It has been a long journey. We have learned so much about depression, as well as how this condition can be treated. In the end remember, depression does not control you. You are not defined by this condition. You are already free from depression or any negative emotions through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Today, I would like to pray for your healing and thank God in advance that he has broken the chains of depression in your life.

Up to this point in our depression series we have discussed several conditions that have a depressed mood as a symptom of the condition; this includes premenstrual syndrome (PMS), post-partum blues and depression, normal and prolonged grief, major depression disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the condition and severity, medication may be needed to help control symptoms. On the other hand, therapy tends to be beneficial in all these conditions. A therapist can use many types of therapy methods. It can be helpful to know which therapy method is being used in your case or what methods tend to work best for you. In this way, you can come to your session engaged and empowered.

There are events in our life that seem to create permanent painful memories that are etched onto the fabric of our minds. These memories arise from traumatic events that instills a depth of hurt so deep that it seems impossible to rid ourselves of these thoughts. It shapes our interactions others and can serve as a hinderance to living a fulfilling life. When thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks of a painful experience affects your daily activities and how you interact with others, this is called post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Let’s find out more about what causes PSTD and, more importantly, what the bible says about our recovery from the thoughts and trauma of our past.

Bipolar disorder is a condition whereby someone’s mood and habits can swing form one pole to the next. On one pole, there is depression. On the other pole there is mania, which is a period of heightened activity, risk taking and poor choices that can lead to severe consequences. Over a lifetime bipolar disorder affects about 1-3% of the population worldwide. Bipolar begins around the age of 18 to 20 years and affects men and women equally. Though bipolar disorder is not the most common psychological illness; when recognized, this condition does require treatment.

At times we cordially use the word “bipolar” to describe swings in someone’s behavior, but there is a deeper meaning. If we were to take a snapshot of someone’s life dealing with bipolar disorder, we may see someone who is terribly depressed. At other times we can see someone who is filled with energy, ideas, and irresponsibility. This period of heightened activity and risk taking is called mania. While we have discussed major depression in previous episodes, let us find out more about mania. More importantly, let us find out more about what the bible says about how we should feel and be stable in our decisions and actions.

Depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses in the world with far reaching effects, stretching across ethnicities, genders, and all age groups. Major depression is a formidable opponent that can impact our lives greatly, as well as those who are closest to us. In the battle against depression, it is important to know when to use therapy, medications, or both. More importantly, it essential to know we have a comforter in Jesus.

There are moments in our lives that tip us over the edge into a valley of depression. It is usually not one event but an accumulation of insults, setbacks, and losses that causes someone to become weary and discouraged. They may tempt us to isolate ourselves and devalue life. We may think passive thoughts of not wanting to live. Let us find out more about another symptom of depression: thought or harm and not wanting to live. Most importantly, we will discover what the bible says about our future.

Depression can have far reaching effects, stretching across genders and all age groups. A depressed mood and lack in the interest in most, if not all, activities of daily life are hallmark symptoms of depression. Another well symptom of depression is feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Let’s us find about more about this symptom of depression and how the word of God can lead us to feelings of value and confidence.

Depression is a formidable opponent and can impact our lives greatly, as well as those who are closest to us. Also, depression can present and appear differently amongst individuals impacted with this disease. There is always a depressed mood or lack in the interest in most, if not all, activities of daily life when we speak about depression. Yet, those with depression can have changes to eating patterns, weight, and energy level. Let us find out more about another and less commonly known of depression: psychomotor changes.

During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. (1) Therefore, depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses worldwide. So far, we have discussed depressed mood and anhedonia, as well as weight, appetite, and sleep changes. Today, let us find out more about another symptom of depression: Changes in energy level, or fatigue.

Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptom poor sleep. More important, we will discover what the bible says about our rest.

Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptoms of weight and appetite changes.

Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptoms of anhedonia, which speaks to the lack of enjoyment in life.

Major depression is one of the common psychologic conditions worldwide. During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, a lack in the interest and pleasure in most, if not all, activities of life; changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptom of a depressed mood.

Major depression is a term we hear from time-to-time to describe a state where someone feels down for prolonged period of time. Social interactions and activities of daily living can be affected.  As discussed previously, feelings of depression can be link to a medical condition, medication, menstruation, pregnancy, loss of a loved one or change in one’s environment. At other times, others may feel depressed and not quite know why. In this case, your doctor may be suspicious of a major depressive disorder. In the course of a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. We will discover more about the symptoms of major depression and how we can use the bible to live a happier life and attack each symptom of this disease. Today, Let’s define major depressive disorder and list the symptoms.

Life can hit us hard. Natural disasters, broken relationships, the death of a loved one, loss of a job or a newly diagnosed life-threatening illness can turn our lives upside down. Shock waves can be felt in all areas of our life, including our emotions. There is an adjustment to our new reality. There are times when our adjustment to a stressful life event can become unhealthy. When our adjustment to a stressful event becomes excessive and impacts our behaviors and daily living, this is called adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorder tends to occur within 3 months after a stressful event. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of adjustment disorder and what the bible says about our future when faced with a stressful event.

Life has highs and lows. Some of the lowest points in our life involves loss of something or someone that is close to our hearts. Grief is a common reaction to a life circumstance. There are times when grief can be prolonged and debilitating. This is called prolonged grief disorder. Whereas acute grief is normal and should improve within months, prolonged grief is a psychologic condition and can last years. Let find out more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of prolong grief disorder. More importantly, we will discover what the bible says about our recovery from grief.

Life has highs and lows. Some of the lowest points in our life involves the loss of something or someone that is close to our hearts. Grief is a common reaction to a challenging moment in life. Events that can lead to grief include the death of a loved one, divorce or loss of a job. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of grief and what the bible says about our recovery.

Generally speaking, having a baby is a joyful event, but some women may experience sadness or depression after the delivery of a child. When the symptoms of depression are persistent, this is call post-partum depression. The word post means “after” and partum is defined as “childbirth.” Therefore, post-partum depression refers to feeling of depression after childbirth. About 10-16% of women in the United States have symptoms of depression following the birth of a child. Whereas the postpartum blues is mild, self-limited and does not require treatment, postpartum depression is more impactful. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of postpartum depression and how to treat this condition.

Generally speaking, having a baby is a joyful event. Notwithstanding, woman can feel an array of emotions following the birth of a child, including depression. Particularly, many women experience post-partum blues after delivery. The word post means “after” and partum is defined as “childbirth.” Therefore, the postpartum blues refers to a woman feeling “a little down” following the birth of a baby. About 40% of woman may experience post-partum blues within a week following the delivery of a child. Let’s find out more about post-partum blues and how to treat this condition.

As discussed previously, symptoms of depression are not always caused by a life event or related to major depressive disorder. In some cases, depression can be a symptom of another complex medical condition, such as thyroid disease. In other cases, depression symptoms can be a result of starting medication for another medical condition. The official name for depression when it is caused by a medication or substance is called “substance/ medication induced depressive disorder.” Let’s find out more about some of the medications that can cause symptoms of depression.

At times, symptoms of depression are not caused by a life event or related to major depressive disorder. In some cases, depression can be a symptom of another complex medical condition, such as thyroid disease. In these cases, our focus shifts from treating major depressive disorder to uncovering a hidden medical condition. The official name for depression when it is caused by a medical condition is “depressive disorder due to another medical condition.” Let’s find out more about some conditions can mascaraed as major depressive disorder.

It seems commonplace to suggest or joke about mood changes or irritability that can occur during a women’s menstrual cycle. This concept is familiar to most. Hormone changes that occur with menstruation are complex. With this complexity in physiology comes a change in mood. Changes in mood can be mild to non-existent or severe and debilitating. When symptoms affect daily social interactions or work, this is called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Although it is common to have one or two premenstrual symptoms, such as irritability or headache, true premenstrual syndrome is relatively uncommon and affects about 3-8% of women. Let’s find out more about premenstrual syndrome and how to treat it.

There are a variety of situations and circumstances that can affect one’s mood. One factor that can impact someone’s mood is the weather or seasonal changes. It is possible to feel depressed during the summer or winter months. When changes in the seasons affect someone’s mood, this is called seasonal affective disorder. There are several types of season affective disorders. Let’s find out more about seasonal affective disorders and how it is treated.

The word “depression” is a common term that is used loosely at times to describe someone’s emotional state following a major life event, such as the loss of a job or a loved-one. However, there is a difference between feeling depressed and dealing with major depressive disorder or another depressive syndrome. We all can feel depressed without being depressed. Let’s find out more about the difference between feeling depressed and battling major depressive disorder.

Depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses in the United States and worldwide. It’s affects can be felt amongst men and woman, across rich and poor households and span all ages and ethnic groups. Anyone can be impacted by depression. We may know someone with depression. We may deal with depression ourselves. Let’s learn about some of the statistics regarding depression, and more importantly, what the word of God says about those who are impacted by this illness.