Music: A Tool in the Toolbox MW Whiteside

Physical activity will pay dividends in your battle with depression. Let me be honest - when you are depressed, it's not easy to get motivated and started. Yet, you must get moving!

Team sports and groups that regularly meet are an excellent thing to be a part of. The important thing is physical activity. Get moving!

If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)


National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK


988 - Lifeline Chat and Text


741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

Music is very powerful and often therapeutic. It is also another tool in the toolbox in fighting mental illness.

If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)


National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK


988 - Lifeline Chat and Text


741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

We've all heard the phrase that "beauty in in the eyes of the beholder." Adding another tool to our toolbox is the idea of seeing beauty in life.

Remember, these tools are not passive, they are proactive. It's extremely difficult to fight the opponent of mental illness. There's no doubt about this, but fight we must.

And seeing beauty in life is one of those areas in which we must be active.

If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)


National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK


988 - Lifeline Chat and Text


741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

No man is an island states a poem by John Donne.

No man is an island,
Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.

God, the Creator, wired us to be connected with other humans. We do much better and our physical and mental health is better when we are connected with others.

Social media platforms do not connect us in the way God intended for us to be connected. We can be lonely in a crowd. And loneliness is prevalent in our society today.

We find purpose in being connected with others and helping them.

We should all have a place in a small group or groups. Study groups, civic clubs, book clubs, and garden clubs are just a few examples of such groups that we should find ourselves a part of.

Stay connected! It's good for the mind and the body.


If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)


National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK


988 - Lifeline Chat and Text


741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

In this episode, we talk about another tool in the toolbox-laughter. Laughter is a very strong and important tool in combatting depression.

The book of wisdom in the Old Testament, Proverbs(17:22) tells us that "a merry heart does good like medicine." Another translation is "a cheerful heart is good medicine."

There are many studies about laughter that have shown the importance humor can have in a person's health. It helps a person deal with high pressure and emotionally investing jobs. 

There are laughter classes that are being offered that help many.

Toward the end of this episode are a few jokes that hopefully will make someone laugh.

Here's a cheap plug for a cheap ebook: available on amazon.com is the book Laugh and Live by Wayne Whiteside.

One of the tools in the toolbox for combatting depression are medications. There are varied opinions held by the church concerning medications for depression.
Personally, I can say medications have been a tremendous help for me. I see no problems in using them. They are not addictive, but when they work they can help a person immensely.
I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't want something that can ease pain and suffering? I encourage people to reach out and get help from the weight and scourge of depression.
In my opinion, the arguments against medications are extremely weak and not thought out.  
If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK
988 - Lifeline Chat and Text
741741 -     Crisis Text Line