7 Useful Tips on Depression and Faith You Need To Know

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE to Helping Christians With Depression .... 72% 18% Anxiety Disorders in the US 40 million above 18 years have anxiety disorders $148 Billion mental health bill in the US Most people suffer from depression and it puts a strain on nations Depression is the most horrible feeling in the world. I still remember the desperate and frus- trating feeling it brought me, the feeling that there's no point to any- thing anymore. I'm glad that chapter of my life is now behind me. Jake Roden Even the most gifted, most intelligent, most capable Christians can suffer from depression. Physiological Psychological -guard your heart -renew your mind -keep a journal -read a good book -diet -exercise -wonder in nature -visit a therapist 02 04 Spiritual -pray always -worship God -keep eyes on God -open up to God Social -try good music -fellowship -open up to friends -confide in family Humans have body, soul and spirit. A good treatment program caters for all three. The Mentalist: Depression is only caused by bad experiences and thoughts. Mall Cop: Depression is only caused by sin and unforgiveness. The Exorcist Depression is only caused by demonic oppression or possession. Bruce Almighty: Depression is complicated and can be caused by various factors. They are three simplistic extremes that we should avoid when considering the causes of depression. David Murray 29 HELPFUL PHRASES for comforting a person with depression I'm here for you Say nothing at all You're not crazy You're not alone Can I pray with you? You're not a worse sinner I'll be with you What can I do for you? God still cares I care Can I read you a Bible verse? God is looking over you Can I give you a hug? Do you want to talk? God loves you more than I do I might not understand You're important to me What do you want to tell God? I empathize I will listen God understands your heart I will cry with you You can cry on my shoulder God is not mad with you Just hold my hand You mean everything to me I love you I will be your friend Let's go watch a movie Most of the times showing up and shutting up is enough. Matthew Psalm 01 12:20 04 42:11 Why are you downcast, O my sul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, forI will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. Psalm 02 Romans 6 Powerful Verses 05 12:12 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trauble and Be joyful in hape, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. For a depressed heart surround me with songs of deliverance. 2 Corinthians 03 7:6 Psalm 06 34:8 Nevertheless God, that com- forts, those that are depressed, comforted us. The Lord is close to the broken- hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The excellency of the word of God is in its sufficiency to reach our deepest emotions. 4 Books You Must Read If You Have Depression Ed T. Welch Depressjon: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness David Murray Christians Get Depressed Too John Piper When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God--and Joy JP Moreland & Klaus Issler Lost Virtue of Happiness: Discovering the Disciplines of the Good Life hronicles of a kid NEXT DOOR CHRONICLES OF A KID NEXT DOOR Christian Living | Memoirs | Book Reviews more articles at: gracemusing.com Resources 1. Adrian Wornack, 2013, The four pillars of mental health and well- being, http://bit.ly/1THADho 2. AADA, Facts and Statistics, http://bit.ly/1f5gvG1 3. NIMH, Any Anxiety Disorder Among Adults, http://1.usa.gov/1z6wfgw 4. Edmond Sanganyado, 2015, Do You Think Depressed Christians Should Use Drugs?, http://bit.ly/1CMBGbh 01 03