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Depression

Texas Christian Counseling

Christian Counseling for Depression

How can Christian counseling for depression in Texas help you or a loved one? Maybe you feel like you have nowhere else to turn, or like you have to keep going with a smile on your face, or like your pain and sadness is “too much.”

You deserve compassion and help. Depression doesn’t have to take over your life forever. Even if you feel stuck, it is possible to find healing.

Losing hope or happiness can happen quickly or gradually. Maybe trauma, adverse childhood experiences, loss, or numbness have led you to where you are today, questioning whether you may want to seek professional help for depression.

Or, maybe it’s a loved one you want to encourage to seek counseling, and you’ve come to this page to find out more about the options.

Maybe you can’t pinpoint any reason for why you or someone you love has ended up in this place. Depression doesn’t always make sense. There’s not always a specific cause that we can identify. More often, there are multiple factors that have coalesced into your current struggle.

But, you don’t have to stay here. Despite the pain and hopelessness depression can cause, we want to encourage you to look for a spark of light. There is hope and help available. There are people who care, and a God who loves you.

If you’re interested in learning more about professional, compassionate, faith-based counseling for depression, keep reading to learn more about the services we offer at Texas Christian Counseling.

Articles about Depression

Photo of Amanda Osowski

Amanda Osowski

Jul
2025
01

Unrealistic Expectations of People with Depression

Amanda Osowski

Depression is often complex and confusing. It can be challenging to identify, and not everyone knows how to cope with it, whether it is in themselves, a loved one, or an employee. People dealing with depression often do not realize that they are depressed or else cannot easily articulate their experiences to others, which can leave a lot of space for misunderstanding. It is common to have unrealistic expectations of people with depression, but it is possible to correct these expectations by learning about depression and how to approach those who are struggling with it. Depression in All Its Forms Depression appears in various forms and for many different reasons....

continue reading »
Photo of Rhonda Gist

Rhonda Gist

Jun
2025
26

How Self-Compassion Can Help With Depression

Rhonda Gist

Self-compassion means having a positive attitude toward yourself that enables you to get through difficult times in life. Along with this attitude comes the ability to treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Self-compassion includes self-talk and self-care activities, which will be discussed in more detail. When you find yourself feeling more down than usual or even struggling with clinical depression (depressed mood that lasts longer than two weeks and includes other symptoms), what is your internal dialogue? Are you kind and compassionate or critical and neglectful of yourself? Self-talk or internal dialogue is often self-critical, negative, and hurtful. Your internal dialogue likely includes things that you would never say...

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Browse more articles about Depression

How Do I Know if I Should Seek Christian Counseling for 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.

Why Seek Faith-Based Counseling in Texas?

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.

Types of Depression

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.

Risk Factors: What Causes Depression?

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

Treatment for Depression

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

Testimonials

It feels awkward to rate a counselor like an Amazon purchase. So instead of rating Benita, I’ll tell you how I feel after spending an hour with her… I feel better. Like 5 stars better. I feel heard and understood, and I leave with helpful and applicable wisdom that makes sense

Benita is a wonderful counselor. She is kind and thoughtful. She is able to help you find new ways to look at issues and help you discover how to address the issues.

Benita has been a wonderful counselor offering insight and advice with a Christian perspective. She is attentive, listens well, and is perceptive. I highly recommend her as a family counselor.

I would highly recommend Benita Weems to anyone seeking counseling. She is a great listener, gives truly insightful feedback and genuinely cares for her clients.

Benita Weems has been insightful, caring, and comforting during some very dark days. She has helped guide my wife and I through this trying season of life and we are very appreciative. She comes highly recommended.