Depression occurs with every divorce / separation, all parties involved will have to face it at some point and it can cause tremendous pain and suffering in our lives. The general belief in the United States today is that depression can be treated and cured with a pill but we know that loss experienced through divorce can only be replaced by welcoming Jesus Christ and His love into our hearts.
“Depression is a natural response to loss.” – Dr. Archibald Hart
In the DivorceCare session, Facing My Depression we want participants to learn how to recognize depression and how they can recover from depression through both physical and spiritual strategies.
First it is important to understand that depression is a normal human reaction. Without getting into a complex bio-medical discussion, depression can be caused by a number of factors that include genetic, biological and environmental. For some people a depression trigger can be traced to a single event, while other people are feeling a cumulative effect from a combination of different causes. Additionally, identifying and dealing with our depression is a necessary step on our healing journey. It cannot be skipped or left to pharmaceutical only treatments. You can never recover if you do not deal with the pain and loss of the divorce.
Symptoms of depression can range from very mild, like a simple loss of concentration to very dangerous, like suicidal thoughts. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms of depression but any major change in behavior or mood (even those that may seem to be positive changes) should be evaluated and addressed if need be.
The severity of one’s depression will determine how to best treat the depression. Someone with a strong connect to Jesus Christ and a good family / social support group may need only to make a few minor changes in their daily routines. The DivroceCare program reviews several great strategies for managing depression. Still, others may need the assistance of mental health professional and other treatment options.
One of the most effective stragies for dealing with depression is taking good care of your body.
- Eating Healthy – taking in the proper number of calories along with the right combination of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins.
- Sleep Regulation – you really do need to get the proper amount of sleep eat night, research has shown that an adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to remain healthy (physically and mentally).
- Exercise – exercise has been shown to have both psychological and physical benefits while reducing anxiety and improving one’s mood.
10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
A closing thought about depression, do not be afraid to ask for help. Weather that help is a mental health professional, clergy leader, a family member or even a Facebook friend – you are not along!
-Bruce, follow me on Twitter: @chew143
DivorceCare is a Biblical based support and healing program developed by Church Initiative. DivorceCare programs are conducted at Churches throughout the Country, find a local group at DivorceCare. The Levittown Christian Church conducts DivroceCare sessions every-other Tuesday evening, please contact me or the Church for more information about our DivorceCare ministry!
