FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

Kristi, thank you for having the courage to openly share your life experiences with your readers. You and Jean-Marc are not unique or alone. Your story can give your readers insight into similar life experiences as well as give them the courage to find help.

Happy anniversary!

I wish you only the best....and accolades for hanging in there. Time will heel this desperately worrisome time. Keep the faith!

Hi Kristi,

Have been enjoying your posts for a while. Today's made me think you might like to take a look at Barbara Mendez, http://barbaramendeznutrition.com/ She is a licensed pharmacist turned nutritionist who discusses food from the perspective of its chemical properties and effects. Bon chance! Roni Beth

Prayer I do often, daily, asking God to answer those who reach out to Him. Jean-Marc has been on my list since his depression was revealed.

Be well. You and your wonderful family are in our prayers.

Kristin, I love your blog and your recent entry struck me that not only do we have the love of the French language in common but the love of food as a path to healing. Please take a look at Hilary Boynton's new book "Heal Your Gut" and also Terry Wahl's work "The Wahl's Protocol". Both have great information for addressing anxiety and depression through diet and lifestyle. Wishing you and your husband bon courage for walking this difficult journey and remaining supportive and compassionate with each other.

Kristin,
Thank you for sharing. You and your family are in my prayers.

Dear, dear Kristi and Jean-Marc, you obviously have an amazing and supportive community out there. Keep up your courage and your love levels -- the silver lining is already showing through!

Bravo for facing this journey head on.

As for the cassoulet, try generous amounts of garlic and herbes de Provence. It never fails.

xo

Indeed, Mme Espinasse you and your life details are fascinating. But the old French WAD with far more French words was too.

Dearest Kristi,

Your love for each other, the knowing that you are there and care for each other unconditionally, much provide much strength and comfort.

I have heard that those who receive prayers, even if they do not know they are being prayed for, heal faster than those who do not receive prayers. (I imagine in a proper study some participants received the placebo, i.e., were not added to the prayer list.) You and Jean-Marc are receiving many from across the globe.

I do not think Jean-Marc looks petrified. If he suffered depression that early on, perhaps his expression is one of awe - that this beautiful, compassionate woman is pledging her love to him.

Dr. James W. Pennebaker (in his book Opening Up, The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions) tells us that translating an event into language helps us understand it differently and more clearly. However, your sharing not only helps you, but I am sure helps many readers. I love quotes - wee bits of wisdom I refer to them as - and find this one apropos to insert here:

”In Japan, it is said that words of the soul reside in a spirit called kotodama or the spirit of words, and the act of speaking words has the power to change the world."
~ Masauro Emoto, Japanese Scientist & author of The Hidden Messages in Water

As for the roller coaster ride (I don't like them either), I leave you with a quote from Jon Kabat-Zinn "We can't stop the waves, but we can learn to surf."

Namaste

Please get on another topic so that the repetitious comments of your followers will stop. Many of these people have gotten far too involved in the lives of people they've never met. I'm sorry about your husband's depression, but almost everyone has faced major difficulties and has dealt with them in one way or another.

My prayers and healing thoughts continue to be with Jean Marc and you. As someone who suffers from depression, I finally agreed to medication over 20 years ago. It has made a world of difference in my relationships with family and my a I.ity to "not sweat the small stuff!" May Jean Marc find the happiness and comfort he is seeking. He is lucky to have such a loving, supporting, insightful and understanding wife.

Kristin,
Such an open & candid letter about the problems you are sharing with Jean-Marc . I'm absolutely sure that putting all down in writing & sharing like this is the best thing to do. You will get strength from all the support from us all out here . Take heart, stay positive & have faith. x

Kristi, I hope you read this message. I have had stages of crippling depression in my life and done much research. I have been to later alternative doctors, I've been to "regular" doctors. Since you and Jean Marc are roughly my age, please may I make a suggestion. You MUST find a medical doctor who looks at the whole body and will test his hormone levels. NOT a blood test. The spit and urine test (sorry). When you reach forties your body changes. Last year I descended quickly and frighteningly into deep depression. My doctor gave me an antidepressant to get me through while I took the tests. I took hormone and neurotransmitter. It came back I majorly needed progesterone and my adrenal glands were burned out. My cortisol was so low my body wanted to sleep all the time and couldn't function. After taking the proper supplements (hormones should never be synthetic), I feel whole again. It saved my life. A year later my husband began experiencing it. He needed testosterone and adrenal supplements as well. Depression I have learned over decades, is a symptom of something off in your body, rather than a thing in itself. Jean Marc, your body is trying to tell you something in the only way it knows how. You just have to figure out what. Could also be food allergies or your thyroid. This is also why our metabolism slows down around the same time (and can also be fixed). The Blend Insitute (google it) in Florida is world-renowned and they do phone consults. Thank you for your honesty. I believe when we share these things we can lift each other and help each other. Kristi, if you want it I don't mind sharing my email address for any other questions or information. I remember the pain of this depression all too well. But I also know how wonderful I feel now, so it's important to me to share it. We are all thinking of you.

Your wedding photo is so lovely! And you do have the happiest expression ever! So pretty, and Jean-Marc so handsome!
Looking forward to next week's post. Cookbook next?

Perhaps now might be a good time for a mini vacation to Italy. Just you, J-M, and Mr. Sachs.

Thank you all for your sweet comments and your incredible support which do help.
A very special thanks for my Lovely wife Kristi who stands by me all the time in this very difficult pzeiod.
God bless you

Kristin,

I'm so sorry for what you all are going through, although your comment that some things are stronger "faith, hope, and marriage" is so true. Who knows why we have to go through these awful times, but we can be better people on the other side of it all. When my mother was dying a horrible death from cancer, we talked and both agreed that our faith in God had become stronger. We didn't know why because my Mother was suffering so much and it didn't appear that God was answering our prayers at all. It did bring our family closer together, my faith is stronger, and I'm more compassionate to other people's suffering.
God bless you all.

All of your blogs are interesting, this one, though, stands out to me as exceptional. Your description of living with depression as a long ride on a roller coaster is so insightful, and it helps us feel what it is like. I've not lived inside of depression, but two of my daughters do (since they were in their teens, actually). So, we've been riders on that roller coaster, too. So well said! You guys are amazing in your willingness to be transparent. Thank you.

I have been following your posts for quite some time, since I a moving to France. You and Jean-Marc have found a way into my soul and I thank you for sharing your heart with us-- your dear readers. I hold you both in my heart -- wishing better times ahead come soon.

Forgot - Yes and I love the title AC. Know that a lot of love is coming your way. Hugs

Kristin and Jean-Marc. Joyeux Anniversaire maintenant et beaucoup plus. Soyeuz heureux.Avec prieres et amour.Vivian

Kristin and Jean-Marc: Joyeux anniversaire, maintenant et dans l'avenir. Soyeuz heureux. Avec prieres et amour. Viviaan

Dearest Ones- Hang in there! I went through my 3rd (& worst) major depression 2 years ago. During it, I lost the friendship of my two 'best' friends. Everyone else hung in with love & support and thanks to them I now feel joy again. I am stronger & more grateful for each day, each act of kindness, each moment I see beauty. It is a difficult journey, but worth the effort. My prayers & best wishes are with you both.

What a beautiful wedding photo and beautiful couple. You are both so brave. Anxiety sucks and so does depression. My step son has bi-polar disorder and is now one and a half years without a hospitalization! Continue to love each other and take care of each other. Best to both of you.x

You are fortunate to have each other. This is what true love is all about. Now go share that hammock with her for even 15 minutes.

Try to go to New York to a specialist in bio-chemical therapy for depression.. Yes, drugs! It may take a while to find the right combo, but once it works, it is miraculous. I have even seen amazing results with... Electro shock therapy. Sounds terrible, but is now very advanced and refined and not at all like it once was.
A good dose of success would help too, so keep buying those lottery tickets!
Both of you have chosen one of the hardest, most challenging paths in life to take. It is no surprise depression lurks around the corner, but all the more reason to get proper help.

To open up like this to your readers takes a lot of courage and strength that I know you both have. The love for each other and being there for each other is a big part of the process.

Sending love and hugs your way.

Kristin, you and Jean-Marc are giving voice to the voiceless. I think one of the hardest parts about depression is that it feels impossible to articulate and describe the profound pain and despair. It is so debilitating -- like the wheel goes square and there's no way to move forward. But i think there is relief and a breath of hope when one realizes there is someone who can give words to that full stop. That makes a difference to many. And you are showing people how to keep working and get the wagon moving again. And it will. It will. Peace to both of you. xo

Your wedding picture is beautiful, you are a gorgeous couple! Whenever Jean-Marc feels low show him this picture, it was the smartest thing he's ever done.
I went into a deep depression once and having studied psychology my entire life I knew there had to be a way to get out of it. Since love sent me into depression, I needed to hate the object of that love to reverse it. It took time, but it worked! Where there is an action there is always a reaction. Need to know the source, then do the opposite.

Kristi:

Thinking of you and Jean-Marc. You have weathered a lot in your marriage and you'll weather
this too.
Courage,

Edie from Savannah

p.s. I also hate roller coasters, but like your simile.

Someone mentioned taking a vacation. I love vacation, but the word conjures up all kinds of expectations. So how about planning/taking mini "distractions". A few hours, a few days, whatever you and Jean-Marc could handle. I send positive thoughts for you both and wish you moments of peace. Happy Anniversary.

Bonjour Kristi: I have been enjoying your writings for many years. I am so sorry to hear that you & Jean-Marc are going through troubled times. I have experienced depression with my family & friends for many years & it is not easy for anyone. Jean-Marc is so very fortunate to have you to love & support him now & in the future. I am sending you my favorite Apache Blessing to comfort you: "May the sun bring you energy by day, May the moon softly restore you by night, May the rain wash away your worries, May the breeze blow new strength into your being, and May you walk through the world & know its beauty all the days of your life." I will keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers. Bless you. Donna {Was, DC}

Kristi, you continue to amaze and inspire me with your openness and your fighting for love — of your husband and your God. My prayers — and I'm sure those of people all around the world who have grown to love your family through your blog — my prayers for you and Jean-Marc continue. I know what it is to struggle. While I know the specific nature of our struggles are materially different, always hold fast to the love your Lord has for you. And feel the power of all the prayers ascending on your behalf.

Our Dearest Kristi,
You said it so eloquently:faith,hope and love.
You and Jean Marc WILL get through this.
May I just mention what Jesus said and it is true....
ALL IS WELL.DO NOT FEAR.
Love
Natalia. xo

Is that Father Matt Menger of the order of Oblates of Mary Immaculate who married you?

Dear Kristi and Jean-Marc,
Your roller coaster analogy touches so deeply at the heart of depression. The out of control downswing of life’s continual ride. The dark side of light; the down side of up. One cannot be without the other. Not everyone has the same experience with depression, and I think there are many causes, so my words may not be right for you Jean-Marc, and I hesitate to write them because words can be so powerful when we are depressed, but the longer I have lived the more life has taught me to be more understanding and accepting of this darkness when it hits. Keep your eyes open…and breathe deeply. Always breathe. Look up…the clouds will calm you. Yes, go to work. Dig in the dirt with your bare hands…feel the air against your skin. Embrace your fragile vines with a gentle touch…do the same for your spirit. Just hold it in your mind and tell it everything will be ok. Stay open to whatever this hell of darkness is bringing to you. Don’t fear it. It is not bigger than you because it is within you. It may take control of your wheel, but the car is yours. There is always a lesson. Ride it out. Write it out. Don’t lose sight of the beauty and love surrounding you…like accidental cassoulet, they will sustain you and hold you throughout your climb back.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers…and my heart. Bon courage et rester fort.

Bonjour Kristin et Jean-Marc,

I have 2 things I wish to send you. Years ago, pre divorce, I sent you brownies. Since then I believe you have moved.

One has to do with rollercoasters ( no it will not terrify you ) and the other something to do with umbrellas. And no it is not the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's.

I would love for you to have these things. They have been very personal to me for decades. Now it is time for them to be with you two.

You have my email so let me know how I can get them to you.

Blue Butterflies to you both,

Sh'reen Morrison

So often I am touched by your tenderness to the beauty in life and recently to the struggle and pain you are all walking through. I am certain your love and tender caring makes a difference. I don't presume to understand why we experience certain things but I am confidant a loving God cares and will walk with you!! With heartfelt love!

Depression has been an unwelcome part of my life since age 26. I'm 57 now and have more practice managing it but it's never gone. Reaching out is the best way to find others who share the pain and gain insight. Without my husband I wouldn't be alive, his acceptance and support are the reason I get up every day. Don't give up! There are many options to manage depression and allow you to fund joy once again. Best of luck to both of you.

Many blessings and prayers to you and your family for the challenges that you are facing at this time in your life. We all face struggles but with the love of our family and friends and sometimes even strangers we get through it, and we are stronger for it. May God bless you all and much peace.

Dear Kristi and Jean Marc!
Loved your beautiful wedding picture!! Sorry to hear about Jean Marc's, I am sure, fleeting trouble. I am strong believer in herbal teas and potions, which I am sure you have also resorted to. I am wishing Jean Marc a very quick recovery!! Love, Francesca

http://syedakbarindia.blogspot.com/2010/07/beat-depression-with-cardamom.html

2010By Syed Akbar
Cardamom or elaichi is one of the best flavouring agents in kitchens across the world. It also finds its use in providing distinctive flavour and taste to a number of sweet dishes and desserts.
Besides its major strength, the unique flavour, cardamom has a number of health benefits. But here is a word of caution. Like in the case of many other herbs, cardamom should not be consumed in large proportions. It has its side effects too, including impotency if consumed in heavy doses regularly.
Those who wish to include cardamom in their herbal treatment schedule should make it a point to consume it in small proportions. When consumed in a little quantity, cardamom gives relief from depression, provides clarity to mind and thought and keeps a person stable in actions too. It has anti-cancer properties too.
Cardamom has been used in traditional systems of medicines for several hundreds of years. It is the seeds that give the flavour and benefits of health. Take a few fruits of cardamom. Remove the outer covering (skin). Take out the seeds and finely ground them. Add the powder to normal or herbal tea. Ayurvedic doctors believe that cardamom tea will help fight depression.
Some practitioners of herbal medicine prescribe cardamom as a cure to certain male sexual problems including premature ejaculation. Regular intake of cardamom either directly or through foods will help in improving appetite.
=====
Home remedies
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Those with a complaint of erectile dysfunction may drink a glass of milk mixed with a little quantity of finely ground cardamom seeds. Ayurvedic doctors believe that if cardamom milk is consumed everyday before going to bed, it will increase sexual potency.
A little cardamom (a pod or two) will help in controlling nausea. It is also prescribed for mouth ulcers.
Those who are intolerant to gluten (people who develop stomach upset on use of wheat or wheat products) may add a little cardamom powder to rotis or wheat upma to overcome the problem.
Cardamom tea is recommended as a home remedy to treat indigestion and the resultant flatulence.
For women, herbal doctors feel, cardamom tea is the best bet to ward off certain menstruation-related troubles.

As always, thank you for sharing, Kristin. You have already shown a lot of courage to pick up and move to a different country and culture, so am confident you will have the courage and strength to help Jean-Marc through this difficult time as well.

Thinking about you both and so grateful for what you have added to our lives.

Hi Kristi and J.M.
Thank you to all of your wonderful readers who write so honestly. J.M. - you are helping so many, even if just one person, who can resonate and know that its ok to be real and to feel. I get what you are going through. Having love around and someone who is just there to hold, listen and say its ok . Its not all we need in depression but it is so helpful to have a warm hug in the darkest moments. I am grateful to your readers for book suggestions and all the other information . Sometimes - depending on how one really feels, we don't want to hear all the "stuff" coming at us, but eventually when we have a moment of clarity, these healing messages may just lift the cloud for a few moments. Thank you Kristi for your honesty and frankness and reaching out. You two look so adorable in your wedding photo. Thinking about both of you as I head for a cycle around the seawall in Vancouver. Helps my anxiety. I personally do find that exercise and breathing in fresh salty sea air is good for the soul and increasing the endorphins. When I am on my bike, I feel alive and in the moment. Not everyone can access a salty sea, but I do agree that exercise of any sort, anywhere does help eventually. Love and kindness to both of you in beautiful France. Patricia

It's good that Jean-Marc went to work today. Progress IS made in (sometimes) small steps, and every one is important.

Kristi, you are so lovable! No matter the mysteries of love and life, of roller-coasters and the like, I am so thankful for all the good, all the chances offered us to take a seat next to each other, that comes along with the ride. Continued support and prayers!

Your hands (yours & Jean Marc's) look clenched! :) Ahh, the wedding day! Good memories! You're doing fine, we are all doing fine, 36 years for me and mine! And somedays, are hands are still clenched!

Dear Kristi and Jean-Marc,

Honesty in all its magnificence!

It has been said that recognition and acknowledgement are the first steps in moving forward. Trust keeps it going. And it seems that there is a huge amount of trust going on here and a whole lot of love.

Every awareness and every breakthrough is one step closer to inner peace. We have faith in your strength to persevere.

With love and support,
Chris and George