Part 2 of hope for depression covers how to fight depression. The enemy seeks to steal our joy, kill our peace, and destroy our identity. But, God puts limits on the enemy’s and depression’s influence in our lives, just like God limited the enemy’s impact on Job. Listen to this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson to learn more about the hope that is available in the fight against depression!
In this episode, Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares hope for depression. She talks about her history as a neuropsychologist, treating patients with depression for decades and thinking she was immune to it, before she endured a very bad episode of depression. She helps the listener who is asking the question, am I depressed? She discusses common signs and symptoms of depression to help the listener determine if depression might be something they or a loved one struggle with.
I recently had the opportunity, given to me by a very brave pastor, who asked me to preach on the fact that even Christians get depressed.
I’ve talked to many pastors, who have told me that no one in their church suffers from depression. I then scratch my head and wonder what planet they are on. You only have to open up your Bible to see that Jonah, and Elijah, and Job, and David struggled with depression. David said numerous times, “Why so downcast oh my soul?”
“Why so downcast oh my soul?” I could have written that line back in the day when I walked through the valley of depression.
Read more for hope to overcome the giant of depression.
Nobody wants to be the poster child for depression. But now that I have gone through that and am on the other side, I’m thankful for my experience. Truly thankful.
As a doctor, as a neuropsychologist, I was always filled with a lot of compassion and empathy for my patients. Now that I have journeyed through the dark night of my soul myself, I have even more compassion for others. Even more empathy. I can step into that place and say, “Me too.”
I really do get it. I really do understand. Now I have a much better appreciation for so many in the Bible who suffered. Not that my suffering was as great or as prolonged as theirs, but to read the stories of Jonah, and Elijah, and Job, and David. I have a better appreciation for what they went through.
Even in hard times, you can rejoice. How do you rejoice when times are hard? And, why is it good to do so?
Several of my recent posts have centered on the topic of depression because depression is expected to be our greatest epidemic by 2020. Frankly, I don’t think we discuss it enough—especially in the church. It’s a topic I believe we need to have more dialogue about.
As a mental health professional, and someone who has journeyed through the valley of depression and is now on the other side, I’m willing to raise my hand and say, “Let’s talk.” By increasing our discussion of this topic, I believe it helps tear down some of the stigma and arrive at some answers.
Read more for hope and help in overcoming depression.
