St. John Bosco’s very practical tips in dealing with depression

By Kim Roberts, NOLA Catholic Parenting

I recently was reading an entry at ChurchPOP.com and ran across a headline that caught my eye: “Feeling Depressed? 6 Beautiful Ways to Ensure Happiness, According to St. John Bosco.”

I have to admit, I don’t know too much about St. John Bosco, but I am all for anything that ensures happiness for my family. So, I decided to give it a read. I mean, who hasn’t been depressed and needed help to return to living a fulfilling life?

In my own life I have suffered bouts of depression brought on by deaths in my family, financial hardships and children moving out. I have seen family members fight their own battles with the depression demon.

I believe children in today’s society have so much pressure placed on them by social media and its daily influence that they face their fair share of depression.

I read St. John Bosco’s tips, and I think he’s onto something. Since he is the patron saint of school children and juvenile delinquents, as well as editors and publishers, he has a keen insight into the minds of kids – and adults.

Here’s the advice from the saint known as the Father and Teacher of Youth:

First, live for God alone, and if you have a sin on your conscience, he suggests removing it as soon as possible through confession. That’s great advice. Why wait and let things fester?

Second, never offend anyone, and be willing to serve others. Well, that is great advice for today when people are being offended all the time. Think before you speak, for sure.

Third – and this is one I tell my children all the time – be careful of whom you associate yourself with. St. John says not to trust those who have no faith in God, and do not obey their teachings. He explains that those who have no scruples in offending God will easily betray you. Truth.

Now, the fourth tip is one everyone can attest to. He cautions people to spend carefully if they do not wish to be ruined. That speaks volumes and should be taught at an early age.

The fifth tip is to be humble, because you will have no peace of soul if you seek only to praise and honor yourself. I’m sure all parents tell their children this.

And, the sixth tip is one that would be good for everyone to remember: Carry your cross on your back and take things as they come, no matter the circumstances. This is a struggle for me, for sure, from time to time, and I am probably not always a shining example for my kids to follow.

If we could all remind ourselves to take things as they come and trust that God will take care of things, that cross won’t be so heavy.

Kim Roberts resides in River Ridge with her husband and daughter, age 15, and also has a son, age 23 and a daughter, age 26. She is active at St. Matthew the Apostle Parish and its Home and School Association and has been Council of Catholic School Cooperative Clubs president. She currently is on the Dominican High School Parents’ Club board and works with the Notre Dame Seminary Gala Committee and the Keep Christ in Christmas Committee.

She has a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Louisiana Tech University as well as a master of arts degree, and is a freelance writer. She works and works part time for Crimestoppers.