Friday, March 6, 2015

Sandi Greene: When Life Comes Back

Everyone's Story warmly welcomes author Sandi Greene. I was introduced to Sandi and her stirring fiction when I won her YA novel THE TRUTH ABOUT SECRETS and devoured this wonderful read. It's my great pleasure that Sandi is my guest this week. Sandi shares with us a very special message that I hope you will consider for both yourself and loved ones. I hope you appreciate her encouraging heart, and candid testimony, as much as I have. Perhaps consider sharing this post with a friend or family member that may also be uplifted. And, do check out Sandi's BookGiveaway offer. Both Sandi and I are looking forward to hearing from you.

***I'll love for you to take a moment and take the short poll on the right-hand sidebar of how far you're willing to read before deciding a book isn't for you. Thanks so much.


BookGiveaway:
Sandi is offering 1 copy of either THE TRUTH ABOUT SECRETS or BROKEN HALO, US residents only. The winner will be announced here on Friday, March 13th between 5-6 PM EST. To be entered in the Giveaway, please leave your contact information within your comment. 



The Light That Will Come by Sandi Greene
Once upon a time I was full of life. I smiled at everyone, and passion and drive filled multiple areas of my life from my faith, to being a college teacher, to being an author, and to being a wife and mother. People asked me how I did it because I went non-stop, finishing graduate school at a young age, working, writing, and taking care of two kids.
Then something happened I didn’t understand. I was often fatigued and tired. All the time. I became very depressed. On a regular basis. My chronic back and neck pain inflamed even more, and I was often in physical pain.

All of this tormented me, but the worst part was often the depression. I couldn’t comprehend my loss of passion for everything and the pain that followed. This darkness that had weighed down on my shoulders made no sense. I was a healthy young woman. I was a person of strong faith. What was happening to me, why was it happening to me, and why couldn’t I snap out of it?

I finally managed to admit to myself that I needed professional help and saw a doctor who diagnosed me with clinical depression. For the next several years I would see many doctors, be hospitalized once for major depression, and go through a painful divorce. I would continue to lose my passion for work, for writing, and family.


It wasn’t an easy journey by means, but soon medicine, therapy, and a lot of love from family and friends helped me to heal. One therapist told me not to not take life day by day, but rather minute by minute, so I did. On bad days, I would allow myself to have that day, knowing the next day would be new and I could try again. Over time, I was able to pull myself together and begin anew. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey was coming out on blogs and social media about depression and having others share with me their painful journeys and how they could relate, and how my story gave them hope.

However, it hasn’t all been easy. One of the areas that hasn’t fully come back is writing. I haven’t written a book in a couple of years. That desire is still there, and I know it will one day come back around. What I did grow passionately about, though, was higher education, and now I am halfway through my doctoral degree in this field. I work on several contracted positions with colleges related to teaching and curriculum.

Something that often makes me cringe is when those who aren’t close to me write me on social media or talk to me and tell me how perfect my life looks. I wish it were that easy. The truth is, the dark days still sometimes come. I still suffer greatly from chronic back and neck pain. I still have up and down days with my kids and my new marriage. I am a work in progress as everyone is. What you see on social media or someone’s website is never the full story of what life is really like for that person.

Even for those who may not have clinical depression, I know there are days of sadness or hopelessness or mountains that make you feel like quitting before you even start climbing them. But eventually the morning comes and you feel a little bit better, a little bit stronger. Eventually a year passes and you realize you’re happy again. Whatever you’re going through right now, if it has gotten in the way of your dreams, passions, and even everyday living, be encouraged that the light will come. It will return, or you may even discover a new passion. Get the support you need, and take it minute by minute, giving yourself the okay to hurt and learn and grow.

Sandi's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
#ChristianFiction author Sandi Greene @Sandi_Greene1 shares about absence from writing #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)

Everyone’s Story: author @Sandi_Greene1 opens up about #ClinicalDepression (Tweet This)

Like #YA #ChristianFiction? Check out @Sandi_Greene1’s #BookGiveaway (Tweet This)

Author's Bio:
Sandi Van Lieu Greene has taught literature and composition at the college level for more than a decade. She is also a freelance writer and editor for books and for college curriculum. She is currently earning her EdD in leadership with an emphasis in higher education while also being a wife and mom to two kids in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Places to connect with Sandi:

30 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your story of depression, Sandi. Every time someone does, it lessens the stigma for others suffering. God bless you on your journey to write again and help others in similar situations.

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    1. Oh, Laura--hi, there!--so glad you visited this evening. I appreciate your encouraging words.

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    2. Thank you so much, Laura! I agree that it's important we try and work to rid society of the stigma. Thank you for your kind words :)

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  2. Thank you for being so transparent. Depression can be the most insidious disease ever. While I've never been clinically depressed, I am occasionally blue (which doesn't begin to compare, I know). I have learned everything comes to pass. It doesn't go on forever. If someone can hold on to that, perhaps they can get through another minute, hour, day.

    Great post! And I know your passion will return.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Pat. I'm thankful that Sandi is opening up her heart to tell us about what she goes through. I know several people who daily struggle with either chronic depression or a greater mental illness and it is not easy. As Sandi points out, today there are several improved ways to treat what once was an imprisoning problem.

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    2. Thank you, Patricia! I know a lot of people who get "depressed" occasionally, and it can be a difficult time to go through.

      Thanks for your positive post! I do hope to start writing books again soon :)

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  3. Sandi, I can really appreciate your journey. I think our fast paced life creates a feeling of being overwhelmed. Our fast food mentally probably makes it worse too, by depriving our bodies of the right nutrition. One of the things that has always helped me through difficult times, and there have been many, is reading. And of course reminding myself that God has us in His grasp, even when we don't have the ability to feel His presence. May God bless you, "minute by minute." (I love that advice, by the way!)

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    1. Kathy, thanks for visiting and sharing your encouragement. I'm glad you picked up on Sandi's "minute by minute." Life these days is showing me that I personally need to minute-by-minute walk forward in life, remembering I'm not doing all of this by myself.

      You've also touched upon one of my favorite topics: I too am a believer that "modern" food is not full of the nutrition our bodies need. For instance, I recently read an article on how European wheat is not biologically rearranged/reengineered as American wheat and many gluten-intolerant people are able to consume European products much better than Americans.

      Yet… even before all this genetic tampering, clinical depression (and other mental illnesses) have been around for centuries. I'm also a firm believer that we are all biology. Thank God that we live in an era of much improved medications, and tied in with improved counseling, sufferers now see progress.

      But… don't get me started on affordable medical treatment of I might never stop commenting :)

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    2. Kathy,
      I completely agree. If I'm feeling down I eat poorly, and that just makes it worse. It's important to exercise and eat right, because many medical studies show these actions help less depression in many people.

      I love to read and definitely need to make more time for it. Thanks for the tip!

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  4. Great post, Sandi! I love that advice about taking it minute by minute. I've never been clinically depressed, though there was short time when I was seeing a counselor for sub-clinical depression. It made me much more empathetic to those who suffer this often silent ailment. I hope you reach that point of being able to write again - - I get pretty down, sometimes even belligerent, when I can't write.

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    1. Tammy, thanks for visiting and sharing. I hear you about getting down when unable to write--sure sign that you can't take the words away from a writer!

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    2. Tammy, I completely agree! I have so much more compassion for others now, and when I meet someone who isn't very nice or who is negative, etc..., I try to remind myself that they could really be hurting and I need to be kindness to that person. Thanks for your post :)

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  5. Stephanie SpierMarch 07, 2015

    Love this, Sandi. My writing hasn't yet recovered after my own depression but this past year i have finally been able to READ again, really read and devour books the way I used to.... I can't wait to write again!

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    1. Stephanie, welcome to Everyone's Story! I love hearing the glow in your words. I'm very happy for you.

      Do check back for Sandi's reply later on. And, if you'd like to try winning one of her novels, do leave a contact email within another comment. Thanks.

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    2. Thanks Elaine... SABecherer@aol.com

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    3. Stephanie,
      I think it's great you love to read now! Plus, you have a brand new little one, so you have an excuse not to write :) But when you and I do return to it we can go back to helping each other! Glad you're doing so well.

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  6. Sandi,
    We are so proud to consider you as a friend. Your story is even more meaningful since we have watched and prayed for you through the past few years. We are sharing with our daughter who needs encouragement now. Thanks for your openness. God bless you and your family!

    Thanks also to Elaine.

    Mark and Tina - Cottonwood

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    1. Hi, Mark. I'm thankful for your visit. It's a pleasure to host Sandi. I'm touched that she is reaching out to offer hope to so many of the population who needs help but often is discouraged to seek treatment. It blesses my heart that you are sharing this with your daughter. I just lifted your daughter in prayer that Sandi's words may help comfort her. God bless.

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. Thank you, Mark! I really appreciate you and Tina's friendship and your prayers. Thank you for sharing with your daughter. I hope she feels better soon.

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  7. Hello Elaine. Glad Elaine invited you here. Sounds like you really had a bad time. I have many health problems but never seem to get answers from any doctor I have seen. I just try to remember some others are worse than me. I figure if I wake up each day I will just than k. I will be 80 next month on the 7th. Just lost a brother last Wednesday to cancer, He was 6 years younger than me. We started out with 8 siblings and now just my older brother, almost 90 left.I would love to win your book. Glad you are back to feeling happy again. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. Oh, sweet Maxie, I'm so sorry about the recent loss of your brother. My condolences. This thing called life is not easy. Understatement. There is so much illness, whether emotional anguish or physical (both have unwelcomely visited my family… as well as most families I know). That is why I openly give thanks to my loving God. I'm just beginning not to ask Him why He doesn't stop this sorrow, believing He knows what He is doing. And that's why I'm also thankful for lovely people like you who reach out and share their hearts, even on a cyber medium. One day we will all meet and smile. God bless you, Maxie.

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    2. Maxie,
      I know exactly what you mean...It took me 15 years to find a doctor who could finally help me with my neck/back pain. You sound like a wonderful lady, and I am inspired by your story. Thank you for sharing with me! :)

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  8. Sandi,
    Thanks so much for sharing such a personal and touching story. I honestly sometimes lose that light or faith so I really found reading this encouraging, God bless you for sharing this! You will stay in my prayers, as well as my thoughts, I'm going to share this and hopefully when I'm feeling down I will find and read this again! It really means a lot, may I say again that you share this story with us because I know it may not be the easiest. Thanks!

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    1. Maddie, heartfelt thanks for your lovely words and visit this morning. You've blessed me by sharing how much Sandi's words have uplifted you and that you'll be sharing her story, which is really all of our stories.

      Hope to see you again!

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    2. M.Brooks, I greatly appreciate your comments! Sometimes when I'm feeling down it is a story, blog, or funny or inspiring text from my friends that can make me feel a little bit lifted up again. Thank you for your kind words; I really appreciate it.

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  9. Elaine,
    Thanks as well for sharing this with everyone it think it's amazing and I found it encouraging as well as hopeful to read! I loved reading through your replies to the comments as well to see you are a women of faith as well, and I admire how you personally replied back to everyone, I find that astounding (in a good way!) Hope you have a god blessed day and week!
    ~Maddie
    (PS: oh yeah I totally forgot but my email is madisonbrooks16@yahoo.com )

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    1. Maddie, you just filled my eyes with happy tears. Thanks for making my day! You're a blessing to me.

      A couple of BTWs:

      --Sandi has replied back to you and I hope you will see it
      --Please consider subscribing to my blog via email (the option is found on the righthand sidebar)

      Have a wonderful week too.

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  10. Sandi - Thank you for sharing your story so candidly. I have struggled with/through bouts of mild to moderate depression and have sought the medical care and counseling I've needed.
    Lately I've been struggling through a time of absolute exhaustion and loss of passion, so I can relate perhaps, in some way, to how you feel. This burned out feeling does make it harder to write, since it takes emotional energy. I think just taking the Lord's leading and writing the little bit we can, with prayers for His strength, is all we can do.

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    1. Kathy, thanks for stopping by and for sharing your story. There is so much needed love and encouragement that occurs and grows between people when we let down our walls and open up. Surely, we can build each other up. I see God working His beauty here.

      It's not easy to understand why we feel certain ways, or why at times if we're feeling pretty good that someone comes along and trips us up a bit, but as Sandi and you have pointed out, we need to keep moving forward rejoicing that He is before us, beside us, and behind us.

      God bless you.

      God bless us all.

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  11. It's been an amazing and most uplifting week here on Everyone's Story. I love it when you can see the compassion between viewers as expressed in their comments--everyone has truly touched my heart and reminded me why I've kept my blog. Thank you!

    And special heartfelt thanks to Sandi Greene for sharing thoughts that others may choose to keep quiet about. Clinical depression needs to be talked about. I'm thankful Sandi is reaching out to many and I pray that God blesses her--and all with such struggles--the brave heart to move forward, embracing what we can of life and giving to others despite sometimes inner turmoil.

    Sandi, thanks much for your BookGiveaway of either THE TRUTH ABOUT SECRETS or BROKEN HALO to one very lucky winner who is…

    Laura!!! Congratulations, Laura.

    Both Sandi and I will contact you directly via email.

    Blessings to all.

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