I thought I’d start a ‘Monday celebrity column’ … No not really – but I couldn’t let the news about Catherine Zeta Jones’ illness pass without some comment. She announced last week that she is being treated for type 2 bipolar condition – a kind of depressive illness.

The stigma that still comes with depression or any kind of mental health issue is immense and CZJ is to be commended for coming out publicly with the news. It will undoubtedly help others who are struggling.

If you’re a regular on this blog you’ll know that I too have suffered from a number of depressive episodes in the past and though I have been stable for a few years now there’s no guarantee that it won’t creep up on me again. For a Christian to suffer like this is even worse, for many in church don’t seem to be able to understand that it’s an illness and not a failure in your walk with God. Though having said that I have had some wonderful support within the church as well.

Key to my continuing journey of healing has been a prayer ministry tool called ‘Theophostic’ – God’s light – whereby the Holy Spirit is invited in to show you where the roots of any problem may lie and bring healing. It has been a truly life transforming journey for me though I’m only too aware that it is still ongoing.

So to Catherine and all our fellow depressives out there: cheer up, pull yourselves together, and try a little harder to focus on God’s love for you. What more could you possibly need?

It's my birthday this week and I'm posting some more personal stuff on the blog.