#4 - Brainstorm - depression

Intro

Psalm 31:7 NIV

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

Here are some statistics on depression:

According to the World Health Organization, over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

Depression affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Women are more likely than men to experience depression, with an estimated 10-20% of women experiencing depression during their lifetime.

Depression can lead to suicide, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally.

Treatment for depression is effective for most people, but many people do not receive the treatment they need.

In the United States, an estimated 17.3 million adults (7.1% of the adult population) experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2019.

There are some characters in the Bible who experienced significant emotional struggles that could be interpreted as depression. Here are a few examples:

Job: Job is a character in the Bible who experiences tremendous loss and suffering, including the deaths of his children, his livestock, and his own health. He questions why God has allowed him to suffer and expresses feelings of despair and hopelessness.

King David: David, who wrote many of the Psalms, often expressed feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness. In Psalm 6, he writes, "I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears."

Elijah: Elijah was a prophet who experienced significant stress and persecution. In 1 Kings 19, he becomes so overwhelmed that he asks God to take his life, saying, "I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."

Introduction:

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be a difficult and isolating experience, but it's important to remember that there is hope.

As Christians, we believe that God is with us in our darkest moments and that there is always a way forward.

Today, we will explore three points that can help us overcome depression and find hope in the midst of darkness.

depression is like drowning while you see everyone breathing

Recognize the Signs of Depression

18.8 million 1 out of 4 Americans live with depression.

Depression can manifest in many different ways, and it's important to be able to recognize the signs. According to Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a neuropsychologist and author of the book "Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression," some common symptoms of depression include:

Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Feelings of sadness, blue, numb, hopelessness, or helplessness

Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Fatigue or lack of energy

Thoughts of suicide

It's important to remember that depression is not a personal failing or weakness. It is an illness, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

Illustration: Imagine you're walking through a dark forest at night. It's easy to get lost or feel afraid, but if you have a flashlight, you can see your way forward. Recognizing the signs of depression is like having a flashlight to help you navigate through the darkness. It allows you to take the first step toward finding help and hope.

Seek Help and Support

psalm 31:7

Psalm 31:7 NIV

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

Psalm 34:17–18 NIV

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 54:4 NIV

4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Isaiah 31:13

Depression can be a difficult journey, but you don't have to walk it alone.

There are many resources available to help you, including therapy, medication, and support groups.

There are several exercises that can help with depression. Here are some examples:

Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. It doesn't have to be intense exercise; even light to moderate activity such as walking or yoga can be beneficial.

Mindfulness meditation: This is a technique that involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Gratitude journaling: Writing down things you are grateful for can help shift your focus away from negative thoughts and feelings. It can also help cultivate a more positive outlook on life.

Deep breathing: Taking deep breaths and focusing on your breath can help reduce stress and calm the mind. It's a simple exercise that can be done anywhere.

Creative expression: Engaging in creative activities such as art, music, or writing can be a great way to express emotions and reduce stress.

As the apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Max Lucado once said, "Confiding in a few trusted friends is the first step toward healing." It's important to reach out to people you trust and who will support you in your journey. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Illustration: Imagine you're trying to climb a mountain. It's a difficult and treacherous journey, but if you have a team of people with you, you can support each other and make it to the summit. Seeking help and support is like assembling your team of fellow climbers. Together, you can conquer the mountain of depression and reach the summit of hope.

Hold onto Hope

In the midst of depression, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But as Christians, we believe that God is with us and that there is always hope. As the psalmist writes in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."

Well-known preacher and author Charles Spurgeon once said, "The night is darkest just before the dawn."

When we are in the midst of depression, it can feel like the darkness will never lift. But if we hold onto hope and keep moving forward, we will eventually see the light of a new day.

Illustration: Imagine you're in a tunnel, and it's so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. But if you keep walking, eventually you will see a glimmer of light. Holding onto hope is like keeping one foot in front of the other and trusting that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Conclusion:

Depression can be a difficult journey, but we can take heart knowing that we are not alone. As we've explored today, there are three key points that can help us find hope in the midst of darkness: recognizing the signs of depression, seeking help and support, and holding onto hope.

It's important to remember that depression is an illness, and seeking help is a sign of strength. We can take comfort in knowing that God is with us in our darkest moments and that there is always a way forward.

As we close, let us take a moment to pray for anyone who may be struggling with depression or other mental health conditions. Let us ask God to bring comfort, healing, and hope to those who need it. And let us remember the words of the psalmist in

Psalm 34:18 NIV

18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

May we hold onto hope and trust in God's promise of healing and wholeness. Amen.