Depression Recovery Program Graduation

God has been instrumental in our second Depression Recovery Program. Praise the Lord!  Tuesday, October 11, 2011 we wrapped up our 8-week program at the El Paso SDA Central church.  A total of 20 completed the seminar and received their certificates plus a mini-wheat loaf bread. It was a joyous celebration among friends, participants and their families.

The evening started with a dinner buffet consisting of salad,  pancit  (rice noodles), brown rice, eggroll, cottage meat loaf, fruit cocktail, strawberry cake and fresh fruits.  Classical music was played while we dined and enjoyed our meals in banquet tables.

The program consisted of songs, praises, thanksgivings and testimonies.  Some said that they were feeling much better and much happier. Others said they have learned to be positive thinkers and focus on optimism.  Two participants were able to lose weight over 7 pounds.  Although the turn-around is usually 20 weeks,  two participants on low dose medications reported that they were able to safely go off  with their doctor’s approval.

Depression is condition with a myriad of causes and symptoms.  To achieve optimum healing the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects have to be addressed.  Telling the truth, avoiding negative thinking, good nutrition, sleep, exercise, sunlight, deep breathing, water, classical music, reading proverbs, and temperance were some of the principles taught.

The participants came from varied backgrounds and objectives.  There were Catholics, Buddhists, and Adventists.  There were doctors, nurses, office workers, caregivers, technicians, minister, housewives and contractors.  Even though the seminar was about depression, not all participants that attended were depressed. Some came to learn about emotional intelligence and some came so they can help someone.

It took a lot of effort to put up this seminar but it was a success.  A monthly alumni meeting was set up as follow-up, every first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. The results were inspiring and we want to do the program at least twice a year in the fall and early spring. The volunteers and I came to help people afflicted with this condition, but in turn were blessed the more.

Dr. Neil Nedley is a practicing internist in Oklahoma.  After seeing so many patients whose illnesses could be traced to depression, he was inspired to put up this program.  He is the author of Depression the Way Out, our textbook.   Other materials in addition to the textbook are also used.

Depression is a growing epidemic worldwide.  According to statistics, 1 one is every 4 women and 1 in every 8 men is afflicted with this condition.  It is a treatable condition and no matter what your condition is, attending a program like this will make a big difference in your life.

For more information, please contact the following:
Andres Rosales, Health Ministries Director (915) 422-5746 or email: rms.andres@yahoo.com
Norma Rivera, RN – Program Director (915) 345-0605 or email:  NormaVilloso@yahoo.com
Dionicio Rivera, Program Coordinator (915) 329-1039 or email:  Mahar77@aol.com