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DEPRESSION Charles Hodges MD |
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| I. Who should counsel the depressed person? |
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A. Why is it called an illness? |
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1. Diagnosis is based on thinking and behavior not on something wrong in the body. 2. People feel better on medications. 3. People want a reason for behavior that removes personal responsibility. 4. Other Arguments. |
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a. Never call anything a disease the Bible calls sin. b. Never call anything sin unless the Bible does. |
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5. Implication: Biblical counselor must not attempt to help. |
| B. Why Depression should not be called an illness. |
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1. No proof something is wrong in the body. 2. Chemical imbalance is only a theory not a fact. 3. Experiences do not prove an illness is present. 4. It is not even an emotional problem. |
| C. Biblical counselor is really qualified to counsel the depressed person. |
| II. Biblical principles to help understand depression. |
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A. Biblical illustrations. |
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1. Cain - Genesis 4:1-14. 2. Elijah - 1 Kings 19. |
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B. Principles from these examples. |
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1. Sinful habits that go unbroken will bind us tighter - Proverbs 5:21,22. 2. The danger of feeling-oriented living - 1 Corinthians 9:27. |
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a. Unpleasant feelings become the excuse to avoid responsibilities. b. Only talks about the problem. c. Unbiblical checkpoints are used to measure spirituality. d. "My situation is unique and hopeless." |
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C. Definition: It is a debilitating mood, feeling or attitude of hopelessness which becomes a person's reason for not handling the most important issues of life. |
| 1. Depression has 2 distinct aspects. |
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a. A string feeling orientation. b. The feelings become the basis for actions, what the person does. |
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2. Difference between depression and discouragement - immobility. 3. Depression is a contemporary term. 4. Is depression a sin problem? |
| III. Biblical principles to help deal with depression. |
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A. Change thinking. |
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1. There are answers from God - 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3. 2. There is hope from God - 1 Corinthians 10:13: Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:28,29. 3. Plan ahead to focus on praise and thanksgiving - Ephesians 5:20. 4. Change thinking about feeling, problems and depression - John 13:17; James 1:25; Romans 6:11; Romans 8:28. 5. Find biblical solutions to daily problems. |
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a. Establish realistic goals and plans. b. Live by a schedule. |
| 6. Warnings to counselors. |
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a. Goal is not to get rid of depressed feelings. b. Beware of legalism, excuses, bad advice. |
| B. Change actions. |
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1. Get busy no matter how you feel. 2. Get yourself sweating no matter how you feel. 3. Establish accountability. 4. Don't start or stop medications. |