They say that knowledge is power. But what about when you don’t know what you don’t know?

Unfortunately, lack of knowledge isn’t a viable excuse. Scripture says, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

But that was my experience with depression. Prior to experiencing depression, as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, I treated patients who suffered with it. Then came the time when I understood the pain, the despair, the agony firsthand, and my compassion for my patients rose exponentially like the thermometer on a hot Texas day.

Unfortunately, when I suffered with depression, I tried all the treatments I had suggested for my patients over the years, but they weren’t enough to make a dent in the heartache of my soul. I didn’t know what was missing.

 

 

When I was in my darkest days of depression, I found out I didn’t have all the answers and I felt a lot of shame because I was the doctor who was supposed to have all the answers. I was the doctor who treated patients for depression. I tried those things that I’d asked all my patients to do and they helped, but they weren’t enough.

It was during those deep dark days, those days when I despaired, those days when I didn’t want to get out of bed; those were days that I wouldn’t wish on anybody.

Fighting depression and negative thoughts

It was during those times in the dark days of depression when God met me and spoke into my heart. He gave me the truths from His word so I could fight depression and negative thoughts; the truths I could use to combat the lies that the enemy had been whispering into my heart. It was those lies that I had believed that put me into the valley of despair to begin with.

It’s those truths God spoke to me that I share with you in my award-winning book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and it’s companion, “Hope Prevails Bible Study.” It’s those same truths that I now stand on to keep me from going back into that pit.

I hope that you will hold on to my hand as you walk through the pages of this book, and together we’ll get to the other side.

And you, too, will see that because of Him, Hope Prevails.

Dr. Michelle

October is Depression Awareness Month. Please consider sharing this post with your friends. You never know who might be struggling and in need of encouragement.

In need of more encouragement for you or someone you love who is struggling with depression? Be sure to check out some of my other popular posts about depression.

15 Top Blog Posts on Depression

1. 10 Verses of Hope for When You Are Down or Depressed
2. Depression Feels Like a Broken Heart
3. What Not to Say When a Loved One is Depressed
4. What to Say When a Loved One is Depressed
5. Combat Depression with Truth
6. Ask Dr. B: When a Spouse Is Depressed
7. Don’t Treat Depression with a Band-Aid
8. 10 Scriptures for Mothers Suffering from Depression
9. 3 Things Depression Does To Us Spiritually
10. 3 Hope-Filled Ways God Limits the Impact of Depression in our Lives
11. There is No Shame in Depression
12. How to Help a Depressed Loved One
13. Is It Exhaustion Or Depression?
14. Thankful for Depression 
15. How to Share About Your Depression With Your Loved Ones

 

Resources on Depression: Recommended reading on depression

 

If you are on social media, particularly Facebook, you may want to join the #HopePrevails Community where we offer ongoing support.

 

About “Hope Prevails” and the “Hope Prevails Bible Study”

 

Want even more help for battling depression? Here’s what others have said about “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the new companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study”.

Testimonials for “Hope Prevails” and the “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”

“Your books and web resources are a God Send and helping me tremendously! I don’t have the words to express my gratitude. After a life of depression, hope is on the horizons…” ~ L.E.

“As a psychologist, I often purchase and study books written by authors who I respect. I am then able to share those books with specific individuals who I feel might benefit. “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression,” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson is one of those books. If you are struggling or have struggled with depression, this is a special book that I highly recommend. You’ll not find a better faith-based, practical, real and from-the-heart approach for tackling depression head-on than that shared by Michelle. Always remember that ‘hope prevails.’” ~ H.A.

“I have to tell you that your book, Hope Prevails is my all time favorite non-fiction Christian book EVER. When the Lord led me to buy it, I had no idea how absolutely perfect it would be for me. Just what the Doctor ordered. At first, I read through the whole book, all the time exclaiming “She gets it! She really gets it!” Then, I began going through the book as my morning devotional, page by page, making copious notes and writing out the Scriptures that affected me the most…
Thank you so much and may God bless you abundantly.” ~ PD