Treating Depression

Treating Depression

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!

Psalm 42:5-6

LONG-TERM DEPRESSION can be extremely detrimental to a relationship. Therefore, if you or your loved one is depressed, you need to do all you can to get help.

The first step is generally to see a medical doctor or a counselor. The physician will often prescribe an antidepressant medication. If the depression happens to have a biochemical root, then the medication can be helpful. Typically, it takes three or four weeks to determine if a given medication is producing positive results. If it does not, the physician will usually try another type of medication.

However, only about one-third of all depressions have a biochemical root. Whether or not medication helps alleviate the symptoms, it is also valuable to see a trained professional counselor who has experience in dealing with depression. The counselor can help you discover the emotional root of the depression and begin therapy. If the depression has lasted for several weeks or months, I urge you to take action. Depression is not an incurable disease. There is hope, but you need to get help. Psalm 42 gives us a vivid picture of hope being renewed. Keep this image in mind as you go through your time of depression. Both of you will one day again be filled with joy and praise.

Father, when I can’t see the end of this difficult situation, please renew my hope. Renew my faith that you can heal and restore. You care, and you are with us. Thank you, Lord.

Depression