Christian counseling for depression can be a great solution for those who seek it. Christian counselor training is designed to teach Christians how to effectively handle their own problems, as well as other people’s problems — whether it’s for marriage counseling, anxiety issues, depression, or anger management.
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Christian counseling for depression should be a normal course of treatment for every Christian suffering from a mental illness. Many who are afflicted feel that their faith precludes them from receiving proper treatment for mental illness.
This idea is based on misunderstanding and may dissuade people from receiving the help they need.
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Table of Contents
What Is Depression?
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being.
People with depressed moods can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless.
They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions, and may contemplate or attempt suicide.
Insomnia or excessive sleeping are common. Other symptoms include feeling tired and lack of energy, trouble sleeping, or excessive sleeping.
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Depressed people may report multiple physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, and chronic pain that are often not relieved by conventional treatments.
In the United States, approximately 3.4 percent of people with major depression commit suicide and up to 60 percent of people who commit suicide had depression or another mood disorder.
What Causes Depression?
Usually, depression has a combination of causes. For example, a person may have an inherited vulnerability to depression, and then experience life events that trigger a depressive episode.
These are some possible causes of depression:
- Abnormality in the functioning of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that regulate mood
- Family history of depression or other mental disorders
- Stressful life events such as the death or loss of a loved one, financial problems, relationship difficulties, or being the victim of a crime
- Alcohol or drug use
- Effects of some medications on mood
- A serious or chronic illness
Christian Counseling For Depression and Its Truths
Is Christian Counseling Biblical?
Christian counseling is a form of counseling that integrates the Christian faith with psychology. It is sometimes referred to as “Biblical counseling” or “Godly counseling” because it relies on biblical principles in addressing the problems that people face.
Many people are skeptical when they hear the words “Christian counseling.” You may be wondering if it is biblical to go to a Christian counselor, or if it is just another worldly approach to psychotherapy that has been “Christianized.”
The truth is, there are both good and bad forms of Christian counseling.
Is Christian Counseling Effective?
Christian counseling is a unique and specific approach to professional counseling. Christian counselors use the Bible and their faith to guide the way they help people, while also utilizing the same psychological theories and methods as secular counselors.
Christian counseling can be a good option if you are struggling with mental health issues but also want to explore your spirituality in therapy. Getting help from a counselor who understands your beliefs is important for many people’s well-being.
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The basic premise of Christian counseling for depression is that Jesus Christ can help individuals overcome feelings of depression.
Christian counselors believe that God has all the answers to any problem or issue that people face, including feelings of depression.
They help clients understand how the Bible can be applied to their daily lives and what Jesus Christ does for those who follow him.
They also help clients deal with any other problems or issues they may be facing, such as anxiety, grief, or addiction.
How Does Christian Counseling Help With Depression?
Christian counseling recognizes that individuals are created to be relational. God designed us to be in a relationship with Him, each other, and the world.
When these relationships are broken or distorted, we suffer. This can happen for many reasons: personal sin, the sins of others against us, or the effects of living in a fallen world.
When our relationships are damaged, it affects how we feel about ourselves and what we believe about God.
In Christian counseling for depression, we look at the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and beliefs that interfere with a healthy relationship with God and others.
We work together to discover new ways to live out of faith instead of fear so that you can enjoy living again.
What Happens During Christian Counseling?
Counseling sessions will always begin with a conversation between the counselor and client.
This is when the client will have a chance to share what is bothering them and why they are seeking help.
The counselor will listen and make notes about what the client has said so that they can better understand what is going on in their life.
At the end of this session, the counselor may offer advice on how to handle their problem or may recommend medication if necessary.
In some cases, however, it may be best for both parties if the client continues with regular counseling sessions until they feel better.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who needs therapy will benefit from the same type of therapy!
What Is The Goal Of Christian Counseling?
The goal of Christian counseling for depression is to help you learn how to cope with your depression while also deepening your relationship with God.
Your counselor will likely emphasize different aspects depending on where you are spiritually and what you need most at that time in your life.
As you work through these issues, he or she will help you develop strategies that will help you deal with your symptoms and prevent future episodes from occurring.
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Christian Approaches To Depression Treatment
The most important thing to understand about the Bible is that it is the word of God.
Jesus came to earth to tell us that we need to listen to God and do what he says because he knows what’s best for us.
When we follow his instructions, we will find peace and joy in our lives no matter what situation we’re going through.
When it comes to dealing with depression, there are many biblical passages that can help you find comfort and strength in times of trouble such as Psalm 34:18 which says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Another example would be Psalm 23:4 which reads, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
Conclusion
Know that you are not alone. You, as well as others all around the world, struggle with depression, as well.
It is okay to ask for help and there are many ways to get help for depression. When you have depression, it is difficult to handle things “as usual.”
Click Here To Listen To Free Audiobook On Overcoming Depression
Make a commitment to reach out for help and do something about the problem before it becomes too much and does far more damage than good.
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