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Overcoming Depression By Neil T. Anderson & Joanne Anderson / Gospel Light Find Healing - and Join the Celebration of Life! Right now, millions of Christians are suffering from depression - but this silent pain does not have to continue. Solutions exist, and Neil and Joanne Anderson have made them accessible to all in this guide for breaking free from depression. This little book outlines your Christ-centered road map to recovery. It contains a powerful, life-changing message that will help you overcome depression with God's strength at your side. You'll get a complete description of both spiritual and physical symptoms of depression and gain insight into the comprehensive treatments that yield healing and unimaginable freedom - and so much more. |
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Depression: A Stubborn Darkness By Edward T. Welch, Ph.D. / New Growth Press This book gives real hope for those who struggle with depression, and for the people who love them. Dr. Ed Welch writes compassionately on the complex nature of depression and sheds light on the path toward deep, lasting healing. Welch considers carefully the spiritual, medical, and emotional factors that contribute to depression. Even more important is his insight into the impact of these factors' interaction. If depression has touched your life in any way, you can be helped by this practical and far-reaching approach. |
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How to Win over Depression, Revised Edition By Tim LaHaye / Zondervan This classic best-seller, which describes the causes of and cure for depression, has been completely revised and updated to reflect the changes in the understanding and treatment of depression in the last two decades. |
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Changes That Heal: How to Understand Your Past to Ensure a Healthier Future By Dr. Henry Cloud / Zondervan Discover four important steps to break free from your past: separate from some, bond to others, sort out the good and bad in yourself, and become a real adult. You'll be encouraged by a renewed strength to move ahead with your life and experience true healing. Includes study guide. |
By Rhonda Jones
Although I suffered from 4 years of deep depression, I tried to keep my pain from my family and friends. Only those closest to me knew of my extreme pain and despair. I even kept it from my children and it wasn't until they were all grown up that I shared this dark time in my life.
I have also had friends that suffered from ongoing depression. But it wasn't until I suffered from depression myself that I truly understood what they were going through.
First I would like to encourage you to read my article titled, Christians and Depression: Changing Your Negative Self Talk, to get a greater understanding of depression and what your friend and/or family member is dealing with.
Often times friends will try and talk their friends out of being depressed telling them things like, "It's not that bad,", "Everything will work out okay," or "You shouldn't be depressed." Though they may sound supportive, statements like these don't help your depressed friend or family member acknowledge and process their pain in a healthy way. It's normal to have intense sadden for two or more years after the loss of a loved one. Therefore friends must give their depressed loved ones permission to grieve. I remember a well-meaning friend telling me, "You should be over it by now." I replied by saying, "Well I'm not."
It is not uncommon for friends and family members to pull away from someone who is depressed. Not knowing what to say, how to help, or fearing they're going to make their friend feel worse are reasons many people stay away. It can be frustrating and later irritating being around someone who has been depressed for a long time and not knowing how to help.
According to John Preston, Psy.D. and author of You Can Beat Depression: A Guide to Recovery, below are steps you can take to help your depressed Christian friend or family member.
1.Learn as much as you can about depression. There are many good books for Christians that deal with depression.
2.Accept your depressed friend's feelings and don't try and talk them out of it. Let them know you understand they are hurting and that you care. Know that you can provide support but you are not responsible for curing them.
3.Pray for your friend. Prayer can take many forms, from praying in silence to interceding on their behalf. There is power in prayer.
4.Don't feel like it's your job to try and cheer them up. Instead, acknowledge their pain and let them know you are there if they need you.
5.Share with them the article Christians Depression: Change Negative Self-Talk. There are tools that Christians can use to help relieve their depressed thoughts and mood.
6.Encourage them to make an appointment with a Christian counselor or mental health professional if their depression is not improving.
Many Christians have found relieve from depression through Christ-centered meditation and learning how to control their negative thinking. Encourage your Christian friend to learn more about Biblical meditation and how it can contribute to their healing or purchase a Christian Guided Meditation for them. The Christian Meditator provides many resources and information on how to deal with negative emotions like depression.
How Can I Help My Depressed Christian Friend
More Articles to Help with Depression and Negative Thinking:
Christians and Depression: Changing Your Negative Self Talk
Christian and Depressed: You are Not Alone
How Can I Help My Christian Friend Suffering From Depression?
Stop Negative Thoughts by Creating a Mental Gatekeeper
Christian Stress Relief For When You're Running On Empty
Nipping Worry at Its Source
Overcome Negative Emotions By Casting Your Cares on the Lord
Read More Christian Articles
Christians and Depression: Changing Your Negative Self Talk
Christian and Depressed: You are Not Alone
How Can I Help My Christian Friend Suffering From Depression?
Stop Negative Thoughts by Creating a Mental Gatekeeper
Christian Stress Relief For When You're Running On Empty
Nipping Worry at Its Source
Overcome Negative Emotions By Casting Your Cares on the Lord
Read More Christian Articles