Help fight Depression and watch for signs listed below. The DSM-5 outlines the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. The individual must have at least 5 or more of these symptoms for a minimum of 2 weeks.
1. Sad mood most of the day, nearly everyday 2. Loss of interest (hallmark of MDD) 3. Significant weight loss/gain 4. Sleep disturbance 5. Psychomotor slowness – slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movement 6. Fatigue 7. Feelings or worthlessness, low self esteem 8. Indecisive and not being able to focus 9. Thoughts of suicide or death and/ or a suicidal attempt.
I’ve faced criticisms my entire life. Prior to taking Psychology, I’m already curious about dealing with people – particularly “difficult” people.
But beyond and above scientific knowledge and strategies is the grace and word of God.
Let me share this with you, this has helped me a lot…
Caring for what others think of you stops us from doing God’s will. You’ll be distracted, occupied and worst be frozen in fear.
I want to also remind you that there are mean people in this world. (a.k.a. haters) Don’t allow people to hurt you with negative words toward you. Their words are irrelevant. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God thinks good thoughts about you so think good thoughts about yourself as well.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 NIV
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV
It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. Proverbs 29:25
The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
As defined by Wikipedia; refers to a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the potential presence of stressors. 1
Being at “peace” is considered by many to be healthy, good for the body and soul. It is something we all seek and surely one thing money cannot buy. Even billionaires & the most influential people like Steve Jobs tried to search for peace, it was evident in his statements.
“my favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It is really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.”
“your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
“being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful, that matters to me.”
Steve Jobs
I have shared this before & I’m saying this again, the key to inner peace is faith. It took me countless uphill battles & several deaths in my family to finally came down to my knees, recognizing that all I need is Jesus. Nothing / no-one can help me bear the pain but him who suffered with us, for us…
“Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
The recent sudden deaths of my brother and less than a year after my father – devastated me. I stopped praying for a while, like “doubtful Thomas” yearning for answers on why awful things happened to me. Yes, I tasted great sorrow, grief, scrutiny and defeats, but knowing that we have Jesus in our weakest is our greatest gift.
There’s this awesome book I’ve been reading lately. Sharing the prayer below. With title – “The Stress Cure” by Linda Evans Shepherd.
Quoting her, “I wondered why I’d allowed yesterday’s stress to block God’s peace, peace I could have had today…
Though we can’t control all the things that happen to us, we can, with God’s help, control our reaction to them – trusting God even when we’re stressed.”
The path to peace is simple – faith. It all starts there, peace leads to better health, then happiness and contentment. I’ve taken many herbal supplements to lessen my symptoms. Eventually, I realised that no matter how many ounces of medicine you take, if you’re under tremendous perpetual stress, it is useless and effect is just momentarily. Taking supplements coupled with intense faith & belief that you will be healed – that is power!
Let me now share the prayer;
Dear Jesus,
I need you to walk through the walls of my doubt and unbelief. I choose to believe in You, that you are alive! Give me supernatural belief so that I can see you clearly. You died on the cross for my sins and came back to life again. Because you took my punishment, I can now walk with God.
I turn from my sins and turn to you, to follow you and to trust you with my whole heart. Please forgive me for my past and let your Spirit come so I can learn to walk in your peace.
God was indeed so generous and gracious, His will triumphs over anything.
The wedding was so beautiful and memorable, worth all the pains, wait and hurdles. We met numerous challenges, family emergencies/illness, problems, people and hindrances. There was a time when we thought we’d lose my in-law due to a critical condition and wedding date was compromised, but God intervened. It was His timing, so perfect.
I cannot thank God enough for this dream-came-true.
Seeking a good coordinator was the first step. So, I prayed for one and God gave me the best in town @events by miss p. The rest of the suppliers were equally amazing. Working with them were a bliss 🙂
We opted a very simple & uncomplicated wedding. Skipping many traditional and fancy components like not having bridesmaids and groomsmen, no lengthy or scripted photo shoot, etc. The venue itself was a Spanish antique house turned into a restaurant in Malacañan. Making the wedding more intimate.
It was in Malacañan since we invited President Duterte and Madam Honeylet. And we are so honoured to have our principal sponsors during our wedding.
Sec. Sal Panelo in behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte , Vice Mayor Jenny Sandoval in behalf of Madam Honeylet Avanceña, Mayor Joseph Estrada, Cong Jonathan dela Cruz in behalf of Senator Bongbong Marcos, Senator Tito Sotto, Gov. Imee Marcos, Cong. Rogelio Espina, Dra. Cecil Espina, Marose Borromeo Soberano, tatay Dondong Limchua, & Mrs. Diana Limchua
A Cebuano – Jun Escario made my beautiful wedding gown. Made up of separate pieces for I know exactly the trouble on pee-break while wearing a gown 🙂 It’s crafted with intricate french lace & imported fabric. Overall look is a fusion of Spanish-Filipiniana with accents of gold and of course my favorite – ecuadorian roses.
They say that grief can strike anytime, and so there I was, emotional and missing my father who passed away recently. You can read it my first post My wedding without daddy
yes, happy tears… as if there’s nothing else to do but cry. My uncle brought me together with my mom.
Fortunate to have our family and friends with us on this wondrous occasion. A celebration of love that stands against all odds.
The historic Basilica Menor de San Sebastian is the perfect church for our wedding. Though I felt we were on time constraint, had a quick photo session after the ceremony, still it justified the moment’s theme. Constructed in 1621 & completed in 1891, it is the only all-steel church in the Philippines and designated a National Historical Landmark since 1973. First time we visited this church, I was in awe for its beauty and grandeur. We are also blessed that this year, the parish is preparing for the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Being a devotee myself, I felt so blessed by Mama Mary who has been a witness and a constant help in our journey.
My sister Monica, sang us to tears. Moved by every word and notes. The officiating priest is worth mentioning, he is a Cebuano and has been in our compound during his younger days. His sermon was very timely and important. Using the abbreviation C.A.L.L. – c for communication, a for affection, love and loyalty, reminding us of these values every marriage requires. Being together for more than a decade, time has proven that staying in love is effortless if it is true. The foundation is Jesús, and that makes it a solid one.
Pausing in prayer and remembrance, paying tribute to our late loved ones, especially my dad & brother who died a year ago. They are forever in our hearts…
Before treatment, it must be accurately diagnosed since it has similar symptoms as Systolic Heart Failure.
Treatment – first means a change of lifestyle & medicine (some doctors call it Cardiac Rehab), or an invasive option which is surgery to replace a damaged heart valve. And the following managements should be prescribed and supervised by your cardiologist.
strict control of hypertension
aggressive treatment of coronary artery disease
use of diuretics to control pulmonary congestion
use of vasodilators to make blood vessels open up, increasing in the size of the blood vessels allows more blood to flow through. This lowers the blood pressure and lessens the workload of the heart
use of beta blocker or calcium channel blocker to relax the heart muscle
or an ACE inhibitor to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Helps the heart to pump more blood out to the body.
strict water and salt restriction to prevent congestion
weight control
How to take care of a family with Diastolic Dysfunction?
let them rest, shorten their working hours if possible
help reduce stress – anxiety and anger can increase heart rate and blood pressure. A relaxing and calm environment will help promote a stable heart rate and blood pressure
monitor their blood pressure and heart rate regularly
help them limit their salt intake
remind/give them their medicines on time
assist them to manage their weight and watch out for sudden weight gain that may be a sign of congestion
Still in cloud-9 days after my church wedding. Another dream came true all to God’s glory… It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, sky was clear, weather was fair. Even the notorious Manila traffic seemed to be cooperating and so we arrived in Basilica Menór de San Sebastián 40 minutes early. Long enough to finish praying the rosary, simultaneously I talked to the chauffeur and coordinator assistants. I convinced myself not to cry, “yep this is nothing” anyway Dadi is smiling down from heaven and I’m sure he is very happy for me. Finally this day came, after twelve years of anticipation…
I wrapped the rosary around my wrist like armor to strengthen me.
I thought I was equipped not to cry,
I thought wrong.
The antique steel door slowly unclosed. I was instructed to count 5 seconds before making the first step. The door flung open, and there my poor heart started beating rapidly. So fast that it felt like my heart leaped off my chest. My hands were shaking. The coordinators kept on reminding to walk slowly, I heard them faintly for my heart was much stronger ~ it desired the man standing in the altar waiting for me.
“love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust.
Love still stands when all else has fallen”
1 Corinthians 13:7-8
I looked way pass him, still trying to stop the welling of my eyes. Yet, it made me more emotional. To see the image of the blessed Mother Mary (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) was the best reminder of this dream that was about to unfold. All attempts failed and I wept, using up the tissue prepared in my hidden pocket. At that moment, everything else was blurry in my sight, I didn’t mind looking terrible and drenched in tears.
Happy tears.
Then, I looked at the right of the altar and saw a familiar cross with the sacred image of Jesus. A similar crucifix as that of Lourdes, France. The church is such a perfect setting, everything seemed so surprisingly wonderful and surreal.
Little trivia: The church is the only all-steel church in the Philippines, made by a French engineer – Gustave Eiffel who also made the famous landmark Eiffel Tower in Paris.
And it hurts because a year ago my father died suddenly and unexpectedly, missing him in the most significant day in my life… I would have wanted him to be there even in wheelchair. But, the turn of events were tough, became even more difficult when my father-in law was again hospitalized and placed in ICU and my mom-in law needing to stay with him. And so both my in-laws and my Dadi were missing, it was painfully sweet and special.
Fatherless wedding.
The wedding was almost perfect, maybe perfect, because everything was God’s gift to me and Erik.
I opted for a simple one and specifically asked the photo/videographer to capture raw, candid, real emotions. I skipped many traditional scenes and the reason for this is that my life has too much melancholy and sadness already. No need to be fancy and dramatic. Masking the blues with laughters, giggles and smiles. At the back of my mind, I’d wished for Dadi to be there, handsome in his Barong Tagalog. Maybe, a chance for us to bond and to be a little vocal of how we actually feel. I missed the opportunity to tell him I love him, a goodbye never said, a guilt that affects me and regret that changed my life then on.
This post is to honor the memory of my dad, for my late brother as well. Taking opportunity to remember with love those who are no longer with us, they are in our hearts forever.
Today, I’m sharing something more personal or perhaps painful. My life with Endometriosis. I’ve been afflicted with Endometriosis before I was even diagnosed many years ago. Symptoms like painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and excessive bleeding (menorraghia) disrupted and sometimes crippled my normal daily living.
I’ve been afflicted with Endometriosis before I was even diagnosed many years ago.
Whenever people asked me about my condition, most of them have no idea about it. They’re far more clueless here in the Philippines, where more “popular” diseases are given focus. And I’m hoping that sharing my story will help others and bring awareness to this incurable condition.
Endometriosis affects one of ten women in the reproductive age or roughly 176 women million are affected around the world.
It is considered incurable since there’s no specific cure available and it takes an average of 7 years to diagnose this condition accurately. The options available to manage discomfort is either to take hormonal therapy which I’m now having or surgically removed it (hysterectomy).
Sometime ago, I underwent surgery and laparoscopy to removed some cysts and adhesions in my body. Biopsy revealed the cysts to be non-malignant and everything seemed to be a temporary ease. For about a year I was relieved of discomfort. But even before I thought I’m “Endometriosis-free” my menstrual pains hit again. This time coupled with headache, dizziness and weakness (malaise).
I went to see a new Ob-Gyne here in Cebu because we reside here already. She reminded me that this condition is lifetime unless I’ll have hysterectomy or early menopause. I was given two choices – oral hormonal therapy or via injections. I opted for the least intimidating one – oral therapy. This, according to my Ob-Gyne will control my hormones in revolt. The recent ultrasound displayed new cysts on both ovaries, Fallopian tubes adhering to the ovary/uterus, and uterus grew slightly bigger. It sounded familiar to me, or maybe I’m already immune with medical revelations as such. What my doctor did to me after this disclosure was heart-warming, she gave me a hug that comforted me up to this very day. I wish all doctors are like her…
Months of therapy, so far, pains feel bearable. Occasional headaches but I guess that’s due to my allergic rhinitis. I’m gaining weight, oh no! But I prefer this than excruciating pain, for sufferers like me this is much better.
After my father passed away, challenging and heavy events unfurled one after another. My in-laws took turns in hospitalization. And it all began when my mom-in-law was prescribed with a sulfa-base medicine that caused her a severe allergic reaction and life-threatening Steven Johnson Syndrome. This doctor who heedlessly gave her the wrong medicine is from a premier hospital here in Cebu, (& to avoid any legal issues) I rather not mention.
Mortality rate is high for this medicine-induced illness especially for patients above 80.
After a week of inadequate care & nightmare in that hospital, we transferred her to Chong Hua. Praying so hard for me to find great doctors for mom, gracefully I was heard. A few weeks after she was discharged.
My father-in-law was also admitted last month. His ailment worsen by various complications. We started with 2 doctors until they reached 10-11 specialists, including surgeons who did the central line (intra-jugular line) and pulmonary support system.
I promised my husband Erik, that I would not stop until his dad gets out of critical condition. And to do everything I could to save his life, see him get well. Because these are the things I was unable to do with my dad. Things happened so quickly that when my dad entered ER his heart was beating faintly. I wasn’t given a chance to say goodbye nor to do anything and that devastated me. His death changed me. Remembering so clearly the pain of losing a father, that even up to this day I have not fully recovered.
So with Erik’s Dad (my in-law) it was exasperating and emotionally draining, praying fervently with every procedure, every transfer from ICCU to ICU. Dealt each struggle from carbon dioxide psychosis to finding blood for his transfusion.
Like mom, we could have lost him… But God with His divine healing powers intervened.
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. – James 5: 14-15
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. – Mark 10:52
Paying tribute to the following heroes who saved my in laws and whom God used to manifest His glory and healing grace (in no particular order);
Thank you to all nurses and aids in the 10th floor and ICU. And for all those I may have missed posting, may God bless you in return for your kindness and help.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in their midst.” – Matthew 18:20
Many thanks to all who have prayed & offered masses for my in-laws. The private nurses and caregivers I hired and God used as well to save their lives.
These miracles I proclaim today is for all to know God’s unfathomable love and mercy.
This recent hospitalization of my in-laws made me realized the frailty of life. The dawning of one’s life is such a poignant reminder how we should live in this world, grasping every breathe, savouring every moment, enduring the highs and even the lows of our existence. One day you’re up and okay, next day you’re not. And God, through it all, yet we fail to continue looking up, He is always there.
Now, I speak of His wonderful love, His infallible mercy and grace, He listens and has heard the woes and cries of His Children. I’m so thankful, walking in faith not by sight, thoughtful that God’s grace is the only help I need.
mypanoplies 