Ask Dr. B
Each week, Dr. Bengtson answers reader questions about things of interest to them.
Blog posts detailing each question and answer are listed below.
To submit a question, please use the CONTACT section below.
10 Bible Verses When Depressed
When I was in the depths of my depression, I needed HOPE! I needed to be reminded of God’s character and to know that despite my feelings, I could trust God to see me through any situation. I firmly believe that our best defense is to memorize and recite Bible verses when depressed so we can use God’s truth to combat the lies of the enemy.
Recently, a reader asked about scripture to stand on for one who struggles with depression or anxiety. My suggestion? Memorize, recite and stand on these 10 Bible verses when depressed or when feeling down and need to be filled with hope.
Can I Be Cured of Depression?
Dear Dr. B,
I’m a man in my 60’s. Depression has been my Goliath as long as I can remember. I am a believer that has a fairly good grasp on Gods word. Yet I can’t muster the joy and happiness that the Word says is mine. I’m reading your book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and have the companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.” At times, I’m out of hope. A saying I learned as a professional airline pilot describing a crash site was, “The place where the pilots ran out of altitude, airspeed, and ideas all at the same time.” I’ve been close to that place more times than I can count. Can I realistically shed this Goliath in my life?
Sincerely,
Ready for Joy
How To Celebrate Despite Depression
Weddings. Holiday parties. Birthday celebrations.
They are all supposed to be happy and joyous. But what about when you’re battling depression?
I remember the year my mother died. Only a few months later, the holidays were upon us, and I sat at the foot of the Christmas tree sobbing. “I’m not ready to be the matriarch of the family!” I couldn’t muster up the happiness, joy, or peace we sung about in the Christmas carols. I just wanted to forget the holiday, and forget my grief, and yet I couldn’t.
How Do I Know if I’m Depressed? Common Symptoms of Depression
She sat across from me with tear-stained cheeks and looked at me with misty eyes.
“I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. Maybe it’s just stress.” She shared of her stresses at work, at home, and even with extended family. Yet after a few particularly important questions, I zeroed in on the heart of the problem.
“What you’re dealing with is depression,” I relayed.
Words from a Loving Father
we frequently give such sentiments of caution to our young adult children because, at our age, we have more wisdom and experience to know potential problems before they occur. We caution and encourage because we want the best for our children. As I considered a verbal exchange with our son, I sensed God sharing, “It’s the same with me.” “Excuse me?” I answered silently in prayer….
I Have a Confession: I’m a Christian and I was Suicidal
Every year, 45,000 Americans die by suicide. And for every completed suicide, there are 25 more unsuccessful attempts. That’s over 1 million suicide attempts in the U.S. every year! Through my own physical illness and descent into depression’s valley, I came to realize that even Christians get depressed and consider suicide.
Ask Dr. B: Is God Cruel?
Recently a reader contacted me after having read one of my blog posts. In part she said, “Is God not cruel? I very much see God as cruel. He took the life of the only person in this world that loved me. My husband, by the way, was a very healthy man. Destroyed my life and now has made me sick. I have no money or insurance. This has been going on now for six years. Is that not cruel?
When God Gave Me More Than I Could Handle
Tears fell from my eyes as I hung up the phone from my physician. He was compassionate and kind, and I could tell he felt bad that there was only so much he could do to ease my pain and suffering while we searched for answers.
Friends had been texting, “Have you heard anything?” “What’s the latest?”
I sat for a moment blinking back the tears as my phone pinged to alert of another message coming in.
“I can’t handle any more,” I typed in response to a friend’s request for an update.
That’s just it. People, Christians included, often say that God won’t give you any more than you can handle, but that’s just not true. We’ve gotten it all wrong.
5 Tools for When Temptation Strikes
Even Jesus was tempted by the enemy, but He knew how to defeat him. God has given us those same practical tools that we can use to face temptation when it strikes.
Your Pain is Never Wasted
Many around the world are watching and celebrating medals from the 2018 winter Olympics, but in the United States, we’ve been dealing with some very difficult circumstances.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Have You Joined?
Order Hope Prevails!
Free Resource!
Free Study Guide!
Popular Posts
Webinar Replay!
Find Me Around the Web
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this communication, or on related websites are for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical or psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this communication or read on related websites. For specific professional medical or psychological advice please see your doctor. Dr. Bengtson does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be provided in this communication or on related websites.
Ask Dr. B a Question.
Complete and Send the form below to submit a question for Dr. B to answer on a future Ask Dr. B post.
Please do not send any sensitive or confidential information in this form.
Get a Dose of Hope in your Inbox with Hope Prevails
Free Gift
Our most popular Prescriptions of Hope to renew your mind and restore hope.
Saved more than 189,000 times.
I'd love to connect with you more ...
MEMBERSHIPS
