PRISONER EXPRESS

When it comes it is like a heavy weight that pushes you down. You feel like you are made out of lead. It is hard to get out of bed and get active and you just don't care. The worst thing though is what it does to your mind.

The mental damage can sometimes be permanent. The thoughts that are created in your mind by depression are like the tires of a race car just spinning and smoking. A whirlwind of worry, anger, and shame cause a very real self-doubt that causes you to question life itself. The treatment of depression is sometimes worse than the disease: dis-ease.

Doxapin, Sennaquan and Elavil are common medications. I have been prescribed all three. I took them about a year and became addicted to the medication and had to quit it because I don't want to be addicted when my mind cleared from the medication. I was completely O.K.

I wonder when the depression left. I don't know cause I was too high. I overcame depression in the long run.

I recognize the symptoms now as they come. I focus on positive things. Sometimes I even enjoy the depressed feeling. I know that is completely natural and is triggered by some regret, fear or anger in my life. I identity the source of my depression and do not focus on the depression itself. I meditate in a manner recently taught to me by a Druid priestess in Britain. I spend my time in study of my ancestors and our culture and heritage. I fellowship with the Heathen population and I revel in my Christian family and background. Who has time to be depressed?

Knowing that my depression was a natural part of my life changed the way I view it. I call it my ‘blues phase' and accept it for what it is... temporary. I even do my best poetry and writing in that phase.

This type of meditation and healing known as grove or circle is not for everyone. Medication is best for some but for me its meditation not medication!

I do know that if your depression is as bad as mine was, you will try anything to overcome it, so I would suggest you try meditation as well. If you are reading this then you are probably in prison like me and have plenty of time to perfect a technique.

Here is an address for prison ministry writers who will be your guide if you would like to try it. They have ministers in all faiths like Odinic, Heathen, Pagan, Asatry, Wiccan, Druid and yes there are Christian Druids. It's up to you. You can medicate it, live with it, or fight it.

Write to: S. Glad Prison Ministry P.O. Box 202 New Castle, NE12 7WF U.K

Tell them where you are at spiritually and if you prefer a certain faith and/or path and what you hope to accomplish by being guided. Good luck!