Reading for Mental Health

Depression can be quite debilitating. It can ruin a relationship, jeopardize employment and steal joy. It can keep a fulfilling life at bay. I would like to keep depression at bay. The bible says I have been given a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) and I claim that verse whenever I feel depression creeping in. But sometimes it gets a foothold anyway and then it takes a real battle to evict this unwanted guest.

During a recent battle, I came across information on Dr. Neil Nedley and his research and work on depression. The most helpful was this video where Dr Nedley talks about some of the causes of depression. Most interesting to me was his suggested link between depression and the frontal lobe of the brain. He suggested reading (especially the biblical narratives) as a way to help stimulate the frontal lobe and counter the effects of the depression (starting at 13:30).

I decided to make reading a part of my health regimen, like eating veggies and using my elliptical. Reading for my mental health.