There is Help For Depression!
Are you Experiencing Depression?
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be Depression. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of Depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did.
When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with spiritual help, support and encouragement you can get better. Learning about Depression—including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment—is the first step to overcoming Depression and the problem.
What is Depression? What causes depression? How to deal with depression?
Depression is known among psychologists as the "common cold of mental disorders." As Christians, we find hope for a better life in our relationship with Jesus, but were not exempt from struggling with the painful and serious problem of how to deal with depression, and or how to deal with stress. It’s estimated that between thirty to forty million Americans are affected by Depression. When one asks themselves the purpose of life and they can not find a purpose, that is a obvious sign of possible depression. Depression is not something that can not be over come. On the contrary, it is very treatable and recovery right around the corner.
Depression comes in many shapes and forms. The different types of Depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what type of Depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatment. Getting professional help and words of encouragement from others, along with building your faith in God are places to start.
There is no easy answer or cure for what causes Depression. Josh McDowell, a notable Christian author, compiled a list of eight major things what causes Depression. They are:
1.
Biological factors (PMS, postpartum, glandular disorders, etc.)
2.
Helplessness to remedy an intolerable situation (an unsaved spouse, loss of a loved one)
3.
Parental rejection
4.
Abuse
5.
Negative thinking
6.
Life stress
7.
Anger
8.
Guilt
Every Christian will deal with some or all of these contributing factors in varying degrees throughout his or her lifetime. How we deal with these circumstances determines whether we will become depressed, or whether we will use them as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth to learn how to live a better life. There are Christian recovery books available to gain insight on many issues of life. At a time of life like this can be a wonderful time to learn about God and his plan for your life.
Tips for Christian help for depression.
What to do for depression?
If you or someone you know is suffering from Depression here are some helpful tips and ways to
encouragement on how you can build your overcome Depression, build your faith in good words of
encouragement for you if you feel yourself battling Depression:
- Avoid being alone, be with people who love and care about you.
- Sing or listen to uplifting, godly music.
- Read the Bible daily (especially the Psalms) and draw your strength from it to renew your faith in God.
- Get enough rest; don't try to handle your Depression when you're sleep-deprived.
- Exercise and evaluate your diet for needed changes.
- Eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer refined sugars will improve your outlook.
- Seek help from others if you feel overwhelmed with your discouragement.
- Praise God and give thanks, even if you don't feel like it, try to speak words of encouragement
- instead of falling into the rut of complaining and looking at the “glass half empty”.
- Focus on your blessings: You have many of them, even if you can't always see them.
- Work on the causes of your Depression, not the symptoms.
- Is there a spiritual problem you need to deal with? Is there a relationship you need to reconcile?
- Become active with a recreation you enjoy.
- Seek out a Christian friend or Biblical counselor.
- Times of Depression many questions about God come up and as we all learn about God.
- Fears and worries begin to get into perspective and peace of mind is then restored.
Helpful Links how to deal with depression?
What is the process of overcoming Depression?
How to deal with depression?
How to deal with stress?
How to get out of depression?
How to live a better life?
Those suffering from Depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, anger, and many other symptoms. People who are depressed can sometimes feel useless and even become suicidal, losing interest in things, including people they used to enjoy being with as well as their faith in God. Depression often is caused by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems.
Anger management is sometimes necessary for those who are depressed due to the frustration they experience in their life.
For those suffering from Depression, there is much spiritual help available in the Bible. In Philippians 4:4 for example, The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise and that God planned for us to live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone suffering from situational Depression, but it can be remedied through God's gifts of prayer, Bible study and application, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness, and counseling. We must make the conscious effort to not be absorbed in ourselves, but to turn our efforts outward with the expectation and hope for a better life.
Feelings of Depression can often be lessened when those suffering with Depression move the focus from themselves on God and others. It is obvious that it would healthy to quit smoking, yet not advisable to attempt quitting smoking while depressed.
Clinical Depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. It may not be caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one's own will. Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical Depression is not always caused by sin. Depression can sometimes be caused by a physical disorder that needs to be treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder. However, in some cases, seeing a doctor for Depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury. When trying to recovery from alcoholism, or recovery from drugs, you can find many helpful motivational Christian books to help.
The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to handle
(1 Corinthians 10:13). Although being depressed is not a sin, a person still is responsible for the response to their affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed if necessary.
Some people have more hurdles to overcome, yet with God all things are possible!
Helpful words of encouragement
Many people become depressed because of relationship problems. Here are some quotes to help overcome Depression due to relationship difficulties.
- A friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you just the same. - Elbert Hubbard
- A friendship that can end never really began. - Publilius Syrus
- A friend in need is a friend indeed. - Latin Proverb
- A true friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself. - Anonymous
- A true friend is the one who walks in when others walk out. - Walter Winchell
- A friend is someone who understands my past, believes in my future, and accepts me just the way I am.- Anonymous
- A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down. - Arnold H. Glasow
- The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend. - Henry David Thoreau
- A true friend is a source of strength and hope. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie
- Friends share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. - Henri Nouwen
- The only way to have a friend is to be one. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
- The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend. - Abraham Lincoln