Faith and Depression
Publishing Guidelines: You have permission to publish thisarticle electronically or in print, free of charge, as longas the resource box is included with a live link to my site.A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.***********************************************************Title: Faith Healing and Depression?Author: E-mail: mailto:editor@overcoming-depression.comCopyright: by Web Address: http://www.Overcoming-Depression.comWord Count: 948Category: DEPRESSIONDon't worry, I'm not going to get in the pulpit but I willchallenge you to take an objective look at what faith maybe able to do for your depression. In doing so, we'll belooking at many people who use faith in different ways.Did you know that someone who practices healing touch, suchas Reiki, which is simply prayer by channeling God's loveand healing energy, can help a hospital patient's woundheal up to 5 times faster?Were you aware that the great majority of happily marriedcouples, couples married 50 years and longer report inpublic polls a long and strong faith background? Measurethat up against today's divorce rates!Did you know that devout Christians have fewer healthproblems and live an average of 7 years longer than non-believers?Most helping professionals, including psychotherapists,never touch this area of faith in recovery from depression.Why? Well, I could talk long and hard about this singleissue, but I want to keep the focus on your recovery, soI'll just tease this out a little bit. We currently livein an ultra-independent society (United States). Mostthings only have value if they can stand on their own.Yes, this particularly applies to us Americans. But, we'vealso separated church and state, medicine and spirituality,healing and faith, and on and on.
I say enough of thisimmature, black-and-white approach to life. It's hurtingus to live this way and it's time to reclaiminterdependence and begin living holistically again.Christians are disrespected and often under attack. Mostnever talk about their Christian beliefs in public for fearof reprisal. Others are too embarrassed to admit that theyquestion the existence of God or are extremely disappointedin God for one reason or another. Of course, then thereare Christian hypocrites who greatly embarrass Christiansof good integrity and give Christianity a bad rap.
Beingfair though, I've met many wonderful Christians, but I'venever met a non-hypocrite. We're all human after all. ;-)What is the status of your belief in God or a Higher Power?Remember, you're only answering to yourself as you readthis so p-l-e-a-s-e be honest with yourself. Who or whatis God to you? What kind of a God or Higher Power do youbelieve in? Are you in need of a God-belief makeover?Have you ever wondered if God would help little ol' you andyour depression? Have you tried this angle? Have yougiven God the opportunity to BE WITH you as you struggle?Or have you already put your own judgment above God's andsunk yourself into the quicksand of self-disgust anddespair?You see, I know. In my deepest depression days I judgedmyself unworthy of God's healing embrace.
I didn't deserveit. I felt humiliated to even consider it. There may evenbe evil in chronic depression, insofar as it loved theawful things I thought of myself -- it kept me from arelationship with God, it kept me from healing and it keptdepression growing stronger and stronger.I'm not preaching God or a Higher Power as the ONE and ONLYanswer. That would be joining those I've criticized above.Of course there are Christians who become depressed, andsome depressed Christians already pray ardently to God forrelief from their suffering. I am simply hoping to getyour attention for a moment.Belief in something bigger than you is one powerfulresource that you can tap into this very moment.
Whenadded to the many other available depression supportresources I have offered and will continue to write about...Wow, you'll become unstoppable in your recovery.Here are five suggestions for you to begin your new journey.1. The 3rd Step Prayer from page 63 of Alcoholics
Anonymous, one of the best kept secrets around. "I offer myself to you, to build with me and to do with me as you will. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better serve you. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would have of your power, your love and your way of life.
May I do your will always. Amen."2. This is thanks to my good friend Jill: Visual Prayer Cards - a wonderfully creative way in which to connect and develop an ongoing relationship with God. You can find more information here: www.comfortqueen.com/cgi- local/print.cgi?results.html?2913. And thanks to my good friend Nancy for this next resource -- the Encouragement Bible was developed by Dave
& Jan Dravecky and Joni Eareckson.
Find more about how to order it here: www.outreachofhope.org/index.cfm/PageID/187/index.html4. Sit and imagine the most peaceful scene you can in the theatre of your mind. Now imagine God joining you in this scene and the two of you spending some time together, perhaps just holding you in His arms for 5 minutes per day. Do this on a regular basis and watch the results.5. Begin a Prayer Journal.
Here's a sample outline for your entries. Begin with 5 gratitudes. Then list one item having to do with your depression recovery and request God's help in this area. End with a "Caught Ya!" section, where you document any time you caught God in action during your day, whether in your life or in life around you. Look for the "God shot!" It can be simple or profound.
For example, you realized you were daydreaming while driving, but only noticed this after you "safely" and unconsciously ran through a red light at a busy intersection and no one got hurt.May God's love surround you like a cleansing white light..
Recognizing Depression
Depression is a serious issue. There are simply hundreds of thousands of people who deal with depression on a daily basis. Are you one of them? Do you know someone that may be? How can you recognize the signs of depression? How can you help someone who may be facing depression within their lives?While there are many forms and levels of severity in depression, one thing is for sure. Depression causes negative effects on the way a person lives, the way a person is perceived, and the stability of their well being. But, what are some signs that a person you love, or maybe even yourself, is suffering from depression? There are many things that you can look for.
Some basic things are listed here.Does the person seem withdrawn from their normal activities?Do they seem unhappy with things that have made them happy before?Do they stay home rather than do something that they once considered fun?Does the person seem to be pulling away from close friends and relatives?Does the person feel...
Recognizing Depression
Depression > Recognizing Depression
Looking For Depression Support Groups
For those who face depression, every day of their lives may seem like a struggle. A struggle to get up, a struggle to face the day and the people involved and it can be a struggle to make the most of the day. It just seems simpler to crawl back into bed and forget about it all. But, the world needs us, we need the world too. So, we get up and deal with the depression.
But, there may be a way or a place in which the depression you feel is similar to the depression that others feel and are dealing with as well.A depression support group can be a great way to see that your situation is not the only one out there. By talking with others who are dealing with depression, you will be able to understand yourself a little better. Maybe they can offer advice on making the day easier or happier. Maybe they can offer an understanding that comes with friendship. By meeting with others in a group setting, you may be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.While it may never cure your depression,...
Looking For Depression Support Groups
Depression > Looking For Depression Support Groups
Anxiety Depression Symptom
Anxiety and Depression are the two forms of phobias and behavioral disorders which can casts a very bad spell on any human being. The former is a type of an emotional disorder caused due to the imbalance in the body of a person. Whereas the latter is a form of a behavioral disorder caused due to chemical imbalance in the nervous systems of the person. There are a variety of symptoms of these behavioral and emotional disorders, ranging differently for a child and an adult person. Let's first consider Anxiety and Depression symptoms among the children.
Children, like adults, can not express their feelings or problems. It is we who have to look for the Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in them. The symptoms seen in childhood can be sadness, hopelessness, powerlessness, lack of interest and prone to get irritated easily. As the world of children is controlled by adults, some are bound to feel dominated and hence suffer from severe Anxiety and Depression.The symptom of Anxiety and Depression...
Anxiety Depression Symptom
Depression > Anxiety Depression Symptom
What?s causing my Depression and Fatigue?
Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Depression are absolutely systemic in our society today. Recent studies done by the AMA and CMA purport one in four people in North America are suffering from some form of chronic fatigue or depression and it's expected eight out of ten of us will experience similar afflictions in our lifetime. But numbers like these don't speak to the cause and only tell half the story.In June of this year, my new book entitled, "Until You've Walked the Path" hit the bookstores. In it, I chronicle my own real life battle and recovery from CFS [Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]. I am pleased to say that from the responses I've received, the book has touched many people in a positive way, both those suffering from the disease, as well as caregivers, looking for new ways to aid the afflicted.In conversations about CFS, the one question I am asked the most is, "What's causing My [their] chronic depression and fatigue?" Followed by, "Is it just stress?"I'll admit I am not a doctor and...
What?s causing my Depression and Fatigue?
Depression > What?s causing my Depression and Fatigue?
Talking About Depression
In many ways, our society has allowed many people to believe that they can not communicate their feelings to others. Sometimes, we think that no one will understand. We think that what we are feeling is simply not important, not validated, or just wrong. If it was any of these things, we wouldn't feel this way. These feelings can be symptoms of depression.
To work through this episode of depression, you will need to find a way to talk it out.It is always important to consult a doctor if you feel that you are depressed. Talking to a doctor about your situation can help you know what is really going on inside your head. In many cases, the only way to work through depression is with therapy and medications. It is always beneficial, though, to talk to others about how you are feeling. If you have a trusted friend or family member, that is not going to judge you, then you should take the time to inform them of how you are feeling.
By finding a way to talk about your feelings,...
Talking About Depression
Depression > Talking About Depression
What?s causing my Depression and Fatigue?
Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Depression are absolutely systemic in our society today. Recent studies done by the AMA and CMA purport one in four people in North America are suffering from some form of chronic fatigue or depression and it's expected eight out of ten of us will experience similar afflictions in our lifetime. But numbers like these don't speak to the cause and only tell half the story.In June of this year, my new book entitled, "Until You've Walked the Path" hit the bookstores. In it, I chronicle my own real life battle and recovery from CFS [Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]. I am pleased to say that from the responses I've received, the book has touched many people in a positive way, both those suffering from the disease, as well as caregivers, looking for new ways to aid the afflicted.In conversations about CFS, the one question I am asked the most is, "What's causing My [their] chronic depression and fatigue?" Followed by, "Is it just stress?"I'll admit I am not a doctor and...
What?s causing my Depression and Fatigue?
Depression > What?s causing my Depression and Fatigue?
Drama Kids of N. Nassau County Offers Five Myths and Facts of Drama Education Expert Advice for Parents from Internationally Noted After-School Drama Program
(ContentDesk) Sept. 1, 2005 -- Drama Kids of N. Nassau County, part of an international franchise organization whose proven drama skills program builds communication skills and confidence in children, offers five tips for parents to help develop strong speaking skills in their children."We help students realize their creative potential," said Jerome Vivona, a twenty year veteran of Broadway, television and film, and owner of Drama Kids of N. Nassau County. "We're not aiming to create Broadway...
Depression projection tv Drama Kids of N. Nassau County Offers Five Myths and Facts of Drama Education Expert Advice for Parents from Internationally Noted After-School Drama Program Faith and Depression
Depression > Drama Kids of N. Nassau County Offers Five Myths and Facts of Drama Education Expert Advice for Parents from Internationally Noted After-School Drama Program
party Depression Faith and Depression
Understanding the Financial Option of Cash Advances and Payday Loans
(ContentDesk) September 26, 2005 -- Payday loans are intended for a short term use. Payday Loans (which also go under the name of cash advances, personal loans and paycheck advances) are arranged for employed individuals who find themselves in a predicament where they are short of fluid cash. That is why they are called payday loans and should be paid with the next paycheck.The payday loan lending industry has generated billions of dollars in loans and keeps growing at an enormous rate.There are...
payday loans Depression Understanding the Financial Option of Cash Advances and Payday Loans
Depression > Understanding the Financial Option of Cash Advances and Payday Loans
LeadPortal.com Releases Mortgage Lead Company Directory
LeadPortal's new mortgage lead company directory allows mortgage brokers to find new lead sources both fast and free. Along with the basic listings, mortgage brokers are able to read and write reviews on the listed mortgage lead companies thus helping other brokers make their decisions. LeadPortal also continues to work on new articles on mortgage marketing so loan officers can work on generating their own mortgage leads rather than relying 100% on lead companies.After dealing with a plethora...
mortgage LeadPortal.com Releases Mortgage Lead Company Directory Depression
Depression > LeadPortal.com Releases Mortgage Lead Company Directory
Scotsman Guide Relaunches Web Site
(ContentDesk) October 26, 2005 -- Scotsman Guide, the leading resource for mortgage originators, has relaunched its Web site, providing visitors with new and improved design and functionality.At scotsmanguide.com, visitors can now use a brand-new search engine to find and compare lenders and products in our matrixes. The revamped Web site also allows visitors to read all archived educational articles in HTML format, subscribe to the residential and commercial editions or renew their subscriptions...
Depression Scotsman Guide Relaunches Web Site student loans Faith and Depression
Depression > Scotsman Guide Relaunches Web Site