That your joy may be complete

Over the last few weeks I have been thinking more about depression and how my private practice can address the matter in a more effective way. With attention drawn to suicide and depression because of the recent passing of Robin Williams I thought it would be wise to address a few things you can do to restore or keep joy if you feel yourself sliding into a bout of depression.

1. Know the symptoms
If you know what to look for it’s easier to:

• Catch it before you slip all the way in
• Call it out and deal with it

Here are some of the main ones in brief:

Sad/depressed mood
Irritability/restlessness
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness
Loss of interest in things you used to like

Fatigue/lack of energy
Sleeping and eating patterns change
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of suicide or attempts

2. Reach out
Let someone know how you’re feeling. (Don’t know who to talk to, pray for God to bring someone in your path who can help you…he will) If you don’t know the cause that’s ok! If you don’t know how to fix it that’s okay too! Just talk about what you’re feeling and see if you can brainstorm practical ways to get back to an equilibrium! Whatever you do…don’t remain silent!

3. Don’t be afraid of therapy!
Even as a licensed therapist I have a therapist and it’s one of the best gifts I could ever give myself. Everyone needs a place they can release the tensions of everyday life especially when it gets overwhelming. Sometimes you just need that space with someone who desires to see you better without judgment or bias. 

If you are feeling that you are slipping and don’t know how to pull yourself back I may have something for you! For one week only, if you are feeling depressed, I am offering 1 free consult and 1 free session to the 1st five people to sign up. There is no commitment 

to continue with treatment (although recommendations will be made) but you must follow the rules of treatment, complete appropriate paperwork, and all confidentiality laws will apply. This offer ends August 19, 2014 or once 5 people have signed up…whichever comes first! Sign up here for the T3M Promotion!

You can also look on Psychology Today and find a therapist or psychologist near you!

4. Abide in God’s love
 John 15:10-11 NKJV
10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

When we rest in God’s love we become increasingly aware of his presence, which promotes peace, hope, strength, and joy! These are total opposites of torment, hopelessness, lethargy, weakness, sorrow, and despair that depression produces.

Have you ever been so enamored, so in love, so caught up in someone that they’re all you think, talk, sing about…all you crave and desire to be around? You get so wrapped up in them that nothing else matters. Everything can royally suck but they just make it better!? The feeling can be amazing but what happens when that person messes up or leaves…exactly! We need something more lasting…something that is unchanging! We can find that in the vine…Jesus Christ!

The same feelings I just mentioned is what happens when we abide in God’s love. I believe it takes practice and persistence to learn how to abide there but it is very possible!

You can start by:

• Reading his word and seeing what he says about his love for you. 
• Connect with people that are on this Christian journey for real and allow their testimonies to draw you closer to God and free you from those things that are causing you pain. 
• Pray…there really is power in prayer but our unbelief really holds things up sometimes. Believe in what you pray and watch things shift

Just like you would call, text, think about, go out with a guy that you love do the same with God…Call him through prayer, read his word to receive those text messages in return. When you think about things, think about Philippians 4:8 type things, and set time with God throughout the day where it’s just quiet time. Allow him to lead you to the people, places, and things that will assist you in becoming free mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!

I am considering starting an eCourse on how to abide in his love, especially in times of sorrow, depending on your interest. If you would be interested please fill in your email here! If you all want it, you got it! 

Your email will strictly be used to inform you if the eCourse will begin! It will not be sold or given to anyone for any reason!

If you are feeling depressed I want to encourage you! You can come out! There is light on the other side and I pray you reach for it! May God send you your help and you grab hold and allow them/it to serve you and assist you in regaining your equilibrium! Pray, speak life, and reach out!—What ever you do, don’t remain silent!