Rev. Joann Douglass
JPM -- Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral Counselor, Lic. Minister
Depression is:
Depression is Common. Nearly everyone feels sad at some point in their lives.
Most adults have had depressed moods and/or know what they are.
Depression is a low mood or sad feelings that make it hard to carry out daily duties, and is possible at any point in your life.
Depression and the abuse of drugs or alcohol frequently occur together. Depression can worsen substance abuse and substance abuse can worsen depression -- it can be a harmful cycle.
Depression is a possible diagnosis if you have five or more of the following symptoms most of the day, almost every day, for two weeks or more:
The Nine Symptoms of Depression:
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Feeling Depressed, down, or irritable nearly every day.
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Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that you normally enjoy.
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Significant increases or decreases in your weight or appetite.
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Sleeping too much or too little.
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Change in the way you move (moving restlessly or slowly).
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Feeling tired or fatigued.
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Feeling worthless or having terrible guilt.
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Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
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Repeated thoughts of death or suicide.
Is There Hope?
Yes! Jesus Christ is our Hope!
Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...(1 Peter 1:3 amp)
***Getting treatment for depression may help you get and stay sober and drug free.
And, individual or group CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) can help, by teaching you practical skills to help manage depression and /or addiction recovery.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2 mev)