Advice on depression
I recieved a note from an out of town friend who asked for a resource for someone who is depressed. Here is my response to my friend BJ.
Hey BJ!
Usually if a guy is struggling, there is unresolved/ ignored/ not ever aware of issues with family of origin. Depression is fueled by anger and guilt…the unseen type. Also, the core relationship with God may be running on false assumptions (I need to be a better Christian, after all I’ve done God could not be pleased with me, etc). “The Search for Significance” by Robt McGee is an essential book. I also am hearing a new book discussed by Gordon McDonald- “The Resilient Life”.
I love you BJ and it is cool to see you going forward.
Dave
July 2nd, 2007 at 10:46 am
Depression - wow, I think I could write a book!!! But I’ll try and keep this short.
A friend gave me “Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowan as I was heading into a very tough season of my life.
She must have seen the coming storm.
Although I did travel through some very dark valley’s during that time, “Streams” helped day by day to continually keep my focus on God and the work He was doing in my life, even through the depression.
The times that I have battled depression in my life are the times when I have learned to keep pursuing God, even though He often seemed far away or not even there. It’s tough when you keep sending SOS’s and don’t think God is hearing you. But continuing to pursue God and His will for your life, by reading the Bible, is by far the best thing.
Just a side note -As I reflect on how depression has affected my life, I realize that often times God just wanted me to be still and rest for a season.