The Dark Voice of Depression

Calming the Chaos

The Dark Voice of Depression - Interview with Pastor Michael Scholtes

Do you struggle with depression, especially during the darker months of the year? And is there some shame that comes with having depression? If so, join us for a talk with Michael Scholtes, who is a Pastor in Pennsylvania who is very open about his struggles with depression, his attempted suicide.

Michael is an ordained Minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has served in several congregations in Eastern Pennsylvania. He talks with Tracy at Calming the Chaos Podcast about how he has lived with major depressive disorder for most of his life. Michael also shares how he was able to calm the chaos of a lifelong struggle with depression. He also shares with us his writings, sermons, reflections, poems and his new book that was released in 2022 called “Darkwater: A Pastor’s Memoir of Depression and Faith.”

I. Intro – Tell us about yourself as a Pastor who struggles with depression (Candid talk about himself and depression)

II. Michael’s stories of depression

a. When did you realize you had depression (Intro to the “dark voices”)

b. The stigma around being depressed, and being a Pastor

c. What drove you to attempting suicide

III. How Michael moved through his severe depression and attempted suicide

IV. Any tips, tools or techniques that can help anyone in our audience who is struggling with depression and / or suicidal thoughts or urges

a. Embracing the brokenness

b. Remembering God’s promises

c. Calming the stigma of depression

V. Tour of the website / blog at www.thescholtes.com

VI. Social Media Links:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DarkwaterAuthor

Twitter: @DarkwaterAuthor

VII. Products / Services

• Michael’s Blog: at www.thescholtes.com

• Michael’s Book “Darkwater: A Pastor’s Memoir of Depression and Faith” at https://thescholtes.com/darkwater-the-book/

o At Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Darkwater-Pastors-Memoir-Depression-Faith-ebook/dp/B0B3LWW9BR/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

o At Barnes & Noble at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/darkwater-michael-j-scholtes/1141656286?ean=9781633376014

o At Target at https://www.target.com/p/darkwater-by-michael-j-scholtes-paperback/-/A-87451855

• Subscribe to Michael’s Newsletter at https://biblialuna.substack.com/

• Michael can do Public Speaking. Find out more at https://thescholtes.com/speak/