Yes, parts of J-La-Sta come out every now and then. Just bits and pieces of my goofiness, usually around Jonathan, who is one of the only people I see these days, since i am off of work. I used to think it would be cool to be off of work for a while. But this is not how I imagined it. Dr. Appointments, Counseling Appointments, getting used to strong meds that make me so so tired, but not knowing if I'm even on the right ones yet. Waiting and waiting and waiting some more to get in to see a Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatrist). Not feeling like doing much of anything. Having a horrible memory, and not being able to talk right, ie say what I want to say. I can't safely drive myself long distances due to the effects the meds are having on me. Jonathan says I sleep a lot, although I do make myself get up and go to bed at basically the same times every day. I have little to no energy. Plus, I'm still waiting to see if my short term disability from work has been approved, which adds more stress to my life. Then the bills that are piling up from said appointments.. Yes, I'm blessed to have great insurance and I'm thankful I chose the PPO plan for the last year it's being offered. I've already met my deductible, and it's a very low deductible comparatively. I'm bummed that we are not going on the Mission Trip to Ecuador because we felt the Lord prodding us not to go due the current state of my mental health. Then on top of this I worry about the serious health conditions of close loved ones. Yes, I know God is in control, but you would worry too, trust me! If you were in my shoes and didn't worry at all, you wouldn't be human. Just sayin!
We all have our crosses in life to bear. Mine just happens to be depression. Yes I've tried it all and no, essential oils won't take it all magically away and removing sugar from my diet won't magically take it away, etc etc etc. There is no easy fix. I have dealt with depression since I was 16 years old. Actually, I can even remember having it as a small child.
I was off of work for 3 weeks and went back for 4 days and couldn't handle it. I need to be able to function at 100 percent and I wasn't there yet. These meds are kicking my butt and I only had 1 med change at the time. This is my 5th full week off of work. I have worked there for 9 years. I have worried about losing my job, but you know what? I work to live. I don't live to work. If there is anything this most recent bout of depression has taught me, is that I put my job way ahead of where it should have been in the list of my priorities. I put it above my health, above my trust in God, etc. It has caused me to re-evaluate my priorities and I want my life to show what my priorities are. If my Family needs me I will be there. Work is not, nor should it be my first priority. I want my life to show that my priorities are 1. God. 2. Jonathan 2.5 (half joking) Mookie 3. Family 4. Work. God will provide for my needs. Jonathan and I live below our means. Jonathan was recently blessed with a promotion at work. We can live on his income and survive just fine. We just wouldn't be able to bless others and travel like we love to do.
I am Jennifer Stanley, a Loved Daughter of the King. I am not Jennifer Stanley, Technical Assistant. My worth does not come from my job. But you know what, I was letting my worth come from my job before this bout of depression. I based my worth on my performance. So maybe, just maybe, God is using this to teach me to not hold on so tightly to my job, to make me Trust that God will provide for me and that I have Jonathan now. I'm no longer all alone in this world. I don't know what the future holds, but God promises to take care of me.
When I first pulled up FB this Afternoon, I saw this right away:
"I want you to face adversity with confidence and firm determination. Because I am with you and the Holy Spirit lives in you, you have everything you need to be bold. Cowardliness is not of My kingdom. When you are feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances, remember who you are—a child of the eternal King! Invite Me into the very circumstances that are intimidating you, and let the Light of My powerful Presence strengthen you. When you choose to live courageously, I am pleased. And I respond by strengthening your heart, thus increasing your valor." —Jesus Today by Sarah Young, p. 338
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." —Psalm 31:24 NKJV
God knew I needed to read this. I am going to live courageously, no matter what my depressed feelings tell me, and no matter what happens with my job. God will strengthen me and He will provide for me as he always has.
So Friends, I pray that this has given you some encouragement as well. Life isn't easy.. We all have our crosses in life to bear. If the grass looks greener on the other side, chances are it's not.....it only looks that way. Not everyone opens their heart and soul like I do, but I pride myself in being real.
So, like Jonathan keeps telling me, my job right now is to get myself better. That's it. That's my job. Whether I get paid for it or not.
Thank you to my Friends who have been there to support me! It is much appreciated! Thank you for being His hands and feet to me. Thank you to Jonathan for dealing with me the past few months. I know it hasn't been easy and that this is the worse my depression has been since we've been married (almost 6 years).
To my co-workers, I hope to be back sooner, rather than later. If you would, say a prayer that a Psychiatrist appointment would magically open up, that would help! :-)
I'm thankful for an Awesome MD who has empathy and wants to help me and knows I am trying to get better.
Most of all, Thank you to God for providing for my every need and for placing people into my life at just the right time, especially my sweet 4 legged baby, Mookie, who loves me unconditionally and follows me everywhere.
Thanks for listening everyone! I'll continue to keep you updated on my progress.
~J-La-Sta
