Overcoming Depression And Anxiety

OVERCOMING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Psalms 43:5 HCSB

Why am I so depressed??Why this turmoil within me??Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,?my Savior and my God.

Proverbs 12:25 NKJV

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Globally, more than 322 million people suffer from depression, and 264 million suffer from anxiety disorders—many of whom live with both conditions. A study by the World Health Organization found that such disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity each year.

At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.

Teen suicide is disturbingly high in many countries of the world today. Reportedly, 25% of high school students consider suicide each year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the youth 15-29 year olds globally in 2015 according to WHO.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

The risk of becoming depressed is increased by poverty, unemployment, life events such as the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness and problems caused by alcohol and drug use.

DEFINITIONS

Depressive disorders are characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self- worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration. Depression can be long- lasting or recurrent, substantially impairing an individual’s ability to function at work or school or cope with daily life. At its most severe, depression can lead to suicide.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The duration of symptoms typically experienced by people with anxiety disorders makes it more a chronic than episodic disorder.

Symptoms of Major Depression

1. depressed mood

2. lack of interest in enjoyable activities

3. increase or decrease in appetite

4. insomnia or hypersomnia

5. slowing of movement

6. lack of energy

7. feelings of guilt or worthlessness

8. trouble concentrating

9. suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

For a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, a person needs to have experienced five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1. excessive worry

2. restlessness

3. being easily fatigued

4. trouble concentrating

5. irritability

6. sleep disturbance

7. muscle tension.

If you’ve experienced these symptoms most days for more than six months, and they cause distress in your daily life, then you may receive a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

1. Anxiety

Proverbs 12:25 NKJV

25Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

2. Uncontrolled thoughts

Isaiah 26:3

3You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

3. Demonic Attack

1Pet 5:6-10

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

4. Continues Disobedience

1 Samuel 16:14

14Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and the Lord sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.

5. Comparisons with others

1 Samuel 18:7-11

7So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands,

And David his ten thousands.” 8Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9So Saul eyed David from that day forward.

6. Chronic illness

chronic illness or severe stress that decrease serotonin levels in the brain.?Chronic pain can cause feelings of helplessness & hopelessness, both of which can result in depression. Young people - more than older adults - feel robbed of the joy of living when they have a disorder or a chronic situation.