Ex-Dromara minister to speak about battle with depression

Rev. Robert Robb suffered from depression but learned to overcome his problems. On Friday January 27 he gave a talk on the subject in Lisburn Reformed Presbyterian Church building at Nettlehill Road in the town. 

Rev. Robb spoke from his own experience of depression and identify some of its causes. He also suggested helpful steps in dealing with depression and there was an opportunity for questions afterwards.

“It was the worst two years of my life,” said Rev. Robb. “I was 30 years old, married to a wonderful wife; had two lovely children and a good job as minister of Dromara Reformed Presbyterian Church. Everything in life was going well for us.

“Then suddenly, on Boxing Day 1990, the dark cloud of depression descended and our lives were turned upside down. I, who rarely showed my emotions, was weeping like a baby. I, who used to be so confident, was filled with fears and anxieties.  I, who used to be so jovial and full of fun, was overcome with a deep indescribable sadness. I, who used to be so ambitious and positive, found that all my thoughts were negative and life seemed no longer worth living.  

“I felt as though I had let everyone down and was an increasing burden to everyone around me. It’s little wonder that my thoughts turned to suicide. Without the support of wife, family and others, I doubt if I would be here today.

“Thankfully the dark cloud that engulfed me back then is gone. There are times when the cloud returns, but now it is no longer black, but rather a sort of grey, and it only hovers around for a day or two because I have learned how to deal with it.”

Robert Robb is the pastor of a new and growing Reformed Presbyterian church in Enniskillen, where he and his wife Lynn moved three years ago. He has also established a Christian counselling ministry, called ‘Wits’ End Ministries’. Robert is a keen long-distance runner, who ran six marathons in six days in six counties in 2008.

For further information contact Rev Robert McCollum on [email protected].