What is the best advice to give another christian who has depression?

Question

They have isolated themselves from family and friends

Answer 1

I have depression and I know when I get really down, I just don't want to be around anyone, even my own family.

I think that someone with that kind of depression needs to get on an anti-depressant medication of some kind. Until the person's chemical balance is restored, they are not going to be able to see reality very well. When all the chemicals have dried up or whatever from stress or depression, you can't see life the way it really is. You see it as very dark, and you are unable to see hope.

After the person has gotten on the right medication, then therapy can help.

I have been blessed to find a great Christian counsellor (even though I'm a Hindu) and he has helped me so much. But make sure the person is licensed. Sometimes pastors get called on for counselling, and if they do not have a license in counselling or psychology or something, they may actually make things worse.

As a friend or family, be supportive. Do not be condemning or critical.

Answer 2

Well for years I was terribly depressed. I never wanted to take meds because I felt they would make me apathetic and kind of spaced out like some people get. Finally I was so miserable that I decided to take a very low dose. I used Zoloft. I took about 1/2 as much as they told me to. It completely helped and after it knocked out my depression (which occured in less than a week)I was able to establish good habits that allowed me to get off the meds. That might not work for everybody but that was my experience.
Depression is like a disease, sometimes it never goes away but there are tools and ways to deal with it.

Answer 3

I have it and have had it for many years...You need to get her to the Dr.
There is very good Medications for Depression now, if I don't take mine....
I really know the difference...People like this are likely to do or say anything...If you are a friend you will help...that's what you do, isolate yourself from friends and family...
look it up on the internet...and be ready for alot of crying and questions...be prepared..
this is a chemical imbalance thats all...
Peace my friend.

Answer 4

Depression, is most frequently an inbalance in the chemicals in the brain. God made each of unique and special, some of our uniqueness affect our bodies abilities to produce the corect amount of chemicals to maintain overall happiness or homeostasis. Medication alone will not cure the problem. Medication will help the body begin to produce those chemicals again. But most individuals dealing with depression need to go to therapy/counseling to learn about what brought on the depression, how to recognize the signs and what to do if they begin to notice them again. If you research in your community you can find faith based counseling offices like the one I'm at.

Answer 5

Depression is an illness. If the person is really depressed then they will feel depressed for days or weeks and not know why. Even if their life is going great, they have a good job, a great spouse, great kids, great friends, are financially stable...they will be depressed. First step is to diagnose if this person is just sad or truly clinically depressed. If it is clinical then the best advice is to be there for them as a friend. To let them know that it is OK to seek help, perhaps offer to even go with them to talk to someone ... they are not going to want to go most likely, or they will feel it won't help. But let them know that "hey, if life is really so bad, and nothing will help, then it won't cause any more hurt to at least go and talk to (therapist's name)"

Once they are able to talk to a psychologist, then that's the first step...and the psychologist will go from there...most likely depending on their level of depression either prescribe them a medication or suggest other ways to get rid of the depression such as exercise, diet, etc.

I have been depressed myself, and have taken prozac, though I don't recommend that particular anti-depressant, from my experience it did take away the depression, but it also took away all my other emotions as well...not fun.

I am a muslim, but insha'allah this information is useful. Take care of your friend, he/she is lucky to have someone like you who cares.

Answer 6

I don't know what Christianity has to do with depression but I would tell your fellow Christian that he/she should meet with his/her family doctor to discuss the problem. That doctor can prescribe meds and/or recommend a psychologist that may be able to help. Also, if your fellow Christian does not want to deal with the problem via professional help you could look into some support groups in your area.

Answer 7

I would tell them the same thing I'd tell anyone who is depressed. I'd say you need to figure out what type of depression you have and go from there.

Is your depression physical? Are you going through menopause, just had a baby, survived cancer? If so, then there are tons of medications that will help immensely, go see a doctor.

Is your depression situational? If you are down because of your circumstances, then turn your thoughts over to good things of hope and love, and when the situation changes, so will your depression.

Is your depression of the soul? Then seek God's face, do what you have to do to see Him face- to- face and He will change your life.

Answer 8

First to see their doctor. He/she will help determine how serious the problem is.

Next pick them up at the house if you have to or take people to the house they must get out with people.

The biggest spiritual battleground is in our minds, there is where darkness abides. The more they bring the darkness in their minds into the light of Christ by just talking about things the more darkness you can defeat.

I am praying for them right now. Speak the truths of the gospel to them.THat they are loved completely and totally by Jesus and you and their friends

Answer 9

stop going to church for a while.do some things you never thought you would do or could do.hang out with your friends alot more or maybe go to a movie by yourself.if you stay in one place doing nothing except staring at the walls then you will think about the reason why you are depressed in the first place.take up a hobby.or start an online game or chat with people online.go dancing.learn a new language or maybe a new sex trick.or last...talk to someone.

Answer 10

That some of the most famous People had Depression.
Encourage Person to Seek medical help,Some Med. work well on some People,not on Others ,stay with it untill You get the one for You.Encourage Person to walk couple miles a day, Have a set bedtime and time to get up,Helping others is
a very good medicine.