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Treatment optionsAll forms of depression are serious if they affectyour ability to function. Careful attention todetermining the source of inner conflict, strainedemotions, and behavioral changes is critical foraddressing the development of depression andhighlighting treatment options.There is no sure way to prevent any disorder.People inherit tendencies toward certain disorders,and if depression runs in your family, you are amore likely candidate. However, there are stepsyou can take that make depression less likely. Themost helpful thing to do is reduce stress.Fortunately, factors that increase happiness alsotend to reduce stress.Happy people tend to have:
High self-esteem. Remember that you arecreated in God’s image
Optimism. Change your thinking to seethe good in situations.
Close friendships (and satisfyingrelationships). You are part of the body ofChrist
Meaningful faith and work. You are a partof God’s plan for the redemption of theworld.
Adequate sleep and exercise. Although thispractice seems unrelated, not taking careof yourself physically can lead todepression.
Enjoyable activities. Regularly do “fun”things.
If these initial steps do not provide relief from the pain,other options are available. Consider speaking with afriend, partner, minister, professional counselor, orpsychiatrist to canvass a different perspective. In additionto therapy options, there are medicinal treatments thattarget depression with noted effectiveness.
If you need assistance in managing depression, you may
want to consult with a professional counselor in your geographical area. Although depression is common, you
can take steps to prevent it and recover from it.
Sometimes scriptures can bring comfort during stormy times. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace
I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Donot let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”
(New International Version).
If you are in doubt about where to turn for assistance, please feel free to call the Regent University Psychological
Services Center at (757) 226-4488.
This document is based on material developed at the University of Florida Counseling Center and information
from Ronald Kotesky’s Missionary Brochures. With
their permission, it was revised and edited into itspresent form by the staff of Regent University's
Psychological Services Center.
Brochure author: Mary Beth Covert, M.A.Series Editor: La Trelle D. Jackson, Ph.D.
Published by: Regent University Psychological ServicesCenter, 1000 Regent University Dr, CRB - 188, Virginia
Beach, VA 23464
Help
for
Depression^ Regent University
Psychological Services Center
1000 Regent University DriveClassroom Building Suite 188
Virginia Beach, VA
(757) 226-
Major depression is one of the most debilitating illnessesaffecting Americans today. It can affect your ability tofunction, think, and feel. More specifically, it is a moodproblem noted by pervasive sadness, disappointment,and hopelessness. The depressed person usually hasdifficulty finding pleasure in life, has feelings of intenseloneliness, and has limited energy to engage in lifeactivities. Most people have periods when they feeldiscouraged about their circumstances. However, truedepression goes deeper by lasting longer and impactingone’s whole existence.People dealing with depression often wish for a betterday, but have lost hope that it will come. They do notknow how to ‘feel’ better. Those suffering fromdepression may experience extreme mood fluctuations ora desire to withdraw from interactions with others.Frustrated with the inability to snap out of it, theybecome more discouraged. In some cases, depressioncan last for extended periods of time – months or evenyears. One way to deal with depression is to determinethe severity of the experience, understand the influencesthat prompted its onset, and securing treatment options.Christians sometimes deny that they feel depressed.Even God’s choice people thousands of years ago feltdepressed sometimes. Of course, there is no way we cango back and ask people in the Bible whether or not theyhave all of the symptoms, but let’s look at some thingsthey said about themselves.
David (king): “How long must I wrestle withmy thoughts and every day have sorrow in myheart... My life is consumed by anguish andmy years by groaning; my strength failsbecause of my affliction” (Psalm 13:2; 31:10NIV).
Job (layman): “Why did I not perish at birth,and die as I came from the womb? ….I haveno peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but onlyturmoil” (Job 3:11, 26 NIV).
Elijah (prophet): “I have had enough, Lord.Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors(1 Kings 19:4 NIV).
Jonah (missionary): “O, Lord, take away mylife, for it is better for me to die than to live”(Jonah 4:3 NIV).
Symptoms Depression can impact a person’s life in manydifferent ways. To a large degree, themanifestation of depression depends on theperson’s coping style, personality, and previouslevel of functioning. Following are somesymptoms of depression. Review the areas anddetermine how you compare with thedescriptors. Emotions:
Blunted emotional presentation orfrequent crying spells
Difficulty in finding pleasure in lifeactivities
Decreased sexual desire
Profound feelings of guilt or shame
Feelings of hopelessness orhelplessness
Cold or distant feelings toward familyor friends
Behavior:
Decreased interest in participating inactivities previously enjoyed
Diminished interest in maintainingone’s hygiene
Neglecting responsibilities
Reduced coping ability
Impaired communication with others(e.g., irritating, sarcastic)
Physical Complaints:
Lack of energy
Compulsive eating or loss of appetite
Headaches, backaches, or generalmuscle aches without a specific cause
Gastrointestinal problems (e.g.,stomach pain, nausea, change inbowel habits)
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
If you have several of these symptoms, youmay be seriously depressed. Consulting with aprofessional counselor may be helpful as youdetermine a way to handle the problem. Onestep in this process is to understand the variouscauses of depression. What causes this problem?Depression can be prompted by a variety of factors. Someepisodes of depression are situation-induced. Forexample, the death of a loved one, the loss of one’s job,or the disappointment of failed efforts can all initiate anepisode of depression. When someone can discern thesource of depression, the outlook is more favorable.Specific measures can be incorporated to deal with thepain. However, when no source is clear, the depressionmay worsen due to lack of treatment.In addition to situational factors, there are other stressorsthat prompt depression. Chemical imbalances, personalityfactors, drug and alcohol use, physical illness, andinadequate dietary practices can influence the onset ofdepression. Given that so many influences can impact
