Dealing With Depression or Pre-Depression

Clinical depression is a very serious issue that is growing rapidly in the United States.  It is even more of an issue for caregivers and their loved ones.  Recent studies at the University of Kansas addresses the physical issues related to depression and suggests modification of lifestyle in six areas:  diet, rumination, exercise, light therapy, socialization, and sleep patterns.  The research was conducted by Dr. Stephen S. Ilardi and is documented in his book called The Depression Cure published in 2009.  I will write a review of this book soon and post it on our website.
Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas sponsors a free support group twice a year for those suffering from depression and their family members.  Karen and I are attending the sessions this spring.
This Sunday, March 17th, I will present a summary of those findings at our Christian Caregiver Support Group.  The following week I will review those findings again from a Biblical perspective and add additional Biblical guidance for the groups consideration.
You may not be depressed.  I hope that the material we present will give guidance on how to avoid being caught in the depression “Pit”.  

Psalms 40:2
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

It is Jesus who says he has come that we might have life in abundance.  John 10:10

In the midst of our trials and struggles God teaches those who are willing to look to Him and learn the wisdom of God whose thoughts are higher than ours.  In all circumstances we can search together for the blessings God is providing, even when we feel God has forsaken us.  God has not forsaken us.  
I worked with a wonderful pastor, Dr. Forrest Haggard, who taught it is not our circumstances that define us, but our stance.  As Christian we stand together and there is healing in the Body of Christ.  The Spirit is at work when we gather in Christ’s name.  See you Sunday.
Tom