ONE WOMAN is FEBRUARY 29th
DON’T MISS IT!
SAVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

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DEPRESSION: Symptoms, Causes, Triggers, and More

At last Friday’s Luncheon, we set new attendance goals!

Clearly, the subject of anxiety and depression is a pain point that affects many people. According to Dr. Leisa, depression can be seasonal or something more chronic. But it’s not anything to be ignored.

If you were not able to attend the Luncheon, here’s a recap of what we learned.  She gave us some great information.

Symptoms of Depression:

If you or someone you love experiences one of five symptoms every day for two weeks or more and unable to function socially, professionally or academically, they are most likely experiencing depression. Symptoms include:

1. Depressed mood
2. Decreased interest or pleasure in most activities
3. Significant weight or appetite change
4. Sleep changes – insomnia or hypersomnia
5. Change in activity
6. Fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
8. Decreased concentration
9. Suicidality – thoughts of death

Depression can be mild, moderate or severe.

Causes of Depression:

1. Heredity is a big factor
2. Low self-esteem
3. Decreased sunlight
4. Loneliness
5. Isolation
6. Pain
7. Dementia
8. Meds side-effects
9. Lack of forgiveness, sinful lifestyle
10. Differences in brain chemistry.

Triggers for Depression:

1. Being overcommitted and overstressed
2. Having too much free time / boredom
3. Having poor sleep / eating habits
4. Being self-focused instead of God-focused and others-focused
5. Basing our identity on what others think/social comparison
6. Having perfectionist tendencies.
7. Focusing on circumstances instead of God’s truth
8. Having unconfessed sin ( e.g. pride, jealousy, bitterness)

Treatment Options

1. Challenge destructive / negative thinking with Scripture
2. Develop positive health habits
3. Improve communication / interpersonal skills
4. Seek professional help
5. Medication

What not to say to someone dealing with depression:

1. “You’ll snap out of it.”
2. “You shouldn’t feel sad.”
3. “It could be worse.”
4. “You just don’t have enough faith.”

What to say:

1. “I care.”
2. “I may not understand, but I’m here for you.”
3. “How can I help? I see you’re hurting.”
4. Offer ways to help them find balance; go for a walk or an outing.
5. Gently remind them of God’s truth.
6. Gently suggest seeking professional help

What Can we do to Take Care of Ourselves?

1. Avoid being overcommitted and overstressed. Set appropriate boundaries and say “no” when necessary.
2. Identify triggers – e.g. social media
3. Increase physical exercise and have a balanced diet
4. Get adequate sleep
5. Schedule pleasurable activities
6. Stay socially engaged and allow people to help
7. Confess and repent of sinful attitudes and behaviors – The GREAT NEWS: God has assured us that He is faithful and just to forgive us.
8. Replace negative and destructive thoughts with God’s truth – as Christians we need to be in the Word. Instead of believing the lies that we are unlovable, worthless, unforgiveable, we need to look in the Bible and see what God says about us.
9. Talk to God. We can be honest with Him about our struggles and how we are feeling. Ask God for His help, healing and strength.
10. Count our blessings / maintain an attitude of thankfulness.
11. Remember that our trials can helps us grow in our dependence on God. We need to move our eyes from our obstacles and circumstances and place our focus on Jesus.

Click here to see pictures from the Luncheon thanks to Leah Marie Photography and Stationary!  Make plans to join us for our next Luncheon and for ONE WOMAN.  Debbie Wilson, Biblical Counselor for over 24 years will be speaking on Anxiety.

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NEXT LUNCHEON: MARCH 27th

Sticks, Stones, and Words;
Identifying and Stopping Negative Self-Talk

Speaker: Melissa Bell