2 PIECES BY CAROLYN CONSTABLE (c) 2007

                PRAYER FOR PSYCHIATRISTS

Lord, bless these caring doctors
Guide them as they seek proper treatment
for people afflicted with mental illness
Work through these physicians Lord to restore
health to their patients.
Help them to remember the dignity of each patient.
Bless them for their affirmations that assist
men and woman to become whole again.

Their work is difficult Lord.

Give them a sense of humor,
a generous dose of patience and a temperament
that is kind and supportive.
Develop their minds and hearts so they may be
instruments of light to those in darkness.
A psychiatrist may make the difference between a life
lived in despair or a life lived in joy.
SO BE WITH THEM LORD!


                     DEPRESSION

Deep down in the recesses of your heart

you feel

worthless

alone

frightened

you question your very existence

a somber cloud

hovers over you

encircles your mind and soul

so that only

a tiny flame is left to flicker.

That flame of hope

is almost extinguished

by the wretched oppression of

negative thoughts

Days of this gloomy isolation entrench you.

You  cry out:  Relief!

Finally that tiny spark

fanned by help

from family, friends

and psychiatrist

starts to kindle.

Prayers and the grace of God are fuel

for the growing flame

soon it illuminates your whole soul

gratefully

with a renewed spirit

you come alive once again.

Written while in the throes of bipolar depression, 1986-90. Clinical depression is a serious mental disorder but when treated properly with medication and psychotherapy it can be controlled and the individual is able to lead a happy, productive life and even write poetry!

- (2007)  Carolyn Constable