Dear Counsellor:

I am a committed Christian who gets depressed at times. I have prayed about it, but it is a challenge.

- Georgia

Dear Georgia:

Challenges are a way of life for humans. We need to have a close relationship with God so that he will help us to cope. Many things work together for good so we have to merge our health and spirituality.

Spirituality is very important in the healing of the mind. We need to acknowledge the love of God for us and his role as comforter and guide.

The past is always with us, no matter the various things we do to forget it. We have done many wrongs and feel that we should be punished. We also need to know that we should forgive ourselves and accept God's forgiveness. By acknowledging the wrongs that were done to you or by you, you have won the majority of the victory. We need to move past the wrongs and get on with our lives.

I usually recommend that individuals study the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. When we read and reread these items we realise even more that God is the provider, the guide, the comforter and our constant companion. We don't have to feel lonely as God is always by our side. To deepen our relationship with God, we need to study the Bible daily.

Healing for the mind is available. Cherish your precious memories, make an album or a book of these gems and use them to remind you when you are depressed. Depression will be lifted and anxieties will become calm.

It's good to keep a diary of your feelings on a daily basis. In your life today, seek out what is good for you and enjoy it.

Forgiveness is important and we should practise this. Remember that God provides the counsellors and the medication. Make good use of what's available to help you deal with depression.

Dear Counsellor:

I am having problems at my workplace. I am going back to school and hope to branch out into another profession. Any suggestions?

- Anna

Dear Anna:

Stress at the workplace is real and challenging. There are theoretical considerations and actual issues. We all need to work in order to occupy our time and to pay the bills. The stresses at work lie with the individuals, the plans and programmes. I have found that people sometimes become deluded with grandiose, ambitious plans.

There are certain activities that enhance one's chances of improve-ment in the workplace. You are doing one of the correct things. Keeping oneself informed and updated is very key life today. When we are armed with knowledge and skills, then we are able to make good decisions. It is good to keep ourselves abreast of the job market. Looking in the newspapers, we see all types of jobs advertised. The information is helpful to keep yourself abreast of current trends and changes.

These days, going back to school is made easier with distance learning and Internet training. We need to be aware of the adminis-trative, financial and technical aspects of any job to make ourselves marketable. As you know, you can make vertical changes or horizontal changes at the workplace.

As people age, they want to do new things and try out new ventures. Some people take up the helper role in many jobs that allows them to make a valuable contribution to humanity.

Volunteerism is good as it is beneficial to both the volunteer and the receiver. Volunteerism gives us an opportunity to meet signifi- cant people and gain valuable experience. The experience gained can allow you to make career changes, or even to meet your spouse. The fact that you have made a significant change to an individual's life is in itself pleasing to the heart.

Many times we feel discouraged and frustrated at the workplace. We need to evaluate ourselves and our work to identify what changes are needed. We need to be guided by God as to what our purpose and goals in life are. With God as guide, we can seek the best that life has to offer.