Depression in Adults

Psalm 40:1-2, “I waited patiently for the LORD: he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” 

Depression has been called the “common cold” of mental health disorders because it occurs so frequently. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide. While its official name is Major Depressive Disorder, it is often referred to as ‘clinical depression.’ Numerous factors can lead to depression including: biological predispositions, life circumstances, perfectionism, health problems, unresolved grief and loss, and chronic stress.

Major Depressive Disorder is diagnosed when five or more of the following symptoms appear for at least a two-week period.

These symptoms include:

• Sad or depressed mood.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you usually find enjoyable.
• Significant weight loss or gain.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Slower movements.
• Low energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness.
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

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For Further Information:

Depression in Women: Signs, Symptoms and How to Feel Better
This site provides information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression in women. It also offers guidance on what women can do to help themselves cope with and overcome depression. [Helpguide.org]

Depression in Men: What it Looks Like and How to Get Help
This site discusses the signs and symptoms of depression in men, why it’s hard to recognize, and what helps. [Helpguide.org]

Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly: Recognize the Signs and Find Treatment that Works
[Helpguide.org]

Helping Someone with Depression
This site discusses how to reach out and help a family member or friend who is depressed while also taking care of yourself. [Helpguide.org]

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Resources:

Depression: What Is It?
This article explores types of depression and some possible causes. [ACCFS]

Depression: Manifestation and Treatment
This article discusses how depression manifest based on age and gender and gives the sufferer some treatment options. [ACCFS]

Depression: Overcoming
This article discusses overcoming depression using four areas of human functioning. [ACCFS]

Comforting Scriptures for Times of Depression & Struggle
This document includes helpful information on how to pray and read the Bible during times of depression or struggles along with a list of comforting Scripture verses. [ACCFS]

Negative Thinking Versus God’s Promises
This brief document gives a scriptural response to negative thinking by focusing on the promises found in the Bible.

True Guilt/False Guilt
This graphic highlights the differences between true guilt and false guilt. While true guilt can be helpful if it leads us to correct wrong behavior, false guilt leads to an endless cycle of shame, hopelessness, and despair. For more in-depth information on True Guilt/False Guilt read this article Knowing vs. Feeling: A Biblical Look at True Guilt and False Guilt.

Truth Talk
Truth Talk is a tool to help you build godly, healthy self-talk. It takes only a few minutes to read or listen to the audio.  I regularly recommend to people to read/listen to Truth Talk on a regular basis. It can help you to identify your negative self-talk and give you a healthy alternative.  Try it for a week or two and see if you notice a difference!

Learning to Tell Myself the Truth   
Author: William Backus, Ph.D.
This 220-page workbook helps readers to understand their negative self-talk and learn to use scriptural truths to think in a healthier, Christ-like manner. It includes specific chapters on dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, and perfectionism. It is an excellent book that the ACCFS counselors frequently recommend to others.

 

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Support Options:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
This Lifeline is for people experiencing a crisis and is available 24/7 in the United States. If you need help for yourself, a friend, or family member, call or text 988 right away.

Lifeline Crisis Chat

Find a Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Group Near You
This site provides information related to peer-run support groups for people dealing with depression and bipolar disorders. [dbsalliance.org]

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