The holiday season can be especially challenging for those struggling with depression. In this episode, therapists April Bordeau and Brittany Gipson, explore faith-based guidance and practical strategies for managing depression during this time of year. Discover how to find hope, seek support, and care for your mental health while navigating the festive season.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
- The Impact of the Holidays on Mental Health:
- How the holiday season can exacerbate feelings of depression.
- Common challenges associated with this time of year.
- Faith-Based Approaches to Coping with Depression:
- Biblical insights and scriptures that offer comfort and encouragement.
- The role of prayer, faith, and community support in managing depressive symptoms.
- Practical Tips for Maintaining Well-Being During the Holidays:
- Developing a self-care routine and setting realistic expectations.
- Strategies for managing holiday stress and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
- Seeking Support and Professional Help:
- The importance of reaching out to mental health professionals and faith-based counselors.
- How to communicate your needs to loved ones and build a support network.
- Finding Joy and Purpose Amidst the Challenges:
- Embracing small moments of joy and gratitude.
- Focusing on the deeper meaning of the season and finding personal significance in holiday traditions.
Featured Scripture:
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
- Psalm 42:11 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
- Psalm 42:11 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
- God told his people through the prophet Nehemiah, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
- Psalm 139:11–12, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” What feels like darkness to you is not darkness to God. He’s in the bright light, and he knows how to take care of you.
Thank you for joining us! We hope this episode provides you with the support and encouragement needed to manage depression and find hope and healing during the holiday season.
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