Reflection on Depression

Senseless suffering from childhood mental illness

CNN published a great article on childhood OCD this week.  One reader left a heartbreaking confession in the comment section:

"I had this [OCD] when I was little, too. I'll never understand why an "all-loving" god would put a defenseless child through this inescapable hell. I still deal with OCD to this day, albeit not in physical displays. There's absolutely no excuse for suffering like this.  Just further proof that we're all alone in this Universe."

I thought exactly the same thing when I was 15 -- and I still wonder why a benevolent God would permit this kind of suffering. Children have an innate sense of fairness that condemns undeserved pain. In light of the "inescapable hell" that the commenter (and countless other defenseless children) experienced, his conclusion that we're alone in the universe is intuitive and understandable.

I tried to address the problem of evil in this post and this one, but I don't have an answer.

New challenge!

After a nice break and a chance to reflect, I've decided to reduce my posting frequency while I train for a half marathon. I enjoy writing and talking with many of you about mental health issues, but my writing time is becoming running time.

I'm running to raise money for the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.  I've been going to a personal trainer these past nine months so I'm ready for a challenge! Once in awhile I'll post updates about training and a link to my donation page. 

Ciao for now,

Nina