A couple of months ago there were several articles that came out stating that of all professions, it’s medical doctors who have the highest incidence of stress, anxiety and depression.
A young doctor who is a blogger wrote, “My stress is constantly 1000% of what I feel able to manage and it absolutely rules my life; I don’t go out, I don’t socialize and I feel on the verge of a mental breakdown constantly.”
I was astounded to read this! I have both a husband and a son who are medical doctors. My husband is retired, but he’s always been an easy-going kinda guy. Through the years there were only a few stressful incidents.
Our son’s specialty is emergency medicine and he teaches at a major university medical school. So I asked him his opinion of these articles.
He said, “Yes! It’s a huge problem among doctors. We even have medical students who take medication for depression and anxiety. It’s especially hard for doctors who work in the Emergency Department because it’s one of the highest stress areas.
So I asked, “Of those you know, both medical doctors and students who suffer from anxieties, are they Christians?”
His answer came quickly. “No. None of them.”
“What about you?” Has the stress caused problems for you?”
“Well Mom, Emergency Medicine is stressful, but I have the Lord. Trusting God makes all the difference.”
What joy filled my heart to hear that! I wanted to immediately praise and thank God.
Yes, depression, anxiety and stress are increasing. Yes, suicide is becoming a trend. I believe it’s due to another trend–the trend to ignore God and His ways. I believe God created us in such a way that we are the most content and the most at peace when we know Jesus, we know His Word and we trust Him with our life. I’m reminded of the bumper sticker: “No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace.” It’s true.
I might also add that there are times when even a Christian may commit suicide. I believe it’s because he/she has believed the message of the enemy: “You aren’t good enough. You’re a failure. Nobody loves you. Nobody cares, not even God.” Just watching the news these days can be depressing and overwhelming. It can even seem hopeless when we take our eyes off Jesus and His Word and begin listening to the enemy.
- Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 5:1
- Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
- SONG: DEAR LORD OF LORDS – by Kathleen
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