Karen Mulder
Karen Mulder is the founder of the Wisdom of the Wounded ministry. She lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband Larry.
DeathWisdom
What are the Warning Signs Of Suicide?

What are the Warning Signs Of Suicide?

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have had a previous attempt.

Warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide include:
◾Always talking or thinking about death
◾Clinical depression -- deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating -- that gets worse

DepressionWisdom
Crazy, Weak, and Worthless?

Crazy, Weak, and Worthless?

Even attempting to define the condition is painful for me. Our world does not accept kindly those suffering from depression. We are looked upon as a bit "crazy"; weaklings who feel sorry for ourselves; people who forget to "count their blessings."

To feel depressed is to be "blue" day after day; to experience tiredness that never goes away, not even after ten or twelve hours of sleep; to lack energy for even the smallest of chores; to not be enthusiastic about anything; to be unable to focus or concentrate; to turn molehills into mountains; to be overly sensitive to comments.

Holidays
Lent: Fasting and Feasting

Lent: Fasting and Feasting

How would you explain Ash Wednesday to another person?

The following is my attempt:

On Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent, the pastor applies ashes in the shape of the cross on the forehead of each participant while speaking the words, “For dust you are and to dust you shall return." Genesis 3:19

Developmentally Challenged
What do you say to a friend who has a baby with a disability?

What do you say to a friend who has a baby with a disability?

My first response is the old adage which says, "actions speak louder than words." Of paramount importance is that your friend feels your love and support. Hold the baby.

*As one mother said, "Hold our baby. Holding the baby says, "This handicap is not a barrier. I accept this special little person." You can even say this out loud to the baby and to the parent(s), "This handicap is not a barrier. I accept this special little person. I want to be a part of this baby's life."

Aging & ElderlyAlzheimer's DiseaseCaregiving Questions
What are the early signs of Alzheimers Disease?

What are the early signs of Alzheimers Disease?

Dear Karen,
How do I know if my mom has Alzheimer’s disease? What are some of the early signs of this disease? -Betty

Dear Betty:
Good question, Betty. Many people, including myself, want to know what signs to look for. For wisdom on this subject I went to wonderful resource, Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers. Frank Broyles, is Athletic Director Emeritus for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. His wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Frank says, “I had many questions and spent a lot of time looking for answers. What I learned is contained in my book, Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.”

One of the first topics which Coach Broyles deals with in his book is what signs to look for.