The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

What is Depression?

“I can’t think straight. I feel so down and blue. What’s wrong with me?” Depression is a mood disturbance where the person has intense feelings of sadness, discouragement, hopelessness or feels “down in the dumps.” It is generally accompanied by the loss of pleasure and interest in most of the usual activities of life. Many times the person with depression will have changes in appetite, weight, sleep, and have a marked decrease in energy. Often low self esteem plays a role along with feelings of worthlessness or guilt and shame. Ruminating thoughts, trouble concentrating and distorted thinking are common.

What causes Depression?

There are many major health concerns that may contribute to depression. A thorough physical is often warranted to check for thyroid problems, hormone disorders, glandular problems, nervous system illnesses or injuries or even medicines being taken that may be affecting moods. Severe life stresses or changes can lead to depression such as the death of a loved one, a career change, divorce, chronic pain or illness, pregnancy and giving birth, financial strains, relational conflict or other major changes.

Symptoms of Depression

• Depressed or sad mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities and people
• Weight loss when not dieting or weight gain
• Decrease or increase in appetite
• Hopelessness or helplessness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Nervousness or slowed speech, thinking or physical movements
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and shame
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts

Treatment

Depression is highly treatable and many suffer needlessly! There are a number of different types of depression that can be diagnosed. This can be made by a doctor, psychiatrist or therapist. Many times treatment is a joint process between therapist and the medical doctor. Along with medical tests for physical health concerns, a depression inventory or scale done by your therapist assesses for the severity of depression and a treatment program is created.

We utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify, evaluate and modify patterns of thinking and behaviors to overcome obstacles, find solutions for problems and define goals that create healthier lifestyles and gain satisfaction and fulfillment in their lives. Many can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy without taking medication. However, studies also show that a combination of antidepressants and therapy can be effective in treating major depression.

Suicide

A large number of people who attempt or commit suicide commonly have untreated depression. Suicide is a leading cause of death in young adults aged 15-24 especially males. They are generally in great mental pain and want to stop that pain. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression and feel helpless or hopeless please call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Spirituality

There are a number of biblical characters who dealt with sadness, helplessness and hopelessness including David, the Psalmists, Jonah and Elijah. But God cared for them and cares for you too. He desires for you to hope in Him! He promises to give you hope for your heart and lead a joyful life.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28-29

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:10-12

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

God’s best to you!

Mike Dawson

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