Depression

Depression does not favor a specific age group, race, or gender. But though widespread, depression is difficult to grasp for those who have not experienced its effects. So instead of feeling sympathy for sufferers, some are bewildered while others have contempt for those who seemingly cannot pick themselves up and move on with life. Just to have a clearer picture, here are some examples of how sufferers may feel:

Sometimes I just don’t want to leave the house. When I do, the day is hazy. I know I did something at work, encoding something or jotting things down; but I cannot remember the details at the end of the day. I can’t even remember what I ate or who I spoke to. And the thought of returning the next day makes me miserable.

When depression hits, I am always so angry. I can’t take it when the kids are so loud or there’s a mess on the floor. I shout and then I cry. I know they are just being kids, but I’m just so tired. I wonder why I am here. I think to myself that I’m not a good mother, and then I cry some more.

When I am so depressed, it is like something heavy is holding me down. Or when I walk, it is like moving through mud. Everything is so slow and heavy. I just want to lie in bed and sleep. I don’t feel so sad and tired when I’m asleep.

If you feel the same, know that you are not the only one suffering and that this can be overcome.

Many sufferers are not aware that they are actually depressed since many of depression’s symptoms (e.g. fatigue, changes in appetite) can also be caused by sickness or stress. Because of this, depression is not addressed until after their life has begun a downward spiral, adversely affecting work and family. The following are some common symptoms to watch out for:

• Change in appetite (loss of it or eating more than usual)
• Change in sleep pattern (excessive sleep or insomnia)
• Constant fatigue
• Easily irritated
• Feelings of despair and loneliness
• No longer motivated to work or partake in the usual pastimes
• Persistent body aches (usually neck or shoulders);headaches; or digestive problems
• Sudden difficulty focusing or remembering
• Suicidal thoughts

If you have been dealing with a combination of these symptoms, be they minor or severe; seek the help of one of our Christian Counselors who will assess if you are suffering from depression. If it is, know that it is very treatable.

What Causes It?

There are many reasons why depression may set in. Identifying its primary cause is one of the objectives of the Christian counseling sessions. Aside from helping you in your current battle with depression, future situations may be avoided. These are some common causes:

• Abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)
• Conflict with others (e.g. relationship issues, threats to one’s life)
• Genetic issues (e.g. hormone imbalances)
• Losing a loved one (e.g. death, separation, abandonment)
• Medicinal side effects (e.g. pain of chemotherapy)
• Major events (e.g. natural disasters, stock market crash, war)
• Major illnesses or injuries
• Substance abuse (e.g. alcohol, narcotics)

Depression can really impact your life.The feelings of despair will sap your mental, physical, and spiritual health. It works subtly, which is why sufferers and their loved ones are slow to take note, thinking that it is just a minor issue at home or work or something else altogether. Sometimes the sufferer is left with nobody as friends, colleagues, and even family may reject them as bridges have been broken due to depression’s effects.

How it Hurts Your Relationships

A person suffering from depression finds themselves consumed by negative emotions – anger, apathy, fear, hopelessness, pessimism, and sadness. This naturally disrupts normal relationships as nobody wants to be surrounded by negativity. To make things worse, the sufferer often drives others away as they may feel useless and unworthy, believing that their loved ones are better off with somebody else. In the end, they may become truly isolated.

Christian counseling helps sufferers with their symptoms so that people are not pushed away. They are taught to reconnect with loved ones as their love is important in making a full recovery. For those who are married, Christian marriage counseling is available so that the spouse will better understand the problem and continue to positively work for a better marriage, especially if relationship issues (e.g. infidelity, no quality time together) are causing the depression.

How it Ruins Your Career

The lack of motivation is a big reason why sufferers of depression often lose their job. The once cheerful, highly motivated employee has become a liability to the company. The sufferer has difficulty concentrating; moves sluggishly; snaps at others; and is probably no longer as accurate or as thorough as before. For the customers’ sake, employers often find that they have to let the sufferer go. This, of course, compounds the problem as there are still bills to pay and a family to feed.

Christian counseling will help control the depression so that the sufferer can still manage to do their job as required. It may take much time to bring joy back into the work, but at least they will still be functional and employed. This is very important as it is difficult to have to start again with a new company, even if the depression is gone.

How it Damages Your Body

When the mind and heart are unwell, the body is greatly affected. Depression causes the body to experience muscle and joint aches, headaches, and bowel issues. The person may always feel tired and listless throughout the day. Sadly, sleep may not come easy either as discouraging thoughts may keep running in the mind. Moreover, low energy makes the body susceptible to disease with sufferers often falling ill, adding to their worries and insecurities.

Christian counseling will help the sufferer look at their situation in a more positive light to lessen the mind’s negative effects on the body. They will also be taught how to consciously take care of themselves so that their body does not become even weaker.

How it Destroys Your Mind

Depression is a mental issue; so one of the biggest effects will be on the sufferer’s mental well-being. Aside from the constant replay of disheartening and self-pitying thoughts, those with depression may develop other problems. Eating disorders or substance abuse are some of the usual results of depression. Self-injury or, in the worst cases, attempts at suicide may also occur.

Christian counselors are aware of the wide array of dangerous behaviors that may occur when the mind is unwell. This is why counseling is there to strengthen the mind and the spirit so that inner peace may be found soon.

How it Weakens Your Faith

As the mind and spirit are closely connected, sufferers of depression often find themselves questioning God’s character or even His existence. This is why sufferers are often at risk of suicide because they have lost hope in Him.

In Christian counseling, sufferers are reminded that such thoughts are not true. God has a plan and can provide the needed peace and inner strength through Jesus Christ, our Savior, and the power of His Spirit. Prayer and the reading of Scripture can lead a sufferer back to God’s loving arms. This is a big focus of Christian counselors as one’s personal walk with our Lord must always be strong to avoid the pitfalls of life.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

There are many self-help books and online articles out there on depression which some sufferers or family members of the sufferer choose to use. Others opt to go to regular therapists to get the job done. While these may be helpful to an extent, the missing key component is enhancing the sufferer’s relationship with God.

God continues to work miracles, even in these modern times. God wants you to overcome your struggles in life; but first, He wants you to get to know Him more. As faith-based counselors, the building up of faith, prayer, and the study of God’s word are considered integral to holistic healing.

So in addition to the different forms of therapy, group discussions, exercises and the like that we make use of, improving the sufferer’s walk with Christ is considered equally important. Used together, the sufferer will be able to understand the causes behind their depression, how to stop it, and how to prevent future incidents as their body, mind, and spirit will be strengthened.

What Will You Gain from Depression Counseling in Los Angeles?

There are many benefits to Christian counseling for depression in LA. You will …

• Identify the causes of your depression to help you now and in the future;
• Obtain the support you need through faith and sound counseling methods;
• Learn to control negative thought patterns and behaviors;
• Have a safe, neutral place to unburden your emotions and worries;
• Gain needed physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual relief;
• Acquire new, healthier ways to express your emotions;
• Discover how to build and maintain better relationships;
• Strengthen your walk with Christ.

If it is your first time to receive treatment for depression or if you have never tried Christian counseling, here are some answers to very common questions about it.

Will everything be kept confidential?

Yes. Each Christian counselor is ethically obliged to keep things confidential. No one will know what is being discussed, and no one will be told that you are being counseled. The only time that a counselor may reveal anything is if there is a real risk of a client harming themselves or other people. Further details about client confidentiality will be discussed at the first counseling session.

How long will I need to be counseled?

There is no fixed timeline for depression counseling. As each situation is different, the progress per person is unique. At the initial meeting, once your case has been discussed, the Christian counselor may be able to inform you of the estimated number of sessions needed.

Can my insurance cover my counseling?

Depression counseling is covered by insurance companies. On our end, we can answer any questions you may have about this and even inform you how to best utilize your insurance benefits. But we do encourage you to speak to your insurer first. We believe that good results are better achieved if the client has been well informed about their options, especially when it is about money matters.

What happens in Christian counseling for depression?

Christian counseling incorporates God’s healing power and sound counseling methods to help people overcome depression. Each of our counselors has their own method so you are encouraged to view their individual profiles to know more about them. Should you have other concerns about this, we will be happy to discuss them with you.

Do not let depression destroy your life. Contact us to begin your recovery.
Depression can be overcome. If you would like to get your life under control again, get in touch with us soon to receive the help you need. Contact us today schedule your risk-free initial session at 949-386-7182.