Counseling, Week 5 Reading Log

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depression is no respecter of persons. It is known as the common cold of mental disorders.

Terming depression as “common cold” somewhat dials down the intensity of the fearsomeness and automatic reaction to the term. This may be intentional because counselors might be induced to such anxiety simply by this study!

Since depression is a clinical term, it is not discussed in the Bible, even though the condition appears to have been common.

Why depression is not found in the Bible. An excellent response to individuals who may resist biblical counseling from a biblically oriented worldview.

Depression impacts an estimated 25 percent of college students,

We call this “the hyphen age group” in our local assembly and network of churches. Very helpful to be aware of the statistic.

Losses of people through death, divorce, or prolonged separations are painful and known to be among the most powerful depression-producing events of life.

The impact of loss can be extremely devastating. It is amazing how such a loss creates a chain reaction of events, both seen and unseen.

Guilt and depression so often occur together that it is difficult to determine which comes first and leads to the other.

A worthwhile and interesting discussion of origins. As a pastor, my first inclination is to consider guilt the leading factor. However, following this study, I am realizing that depression has multiple other sources and, allowed to run unchecked, it could certainly lead to feelings of guilt. That deeps and adds to the layers needing to be dismantled by a counselor.

If they could step out of their offices and follow their counselees around for a couple of days

Hypothetical but intriguing. Absolutely true that we miss a vast portion of the bigger picture, simply by sitting down and listening to a depressed person explain their difficulties.

“helper therapy” principle. It states that those who reach out to help others are the ones who benefit and are helped the most.

I'm adding this to the basis of campus small groups for our midweek Bible studies. With a growing team of people willing to facilitate Bible Study, we are finding growth abounding.
addendum: when there is a willingness to help others, including other depressed people, then everybody benefits and further depression may be prevented.11 Gary R. Collins, Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide, 3rd ed. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), 137.

Anxiety also could be described as a state or a trait.

This is extremely helpful to remember when approaching individuals who are struggling to define and to grapple with their feelings of anxiety. I would venture to say that the majority are struggling with state anxiety rather than trait anxiety.

Anxiety often comes because people have irrational beliefs that create fear.

Irrational beliefs create fear, giving rise to anxiety. This progression suggests that beliefs are a possible point of origin that empowers fear and engenders anxiety.

“The stress-activated cortisol disrupts the happy messengers and prevents them from communicating their message to your brain. The result? Severe anxiety.”

Stress-activation. Prayer, counsel, Bible study, worship, friendship, community, exercise, etc., would appear to enhance the brain’s natural tranquilizers. (I deeply appreciate Dr. Hart).

Giving Support. It is easy to be impatient in the presence of an anxious counselee, but instead, the helper must be supportive

Hence the need for strategic sessions, rather than expecting results in a couple of meetings with the counselee. Strategic Counseling helps with staging expectations.
Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide Counseling and Physical Illness

Guidelines for Visiting and Counseling the Sick

An excellent resource to share with my church chaplaincy team.
Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide Counseling and Physical Illness

It is the confidence that God, who is living and sovereign, also controls all things and can be expected to bring to pass that which ultimately is best.

A Ministry of Hope
Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide Counseling and Physical Illness

The illness ultimately must be treated at its cause—the underlying anxiety and inability to cope with a symptom-free life.

Getting to the core of what will help a hypochondriac
Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide Prevention and Physical Illness

It is an acknowledgment of the mortality that we all have on this earth. It is a way to prepare for the future and to open lines of communication before crises arise.

This is at the core of what I feel necessary to approach through a “Matters of ultimacy“ seminar for the congregation.
Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide Key Points for Busy Counselors

1 Corinthians 7, marriage is affirmed, but singleness is elevated to a state that may even be preferable.

Ever the reference to encourage those who linger in their single state.
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