True Light for Dark Days Psalm 13:1-6

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2 2 True Light for Dark Days Psalm 13:1-6

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4 4 A SHARED STORY My Family s Journey with Depression by Lori McCormick Depression has plagued my family for the past ten years in monumental and overwhelming ways. My family is fighting a war but we don t fully understand the enemy. This battle does not come with a how-to manual that can be followed step-by-step. Depression is dynamic. Much of the time we feel at a loss on how to best help our loved ones and support them in gaining victory. They feel helpless and hopeless and much of the time we share their sentiment. My sister lost the fight eight years ago when she took her life. My brother survived a suicide attempt but is still in the midst of severe depression. We grieve and struggle to comprehend where God is in all of it. However, as I look back on the past ten years, God has taught me some vital lessons that I would like to share with you. GET HELP IMMEDIATELY As soon as you realize that you are dealing with depression, confide in someone. It may be triggered by recent events or rooted in the deepest places in your soul because of buried hurts, disappointments, grief or loss. In the short term it may seem easier to stuff these issues rather than talking about them. You may feel a sense of shame and prefer burying these issues thinking they will go away. They will not. Real and lasting healing mandates honest and meaningful engagement. What I have seen from my family members is that buried issues come back. And when they resurface, they come out sideways, ugly, painful and hurtful. In my brother s case, he uses alcohol to try and cover the pain. My sister, while doing many right things, was not willing to be completely honest in her treatment. She was not willing to give up the one area that led to, and was still contributing greatly to her depression. (Proverbs 15:23) DON T EXPECT A QUICK REMEDY I ve learned there is not a quick road to recovery. I think sometimes commercials make it sound like you can take a pill for healing. From my perspective, medications can help some people; however, a holistic approach is necessary for body, soul and spirit healing. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) BECOME A CAREGIVER Walking alongside a loved one going through depression can be confusing. We are not sure what to do for them. May I encourage you to learn as much as you can about depression. As you provide care, exercise listening more and expressing sympathy. Never stop praying and at the right time provide God s truth that can help set people free. One of the greatest gifts we can provide as caregivers is the truth of God s Word to support the renewing of the mind and overcoming the lies of the devil. (Romans 12:1-2) PROVIDE HOPE IN THE LORD Once hope is restored, depression leaves. Therefore, provide hope in the Lord. King David got it right when he declared, Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5)

5 Professional Counseling Resources HELP IS WITHIN REACH Counseling Care (formerly known as Bachmann & Associates) 1500 McAndrews Road West, Suite 201 Burnsville, MN Northland Counseling Services 7945 Stone Creek Drive, Suite 140 Chanhassen, MN The Therapy Shop Karolyn Mengershausen, LMFT 760 Southcross Drive West, Suite103 Burnsville, MN Nystrom & Associates 7300 West 147th Street, Suite 204 Apple Valley, MN (Merchant State Bank Building) Family Innovations, Inc. Stacy Johnson, MA, LMFT 7525 Mitchell Road, Suite 100 Eden Prairie, MN

6 HELPFUL RESOURCES Overcoming Depression by Neil and Joanne Anderson This book identifies a Christ-centered road map to recovery, balancing spiritual and physical symptoms, leading those with depression and those in the Church who must help them to both a thorough understanding and a comprehensive treatment. Unmasking Male Depression by Dr. Archibald D. Hart Dr. Hart explores the many forms of depression and gives tools for coping with and healing depression in men. He also examines the lives of Christian leaders who struggled with depression, such as Charles Spurgeon and Martin Luther to reveal the myths surrounding this illness. A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss by Jerry L. Sittser Loss came suddenly for Jerry when a tragic car accident claimed the life of his mother, wife, and daughter. Jerry explains by coming to the end of ourselves, we can come to the beginning of a new life---one marked by spiritual depth, compassion, joy and a deeper appreciation of simple blessings. Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray Author David P. Murray comes to the defense of depressed Christians, asserting that Christians do get depressed! He explains why and how Christians should study depression, what depression is, and the approaches caregivers, pastors, and churches can take to help those who are suffering from it. 6

7 Depression: Walking From Darkness into the Dawn by June Hunt This little book explains the physical, emotional and spiritual causes of depression, the symptoms that characterize the four types of depression, God s purpose for permitting depression and how family and friends can offer real help. Darkness is My Only Companion: A Christian s Response to Mental Illness by Kathryn Greene-McCreight Where is God in the suffering of the mentally ill? What happens to the soul when the mind is ill? In this book Kathryn confronts these difficult questions raised by her own struggle with bipolar disorder. Her voice is a comfort to those who suffer from mental illness and an invaluable resource for those who love and support them. Shedding Light on the Darkness. Dealing with the Issues of Suicide by J. Michael Smith The author shares about his own personal battle with suicidal thoughts and depression. In writing this book his goal is to aid in the prevention of suicide through enabling the reader to identify, help and save both those who are contemplating suicide and those who are likely to ponder it in the future. A Woman s Guide to Overcoming Depression by Archibald Hart and Catherine Hart Weber A Woman s Guide to Overcoming Depression is an up-todate and comprehensive resource for women experiencing mild to moderate depression. It addresses types of depression, proven treatments, strategies for wellness, and God s plan for wholeness. 7

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