
Catherine is offering a giveaway! A copy of Destiny of Heart or whichever novel the winner chooses in the Destiny series. Please follow the directions on the Rafflecopter below to enter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The post SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY: Author Catherine Brakefield appeared first on Sara's Desk.
March 18, 2019
March 15, 2019
INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Author Wendy May Andrews
Hello, readers! Author Wendy May Andrews is back on my blog today with a new clean Historical Romance. And the cover is oh so good! I won’t delay you any longer. Let’s get right to Wendy!
Hey, Wendy! Thanks for rejoining us on the blog. It’s good to have you back. I’m sure I’m not the only one eager to learn more about this new novel. So, what was the inspiration for The Debutante Bride ?
This story explores the rollercoaster of emotions that could ensue if an arranged marriage starts off on the wrong foot. I’m always fascinated by the possibilities when a couple is forced together by circumstances. It wasn’t so uncommon throughout history. But what if there are too many factors tearing them apart? In this story, I wanted to explore how love could conquer the external and internal pressures society and we ourselves put upon relationships, but in the complicated context of the Regency era.
Interesting. I do love reading in the Regency Era, but have never tried to write in that time period. Just hasn’t spoken to me…or maybe it just intimidates me
February 26, 2019
February 22, 2019
INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Author Kathleen Neely
Hello, all! I have a fresh face to introduce you to today, Kathleen Neely. Kathleen is another author I have encountered through ACFW. This wonderful organization allows authors to network and glean from each other in the most amazing way. I wish I’d joined sooner
February 20, 2019
DEPRESSION: An Honest Look at Symptoms & Treatment
Hey, all! I apologize for the delay in this series. We’ve had sickness, and houseguests, and you name it! But my burden for increasing awareness and understanding of depression and mental illness weighs on my heart (in a good way).
So today, let’s dive into how to recognize if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental illness, such as depression.
Are you just “under the weather”? Tired? Baby blues? Or is it something more? Discerning if your symptoms are actually caused by a mental illness or something else can be more difficult than you’d think sometimes. But it is best to be aware of the common “calling cards” of these disorders so you can pinpoint what’s happening more easily.
Each mental illness has unique makeup, and therefore, different symptoms, but there are some common things that tend to show up:
worry or fear that is excessiveFeeling overly sad or “low”Problems concentrating and learning or just general confusionMood changes that seem extreme, even “highs” that feel somewhat euphoricIrritability or anger that lasts or is intenseShutting down and avoiding friends or any social situationHaving a hard time relating to others or even understanding their feelingsTiredness, low energy, changes in sleep patternsIncreased hunger or a lack of appetiteNoticeable changes in libidoReality doesn’t quite always seem right – delusions or hallucinationsLack of insight – doesn’t notice the change in own feelings, behavior, personalityAlcohol or drug abuseHeadaches, stomach aches, other “aches and pains” that persist without a causeThoughts of harming selfNo longer able to perform daily activities or manage daily problems or stressFear of weight gain that is overly intense or uncharacteristic concern with appearance
There are also marked symptoms to look for in children as their behavior is usually more telling. For the most part, children do not know how to verbalize what they are feeling and thinking:
Notable changes in academic or school performanceFighting or defiant behavior, or excessive worry/anxietyHyperactivityIncrease in bad dreamsIncreased aggressivenessTemper tantrums – more numerous than before
If you think you have more of these than you should or you have a couple to a greater degree than is normal, REACH OUT! A trusted friend or supportive spouse is a great start. One of the things about depression and mental illness is that it alters your cognitive filter…you know, that thing that helps you identify thoughts as crazy or not crazy. A good, reliable friend can help be that filter for you in a non-judgmental way. Hear me – YOU are not crazy…you just need a little help.
Your primary care physician (regular doctor) is a good next step. He or she can help with a diagnosis and get you the right kind of help. Being aware of the signs and symptoms above can aid you in this conversation. The diagnosis is the necessary first step as only then can your provider develop a plan for you…tailored to you.
There is NO “one-size-fits-all” treatment for mental illness. But there are, again, common approaches. These include medication, talk therapy (counseling), and possibly life style changes.
The NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) HelpLine can assist in finding services and supports in your area as well: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to interact with a crisis specialist.
If you, or someone you care about, needs immediate help…do not delay. Call 911 or the Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-8255
Join me next Wednesday. I’ll be sharing about things I’ve learned in my years living with chronic depression that have helped me along my recovery and kept me stable. Call them tips if you’d like…these are things that helped me and tend to be helpful to others. Maybe a couple will spark for you or your loved one. Again, mental illness is NOT a “one-size-fits-all” kind of thing.
Thanks for joining me
February 4, 2019
February 1, 2019
Has Depression Become An Epidemic?
I spent some time at a Women’s Retreat this past weekend and was struck by the number of women I ran across who had struggled with, at some point, a depressive disorder. And I thought about our country. The number of depression-related suicides we’ve seen in the last several years, and the sheer amount of those suffering whether in silence or opening up and sharing their struggle.
Has depression become an epidemic?
Well, first, I thought it might be helpful to seek out Webster and find out what “epidemic” actually means.
epidemic – a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time
Yes, usually “epidemic” refers to infectious diseases, but further looking determined that it doesn’t always have to. If a disease or disorder excedes 7.7% of the population, it is considered “epidemic”. But the definition does speak to a sudden upsurgence of instances in a certain area.
Does this fit depression/mood disorders? Is it confined to the U.S.? Has there been rapid growth in the recent years or is there just better testing? More awareness? Less stigma so more willingness to report?
Here are some of the facts:
A study done by Harvard Medical School found that approximately 27.4% of United States adults experience a mood disorder (depression, bipolar depression, or seasonal affective disorder) at some point in their lives. As far as how affected they are, 45% experience “serious impairment”, 40% experience “moderate impairment”, and 15% experience “mild impairment”.
And it’s striking younger and younger, too. A study found that those 18-29 years of age are more likely to experience depression than those over 60. And college students reporting a period of depression in the previous year (those that reported, depression is frequently an under-reported number) were 33% of the women in the student body and 27% of the males. That’s a big number!
The suicide rate for adults has increased 25% since 1999. That’s absolutely crazy!
The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that the level of disability and life lost due to depression will exceed that seen in war, accidents, cancer, stroke, and heart disease by 2030. WHO already sites depression as the #1 cause of illness and disability worldwide.
Worldwide.
This is not just epidemic. It’s pandemic!
And just what does “pandemic” mean, you ask?
pandemic – prevalent over a whole country or the world
This is a major issue. Worldwide. And definitely within our country, our states, our communities. Our neighborhoods. Even, dare I say, our spheres of influence – our friends, families, and the people we interact with.
So many lives, hurting, suffering – again, some in silence. And with a problem so big and so wide reaching, the hardest thing about depression (from someone who deals with chronic depression) is how isolating it can be. How alone you feel.
This is a big deal.
Join me next week. I’ll share more about the symptoms of depression, treatments, and some tips (for the one experiencing depression and for the one who sees a loved one struggling in depression).
REFERENCES:
Psychology Today. Why We Can’t Stop the Depression Epidemic. by Jonathan Rottenberg, Ph.D
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