Depression, Endurance for the Journey, Featured

Spiritual Support

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other
so that you may be healed.
The earnest prayer of a righteous person
has great power and produces wonderful results.
JAMES 5:16 (NLT)

Prayer is a powerful weapon in the battle of depression. One of the most troubling symptoms of depression is the lack of emotions and feelings. That numbness often occurs in your friends relationship with God – your friend can sometimes feel that there is a cement ceiling between them and God. Knowing that someone else is standing in the gap for them in prayer can be especially encouraging.

* Follow up on your prayers, “I’ve been praying specifically about (fill in the blank). How is that going?

* Read to them the Scriptures pertaining to King David’s struggle and deliverance from depression and the prophet Elijah’s struggles with depression after a great spiritual victory. (King David – Psalms 6, 31, 32:6-7, 38, 40:1-5, 42, 51:17, 103) (Elijah – 1 Kings 19:1-18)

* Encourage your friend by letting them know that God’s Presence isn’t dependent upon their feelings. God will never abandon or forsake them. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 9:9-10, Psalm 40:1-3)

* Offer to pray with your friend, especially when he or she hits a recovery road block or needs an injection of hope and encouragement. Always guiding your friend to the Ultimate Source of True Hope and Healing – Jesus.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.
Stay alert and persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
EPHESIANS 6:18 (NLT)

On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

Depression, Endurance for the Journey, Featured

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

So speak encouraging words to one another.
Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this,
no one left out, no one left behind.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:11 (THE MESSAGE)

You can also offer your friend much needed emotional support.
Here are some suggestions:

Learn about depression so you are better able to understand what your friend is experiencing, why he or she may be reacting in certain ways and what to expect while your friend is in treatment.

It’s okay to ask someone who is battling depression how they are feeling. However, if you ask, stick around to really listen. Your friend needs to know that you aren’t just asking out of courtesy but that you really care about how he or she is doing. Don’t dismiss negative and disparaging remarks. Your friend is being honest. It’s okay, however, to gently respond with truth-based and hopeful comments. However, if your friend or loved one makes comments that are self-destructive, seek immediate help. Depression can be life threatening.

Initiate activities with your friend that he or she likes, especially if those activities involve physical exercise such as golfing, swimming, hiking, etc.

Don’t be forceful with your friend about participating in social events and activities. Encourage but don’t push. You may cause your friend to feel overwhelmed or guilty. One woman described her depression as the equivalent of driving a car down the freeway in first gear. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t use a higher gear. Don’t expect your friend to drive faster than he or she is capable.

Offer encouragement and praise when your friend takes positive steps towards recovery such as joining a support group, exercise or art class.

On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky

Depression, Endurance for the Journey, Featured

Practical Support

Share each other’s burdens …
GALATIONS 6:2 (NLT)

The most important practical thing you can do for a friend who may be depressed is to help him or her get both a medical and a counseling evaluation to create a treatment plan. The sooner treatment is started, the sooner the depression will be relieved. You can also help your friend in the recovery process. Here are some suggestions:

Encourage your friend to complete the entire course of treatment (counseling, medication, etc). Many people battling with depression want to quit treatment when their symptoms begin to improve. However, stopping treatment prematurely can result in a worsening of symptoms and a longer recovery.

If your friend’s symptoms aren’t improving after a few weeks, encourage him or her to consult their physician and/or counselor again as treatment plans often need to be adjusted, especially if the plan includes medication.

If your friend is struggling to keep treatment appointments, offer to accompany him or her.

On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky