{"id":618,"date":"2013-04-07T02:48:23","date_gmt":"2013-04-07T02:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/gooddaysbaddays\/?p=618"},"modified":"2013-04-07T00:35:47","modified_gmt":"2013-04-07T00:35:47","slug":"chronic-pain-depression-and-the-suicide-of-pastor-rick-warrens-son-matthew","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/gooddaysbaddays\/2013\/04\/chronic-pain-depression-and-the-suicide-of-pastor-rick-warrens-son-matthew.html","title":{"rendered":"Chronic Pain, Depression, and the Suicide of Pastor Rick Warren’s Son, Matthew"},"content":{"rendered":"

I am not an expert on depression. Lupus can cause it, or a lupus patient can certainly become depressed. But depression is not one of the conditions from which I have suffered throughout my life with serious illness. However, I am not unaware of what depression is and how devastating it can be in its many manifestations. So I was very sad to hear that Matthew Warren, 27, son of\u00a0 Rick Warren, Pastor\u00a0of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, had committed suicide on Friday (April 5). As I write this, news is scant; most of the information I was able to find out came from secondary news sources and the text of an email letter Warren sent to church members (http:\/\/blog.christianitytoday.com\/ctliveblog\/archives\/2013\/04\/rick_warrens_so.html<\/a>).\u00a0 But we will hear more, no doubt, in the days ahead.<\/p>\n

It has to be nightmarish for the entire Warren family and all those who know and care about them, and clearly it is a time of prayer and giving comfort.\u00a0My prayers and hope for peace of\u00a0soul and healing are with all who are mourning this\u00a0deep loss. And my prayers are also with all those who suffer from depression.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, in my conversations with others, there is an undercurrent or overt declaration that people of faith should not, do not suffer, especially not from depression, and that there must be something wrong with their faith if they do. Matthew Warren’s death is a reminder to us that,\u00a0no matter how\u00a0strong our faith or how strong our ties to a faith-based organization, depression, like other diseases and afflictions,\u00a0can occur, sometimes with devastating effect.<\/p>\n

Because we are Christians does not mean that we do not suffer and, certainly, depression can bring great suffering. Moreover, because we suffer does not mean we are unworthy Christians, failures, or shamed. There is no shame in seeking help, in facing depression. There is no shame, too, in caring for and about someone who suffers from depression.\u00a0 The important thing is that we try – to do what is healthful for ourselves and others, to extend comfort, and to stay close to God throughout the whole journey. From the letter he wrote to the Saddleback community, it sounds as if Pastor Warren and his family did whatever they could to help Matthew, an example of constant love and care to be admired.<\/p>\n

I pray that the Warren family will\u00a0 not feel guilt, but will be blessed with support as they go through the next days and weeks. And I pray that anyone else who suffers from depression will be surrounded by support, love, and care, and find the help that they need. For God loves every one of His children. Every one.<\/p>\n

Blessings for the day,<\/p>\n

Maureen<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I am not an expert on depression. Lupus can cause it, or a lupus patient can certainly become depressed. But depression is not one of the conditions from which I have suffered throughout my life with serious illness. 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She expected to be writing scripts. God had other plans. A few years after her graduation, Maureen was diagnosed with a life-threatening case of organ-involved lupus. Her life turned upside down as she grappled with the effects of the illness and other health conditions that ensued. She was no stranger to serious health challenges; even as a child, Maureen had survived numerous bouts of pneumonia, flu, and other infections. But lupus made her take a fresh look at her life goals - and took herlifelong, strong Catholic Christian faith and writing in a direction she'd never imagined. Today, Maureen writes and speaks about walking with the Lord while living with chronic pain and illness. Her most recent book is \"Don't Panic!: How to Keep Going When the Going Gets Tough (Franciscan Media). She is also the author of, \"Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness\" (Image Books\/Randomhouse), \"Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy\" (Twenty-Third Publications), \"The First Year: Hypothyroidism, Second Edition\" (Perseus) and \"Taking Charge of Lupus: How to Manage the Disease and Make the Most of Your LIfe.\" She writes the syndicated column, \"Living Well,\" for Catholic News Service, and has also written for Saint Anthony Messenger Magazine, Journey for Women Magazine, The Upper Room Magazine, LupusNow, and Arthritis Today. Maureen's health continues to be a challenge, however she feels honored to be able to bring her perspective, from experience and knowledge, to others. \"Good Days...Bad Days with Maureen Pratt\" is a new way for Maureen to reach people who carry the burden of illness and pain in their lives, or who care for someone who does. 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