Depression

Depression is a very common medical condition and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Even so, people who don’t struggle with depression can have a hard time understanding what depression is and why those who suffer from it can’t control their symptoms more easily. To better illustrate depression, here is what people with depression have to say about living with this often misunderstood illness:

Depression makes it hard to concentrate on my work. I forget things a lot, like I’m walking in a mental fog, and that makes things difficult. Sometimes I just feel bad and don’t have the energy to do things I used to enjoy.

When I’m very depressed, it’s like carrying heavy weights on you at all times. I don’t want to move, I don’t want to eat, all I want to do is curl up in bed and try to block out the sadness and overwhelming feelings of hopelessness.

I get very moody sometimes. Little things can make me very irritated, and I cry a lot. I have a hard time turning off negative thoughts, which makes it hard to handle stress throughout the day.

If you can relate to these statements, know that you are not alone and there is help for you. At Tacoma Christian Counseling, we are here to provide you with support and solutions for overcoming the bonds of depression.

Could I be Depressed?

People who suffer from clinical depression sometimes go undiagnosed because symptoms of depression such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and appetite changes can be caused by other things like stress or physical illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if accompanied by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, you might have clinical depression. Your counselor will talk with you about your symptoms and lifestyle and rule out any physical ailments that could be causing your symptoms in order to guide treatment to be as helpful as possible.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
• Fatigue
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in hobbies and low motivation
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Persistent aches, headaches, and digestive issues
• Thoughts of suicide

If you have been struggling with these kinds of symptoms, contact one of our Christian Counselors to see if depression could be the cause. Depression is a real condition and it is treatable. No matter how minor or severe your symptoms are, it’s best to seek help from a professional. Counseling for depression can help you discover ways to manage and overcome depression, so you can find the hope, strength, and inner peace that God intends for your life.

What Are the Causes of Depression?

Depression can be caused by many things. Often times, part of Christian counseling for depression is identifying the cause of your depression, so you can learn how to deal with the issues at hand in order to heal and manage depression in the future.

Common causes of depression include:

• Abuse
• Medications
• Conflict
• Death or loss
• Genetics
• Major events
• Illness
• Substance abuse

Depression can take a huge toll on virtually every aspect of your life. It tears away at your mental and physical health, impedes your ability to succeed professionally, causes disconnect within relationships, and can make you question your faith. Living with depression can sometimes become such a part of your life that it almost feels normal or like it’s a part of you that you’ll never shake. Sometimes it helps to take a close look at depression, and what it’s doing to your life so you understand the importance of seeking help.

Depression and Relationships

Depression can cause such overwhelming negative emotions that a person becomes consumed by darkness. When this happens, it can be very difficult to maintain healthy relationships. Depression can make it hard for you to think of anything or anyone outside of your overbearing sadness. Other symptoms like low sexual desire, loss of interest in activities you once loved, and feelings of inadequacy or insecurity can be very damaging to your relationships. Christian counseling for depression can show you how to better manage your symptoms so you can reconnect with those you love. If relationship struggles might be contributing to your depression, or if you want your partner to better understand depression, you might consider couples Christian counseling or marriage Christian counseling.

Depression and Your Job

People who suffer from depression can have a hard time holding down a job. Symptoms of depression like fatigue, loss of concentration, and lack of motivation greatly affect your ability to work productively, or even get out of bed in the morning. Even if you are great at what you do, depression can put you at risk of losing your job, or at the very least prevent you from progressing. Christian counseling for depression will teach you how to gain control of your depression, so you can excel in all areas of your life by finding the strength and motivation to succeed professionally and beyond.

Depression and Your Body

The physical symptoms of depression can be just as burdensome as the emotional effects. Depression causes changes in the brain, which lead to all kinds of physical issues including persistent aches and pains, increased risk of heart attack, lower immunity, insomnia, and can worsen existing medical conditions. If you feel sluggish, frequently out of breath, exhausted, suffer from muscle and joint pain, have frequent headaches, and seem to constantly fall ill with colds and viruses, it could be a result of clinical depression. People who participate in Christian counseling for depression are often surprised at how much better they feel physically once they gain control over the depression.

Depression and Your Mind

It’s no surprise that depression has a strong impact on a person’s mental well-being, but many are unaware of how devastating depression can actually be, and the vast array of mental and emotional struggles it can cause. People with depression often struggle with an inability to control negative thoughts. When depression is caused by an event or circumstance, it’s common to think about the situation or events almost obsessively. If you’re unable to shut-off negative thoughts, it can perpetuate overwhelming emotions and unhealthy behavior. If this sounds like you, know there is hope. Your Christian counselor can teach you how to better control your thoughts, so you can focus on finding happiness and peace of mind.

Depression and Faith

If you struggle with depression, you might find yourself questioning God, feeling alone, and battling doubt and hopelessness. Although it might not seem so, God has a plan for you, and provides you with strength and peace through his word and through our savior, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is wonderful power in God’s word for healing, and when combined with proven counseling methods for depression, you can find the relief you long for. Our Christian counselors are here for you and offer support while exploring your own personal walk with our Lord as he guides and leads you towards healing and hope.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:17-18

God can work miracles in your life is so many ways. Our Christian counselors allow Him to work through them, guiding them in how they approach each individual. As a faith-based group of counselors, we believe that much can be achieved through faith, prayer, and studying God’s word. With Jesus Christ as the cornerstone for recovery, we utilize a variety of treatment options for depression including various forms of therapy, anti-depressants, support groups, exercise, and nutrition. Counseling will help you understand the patterns that lead to depression, so you can recognize triggers and develop new, healthier ways to deal with stressors in order to effectively manage your moods and behavior.

Benefits of Christian Counseling for Depression

Counseling is proven to help people manage symptoms of depression. According to the National Institute of Health, up to 80% of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms within four to six weeks of attending support groups or counseling.

There are many benefits to Christian Counseling for Depression such as:

• Learning how to control negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Identifying and dealing with the causes of your depression.
• Finding support through faith and sound counseling methods.
• Gaining a safe place to express your emotions, concerns, and hopes for the future.
• Learning how to build better, healthier relationships.
• Offering ways to express your emotions in a healthy, constructive way.
• Find relief from the physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms of depression.

Finding the right treatment for your depression is very important. If you have questions about Christian counseling for depression, we are happy to assist you. Common questions about depression counseling include:

Is what I say kept confidential?

Your Christian counselor has an ethical obligation to maintain a confidential relationship with you. When you talk with your counselor, no one will know the things you discuss, or that you are participating in counseling. Only in cases where clients are at risk of harming themselves or others can the counselor reveal private information. Issues of confidentiality will be discussed in detail during your initial session.

How long will I be in counseling for depression?

Christian counseling for depression doesn’t have a set timeline. Each case is different, and each person progresses at a different rate. After meeting with you and discussing your unique needs and circumstances, your counselor might be able to offer you an estimation of the number of sessions you will need.

Will my insurance cover counseling for depression?

Insurance companies provide coverage for depression counseling. We work with you to help you best utilize your insurance benefits to fit your need. Contact your carrier to better understand your benefits. We are happy to answer any questions you have about insurance and payment options, so you can make an informed decision before scheduling with us.

What happens in Christian counseling for depression?

Christian counseling for depression utilizes both the healing power of God and evidence-based counseling methods to help people like you gain control over their depression. Each counselor has their own approach, so we encourage you to browse our counselor profiles to learn more. We are happy to answer any questions you have about counseling for depression and to help you find the right Christian counselor for you.

You can find relief from your depression. Contact us to start you journey of healing.

If you’re tired of battling depression, one of our Christian counselors might be able to offer the solutions you need. Contact us to schedule your risk-free initial session, or give us a call at (253) 777-1997 to speak with one of our friendly office staff.