Suzanne Says

Question: Do you remember when my daughter had a bout of major depression a few years ago? Just lately she's been struggling again with similar symptoms, though not quite so severe. She/we recognized that she needs help sooner than last time and has been to the Dr almost a week ago. She is now on prescribed antidepressant medication.

She has now a little daughter almost 14 months old and is expecting another in child. She recently returned to work to a new job but has now had to take sick leave for a month. There is no doubt that her job is the external trigger to precipitate a bout of anxiety but she is scared to give it up and clings to it at her peril.

Be that as it may, my question for you is .... How can I best help my daughter (and her husband) at this point in time? As you'd understand I'm keen to impart some of my spiritual wisdom to the situation but I don't know if that's appropriate at this stage when she is so stressed and physically unwell. I don't know if I would be just making the situation worse when I share with her my soul thoughts about what is going on and what there is to learn. It's difficult because I see her trying to address the issues on a superficial/physical plane level of awareness when I know that I know her depression is soul based.

Do you have any idea at what point in the illness I can confidently speak up with my insights and expect she'd be open to listen?

Love always
Faith

Answer: I am sorry to hear about your daughter again struggling with depression. The good news is that she recognized that she needed to go to her doctor sooner than last time, at least to deal with the physical symptoms. I do not think, however, that this is the right time to give her your insights. It might be better to offer to help her out with your granddaughter, her home, etc. and just to be there. Then, when a moment opens, you can listen to her pain and you can help draw her own wisdom out of her. Rarely do others in our families want us to do more than listen. If she asks you questions, then you can offer your perspective on things. Rather than advise her, encourage her to write her feelings in a journal or to tell you or her husband or friend about her issues. She is an aware person and over time needs to discover the causes of her problems and stresses. Thoughts and prayers reach our loved ones on other levels, so do give her your insights and talk to her in your meditations each day.