|
TO READ Marja Bergen’s book is to love her. This writer’s vulnerability, sense of hospitality and humble courage make it seem as though
the reader is having a chat with her in her living room. It was through her creation and promotion of self-help groups, for people
suffering with mood disorders, that I first heard of Marja.
A dear friend, who has also suffered over the years with anxieties, discovered
both a lifeline and ongoing support in The Living Room (see story on opposite
page).
Marja’s good work preceded her, and I was honoured to be invited to the book launch of
A Firm Place to Stand.
Having been impacted by manic depression (bipolar illness) in my immediate
family has sensitized me to the need for both the resources available to us
through the Holy Spirit, and also for medication and self-management.
My mother, 35 years a missionary, and a woman with an iron will who continually
leant on her Saviour, was finally diagnosed as needing medication to manage her
depression in her mid-50s. She came to thank God daily for her “little blue pills.”
Like Marja, my mother also found satisfaction and healing in creativity, service
and friendship.
One of Marja’s goals is to reduce the stigma of mood disorders – both for the sake of the sufferer, and for the good of society as a whole.
To this end, she marshals studies on the relationship between genius and
madness, and identifies giants in history and the arts who struggled through
manic depression.
The chapters on ‘Coping’ and ‘Living for God’ are Marja’s survival strategies. These are useful for people living within normal ranges of emotional ups and
downs.
Marja does stress that, for people with bipolar disorder, medication is crucial.
Adjustment is often necessary, and must be carefully monitored.
She also stresses practical matters. No matter how difficult it feels, she tries
to get sufficient exercise. Even when she doesn’t have an appetite, she knows she needs to stick to regular meals. She tries to accomplish – or at least attempt – something creative every day.
Continue article >>
|
She maintains daily contact with friends, and tries to have many – so as not to completely tire one person out. She tries to do something she
enjoys every day.
Marja finds that slowing down, taking time to spend with God, and allowing
herself time to heal, is crucial.
The strongest impression I am left with is this woman’s sense of gratitude. Her passion for photographing children and nature seems to
further her capacity for appreciating life.
Marja has found that “it is more blessed to give than to receive,” and it is this desire to give that seems to motivate most of what she does.
She invites interested people to contact her online through
livingroomsupport.org.
– Margaret Ritchie
October 2009
|
