Depression

Depression can be crippling—so much so, that you lose the will to take action to pull yourself out of a dark place. Even considering contacting someone to ask for help can feel overwhelming.

But the sooner you seek treatment, the more quickly and effectively you can begin to heal. And also, it’s never too late.

Let’s begin by going over some symptoms that can be red flags for a possible depression diagnosis.

If you or someone else are experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideations, please call 911 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists the following symptoms of depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

Symptoms vary from person to person, but if you are experiencing multiple symptoms for more than two weeks, seeking mental health treatment can substantially improve your quality of life. It may feel like it sometimes, but the truth is that you don’t have to live with untreated depression. Through treatment, you can learn to manage, reduce, or even eliminate it over time.

Why is Treating Depression Important?

Depression is treatable, and the sooner you get started with treatment, the better. Besides an improvement in mood, depression treatment can have positive benefits on your sleep, overall health, work life, relationships, and cognitive abilities.

Treating depression is also important because you matter. It may seem hard to believe right now, but change is possible. Your brain can heal and life can shift in ways you can’t imagine at this moment. God cares for you and created you for more. Don’t be afraid to reach out for options he has provided. There is no shame in asking for help.

Not only does God provide friends and family who love us, he also works through doctors, medications, and mental health professionals. The beauty of Christian counseling in Texas is that you can receive an integrated model of treatment—meaning, your counselor can combine encouragement from Scripture with evidence-based therapy to offer an individualized treatment plan that’s right for you.

Meeting with a licensed Christian counselor in Texas doesn’t mean you can’t be honest about struggles with faith, lack of belief, or your relationship with God. Individual counseling for depression provides a safe and compassionate environment where you can be honest and work with your counselor to find the best approach for you.

What Does the Bible Say About Depression?

Depression as a diagnosis wasn’t known to the people of the Bible, but that doesn’t mean the concept is absent from Scripture. Many people throughout the centuries have turned to the Psalms as a prayer language when life seems dark and hopeless. David’s communion with God shows us that God meets us where we are, even when we seem to have no hope left:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” (Psalm 143:7-8 NIV)

Depression is not a moral failing, and it doesn’t mean that you lack faith or that God is not pleased with you. There are many causes and risk factors for depression, all of which point to the fact that we live in a broken, fallen world. Our minds and bodies don’t always thrive, but God provides resources and help to lift us out of dark places.

Receiving an accurate mental health diagnosis can seem intimidating. But, many clients find that it’s freeing to put a name to your concerns.

Depression is a broad term that encompasses multiple, specific issues. You may have depressive symptoms and not be diagnosed with a disorder. You may be experiencing situational depression or you may have mild, chronic depression, etc.

Counseling can also help identify any related concerns, such as anxiety, substance use disorders, PTSD, etc., and help you find the right treatment plan in conjunction with treatment for depression.

Your counselor at Texas Christian Counseling will assess your symptoms and talk with you about any diagnosis and a treatment plan moving forward. Talk therapy can be very helpful, along with lifestyle changes and/or any medication that may be indicated.

According to Harvard Health, the four most common types of depression are:

1. Major depression (intense and all-consuming)
2. Persistent depressive disorder (chronic and lower-level)
3. Bipolar disorder
4. Seasonal affective disorder

Women are more susceptible to developing depression, and they also experience two types of depression that men do not: perinatal depression (which can occur during and/or for one year after pregnancy) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women are also statistically more likely to be diagnosed with depression in general.

Certain events, circumstances, and genetics can predispose some people to depression:

“It is important to remember that no single cause of depression acts in isolation. Genetic factors may be a major risk factor, but scientists also believe that genes and the environment interact to control exactly how these genes are expressed.” (Verywell Mind, emphasis added)

Many experts believe that depression is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Medications such as SSRIs and others work to alter brain chemicals to achieve a healthy balance.

According to Verywell Mind, other common risk factors for depression include:

• Chronic illness
• Hormones (especially in women of childbearing age)
• Lack of sunlight
• Poor nutrition
• Stress
• Grief and loss
• Substance use

So much about the treatment of depression depends on other factors:

• What type of depression is it?
• What kind of support system does the client have?
• Are there any co-occurring disorders?
• Are lifestyle patterns a suspected cause of depression, and can adjusting them have a positive effect?
• How long have symptoms lasted? 

Working with a counselor can help you identify the type of depression you struggle with, uncover possible causes, address any co-occurring issues, and formulate an effective treatment plan while providing support and encouragement every step of the way.

For some clients, talk therapy is enough to provide relief, along with gradual adjustments to lifestyle and help with stress reduction, relationship issues, or any other contributing factors. For others, medication may be an option to find relief, and your counselor can work with your medical provider to help you find an option that’s right for you.

Schedule Your First Session Today

If you’re struggling with depression, you don’t have to suffer alone. There is hope. If you’re feeling uncertain about treatment, you can start by browsing our online counselor directory. The counselors at Texas Christian Counseling have a variety of specialties and experiences, and we are here to help you find the right fit for your needs.

God’s heart is not for you to suffer in silence. You matter, and your pain matters to God. Compassionate, professional help for depression and other concerns is available today.

To schedule a risk-free initial session, contact our office or fill out our contact form.

Resources:

• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
• https://www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-10-benefits
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-common-depression-types
• https://www.verywellmind.com/common-causes-of-depression-1066772