Depression OR Mid-life Crisis ?

For some time, I have been feeling low and moody. I find it so hard to get up in the morning to go to work.Friends tell me I am going through a mid-life crisis even though I do not feel it is that. I am 39 years old and wish life would be less stressful, but each day seems such a drag for me.

Don't get me wrong - I am not complaining ! Neither am I the poser. But, some of the symptoms do remind me of a certain stretch of time in my life when I wondered occasionally if I was indeed suffering from depression. Yes, I was in my forties then. The more I thought about it, the worse I feared. I had some information about psychological problems that could possibly plague men in my age group, and I seemed to identify with all the symptoms associated with depression. But, I never had negative thoughts about myself. Neither did I entertain extensive negative thoughts about the future, life, society, or the world in general. Daily activities ? Well, routine, boring and predictable as usual.

I wonder if I am suffering from depression.

Some consultant therapist had said, "People who suffer from depression often end up being dominated by negative thoughts, low moods and, if severe enough, suicidal thoughts".

I had some. Well, not consistently and continuously for a stretch of time. What I feared then was the possible onset of depression. And, if left unchecked could possibly lead to a situation where I could not even search my mind. At least I could still take charge of myself then.

From hindsight, I was feeling depressed but not necessarily suffering from depression. I like it best when an expert attributed such psychological profile as possibly due to what is known as life-transition issues.

Yes, I was definitely grappling with issues such as:

• how life has been for me so far;
• wondering if I had achieved anything significant or legendary;
• whether or not I had lived life to the fullest;
• taking stocks of my ambitions, achievements and uncompleted tasks;
• evaluating as to what and how I should move on from then;
• whether or not I should slow down and enter a more leisurely phase of my life;
• evaluating as to what could possibly see me actively and usefully engaged throughout the rest of my life; and
• whether or not a retirement home elsewhere would be better; etc.

Technically, it was a mid-life crisis as it triggers the thought that a significant stretch of my life has gone by and death is eventual and inevitable as I soldier, glide, drag, whatever on the rest of my life.

It is suggested that I take time to reflect on what has been meaningful in my life thus far, and identify blessings in my life.

It is true that whatever struggles, unfulfilled dreams such as my dream house by the sea/ocean and dissatisfactions should not negate or discount what has been affirmative and self-rewarding thus far. I would continue to pursue on how I wish to live for the rest of my life.

I will find time to pursue my interest in music which I regrettably neglected when I switched jobs soon after I bought the Yamaha Electone Organ in 1985.

There must be someone and something to live for, something enthusing and something enticing out there to lead me on!

I have already started on enhancing relationships with people who mean so much to me, but that I could not spend more time with them in the past hectic lifestyle.

I have resumed my strict regimen, and adopt a more healthy lifestyle. Come Sunday and you are most likely to find me recharging at one of Singapore's beaches.

I continue to seek and discern spiritual inspiration and direction to enhance my inner peace and ps psychological/spiritual well-being.

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Catholics Do Not Worship Mother Mary

It is not uncommon for others to refer to catholics as those christians who worship Mother Mary.

Years back as a young catholic, I was baffled by questions on the propriety of worshipping Mother Mary. I was not irritated by the misconception at best, or wrong accusation at worst.

On reflection, I am of the opinion that we, as catholics, could not attribute the wrong impression solely on others.

Many of us were at fault. On entering the homes of catholic families, it is common to find the statue of Mother Mary taking centre-stage on the altar.

The icon of Jesus would probably be to the right or left of Mother Mary.

Worst still, there might be none at all.

With these in mind , I have discussed with my wife on making the necessary adjustments to the altar arrangement (see picture).

Besides, the portrait of Mother Mary has also been taken down from our main door; and replaced by the all-too-familiar crucifix associated with the catholic faith.

To set the orientation right, catholics DO NOT worship Mother Mary. We pray to Mother Mary to intercede for us in her prayer to the Lord.

Pope Benedict XVI told the pilgrims at the Marian sanctuaries of Lourdes this year that humble prayer to Mary was a true path to Christ.

The pope said Mary had appeared at Lourdes to invite everyone who suffers, physically or spiritually, to "raise their eyes toward the cross of Jesus" and recognize a love that is stronger than death or sin.

In his sermon, the pope placed himself among the pilgrim population, saying he, too, had come to pray at the feet of Mary, "eager to learn from her alongside little Bernadette".

Bernadette Soubirous was the 14-year-old peasant girl who had 18 apparitions of Our Lady over a six month period in 1858. He noted that Mary's first gesture to St Bernadette was to make the sign of the cross - an initiation into the mysteries of faith in Christ.

In his message on the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, His Grace (Archbishop Nicholas Chia) had said that it was through Mary Our Blessed Mother that Christ, the Word of God came into this world.

Through her humble submission to the will of God, Jesus became incarnate in her womb and was born in Bethlehem. Of all creatures she was closest to Him.

Through her, St Elizabeth and St John the Baptist encountered the Lord. At the Wedding Feast in Cana she introduced the stewards to the Lord: "Do whatever He tells you".

Mary's mission is to bring others to Christ and Christ to others. Mary wants to bring us close to Christ, the Word of God.

There are countless justifications as to why we should pray to Mother Mary.

But, in our zeal to look up to her for help; we must not unwittingly send the wrong message to others that we are worshipping her.

Our focus is still on the Lord Jesus.

Our acts of devotion must be seen to be in line with our focus.

Otherwise, we only have ourselves to be blamed if we grant others the opportunity to portray us as worshippers of Mother Mary !

Click Here for "Marian Pilgrimage 2018"

Marina Barrage, Singapore

The barrage is a 350-metre wide dam constructed across the Marina channel in the southern part of Singapore, creating Singapore's 15th reservoir; and the only one in the city area.

Celebration Of The Lourdes Experience In Singapore

The 150th anniversary of Our Blessed Mother's Apparition to St Bernadette at Lourdes in 1858 was celebrated at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday, 6 December 2008.

"Mary & the Word of God" was the theme chosen for Singapore's 2nd celebration of the "Lourdes Event" as this was in line with the theme that was treated by the Synod of Bishops in Rome from 5th to 26th October this year: "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church".

It was through Mary Our Blessed Mother that Christ, the Word of God came into this world. Through her humble submission to the will of God, Jesus became incarnate in her womb and was born in Bethlehem.

Each year, for the past 150 years, thousands of people of all faiths journey to Lourdes to pray at its Grotto for special favours, such as physical cures; to drink or bathe in its healing waters; seek spiritual solace or simply to imbibe the feeling of peace and love that pervades the atmosphere of this holy place.

However, it is not the place but the faith of the pilgrim which brings about healing. And Lourdes would not have become the well known pilgrimage site today, if not for the extraordinary experience of Bernadette Soubirous.

On 11th February 1858, she had her first encounter with Our Lady which changed her life from obscurity to prominence, for which she had to suffer much. In all, she had 18 apparitions of Our Lady over a six month period.