Have you ever felt alone, isolated, defeated, experiencing a persistent sadness that lingers for months?Depression is very common among women and just a friendly reminder you are not alone. According to Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest”. NCV
Depression can make it difficult to connect with family and friends. While experiencing depression, you may feel unworthy, lack motivation, or have the urge to give up on life. But here's a news flash: with Christian Faith-Based Counseling for Depression and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), there is a way to manage your depression.
What is Depression?
According to Merriam Webster’s definition of Depression is, “a serious mood disorder involving one or more episodes of intense psychological depression or loss of interest or pleasure that last two or more weeks and is accompanied by irritability, fatigue, poor concentration, and weight gain/loss”.
Understanding Depression
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of their faith or beliefs. Navigating depression can be particularly challenging for Christian women due to stigmas that surrounds mental health in the religious communities. As women of faith, it's crucial to acknowledge that experiencing depression does NOT indicate a lack of faith.
Often depression may affect your Emotional, Physical and Cognitive well-being.
-Emotional Symptoms: emptiness, sadness, irritable or feeling of hopelessness.
-Physical Symptoms: Change in your weight, lack of energy and either increased sleep or insomnia.
-Cognitive Symptoms: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating and negative thought patterns.
Depression Among Women of Faith
Christian faith-based counseling offers a source of strength, peace, restoration, understanding and hope. Combining faith-based practices with professional therapy is a powerful strategy to start your healing process. When providing services through Chrisitan faith-based Counseling, spiritual components such as (Cognitive Based Therapy) will be embedded into therapeutic process, supporting with everyone’s values and viewpoints.
Seeking assistance for depression does not diminish one’s faith or signify weakness of one’s faith, rather it signifies one’s step toward embracing restoration, healing, and wholeness in every area of your life. By acknowledging the certainty of depression Christian faith-based counseling provides support promoting a safe environment and honest open dialogue that promotes individuals on the road to recovery.
Bible Verses To Lean On
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
If you feel like you are in a stagnant place in your life due to the great hold of depression and you are ready to seek Christian faith-based counseling, please feel free to contact me at 910-218-0006 or admin@withoutlimitscounseling.com
Written By: Tomeka Benton LCSW-A, Doctorate Faith-Based Christian Counselor.
