October has become the month in our nation when we focus on
mental health and particularly on depression. There will be
screenings and presentations to raise awareness and direct
people toward help if needed. This is an emphasis we support
and encourage through this edition of our e-newsletter and
also in our monthly radio segment. Depression is more than
the blues, and much more than a bad mood, and it affects all
ages. Please read on to learn more.
Dr. Joe Verga
Executive Director, ACC |
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Wisdom on Depression —
An Interview with Dr. Karolyn Thompson
Depression is the most common psychiatric
problem in the United States. It strikes people of all ages,
backgrounds, and ethnic groups. Depression can interfere
with one’s work, social life, and daily life—but
it can be treated. Read
More
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| Depression: No
Respecter of Age
Depression is one of the most common of all
mental health problems. One in five individuals will suffer
from it at some stage of their lives. When depression comes
to mind, the person we visualize is probably an average-age
adult. Depression, however, is experienced, diagnosed, and
treatable from childhood to the elderly. Read
More
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Additional thoughts
on depression from Dr. Joe Verga—
Christians are as likely to suffer from depression
as anyone else. It is not a reflection of the strength of
their personal faith. By recognizing depression as a mental
health issue and not a faith issue, we hope to encourage those
in the Body of Christ to seek help when needed.
Next month: Toxic Faith
Wednesday, November 7th, 8:30-9:00AM on WBFJ—89.3FM
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| General Symptons
of Depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty”
mood.
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies
and activities that were once enjoyable, including sex.
- Decreased energy, fatigue; feeling “slowed
down.”
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering,
or making decisions.
- Trouble sleeping, early morning awakening,
or oversleeping.
- Changes in appetite and/or weight.
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide
attempts.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Persistent physical symptoms, such as
headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that do
not respond to routine treatment.
- [www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications]
Additional Symptoms Often Reported
by Christians:
- Feeling prayers don’t go beyond
the ceiling
- Feeling God doesn’t care about
them
- Feeling God isn’t there at all
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|  A
New Face — Jennifer Greene
Jennifer Greene is pursuing a Masters Degree
in Christian Counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
in Charlotte. In September she began working as an intern
at Associates and will be with us through the end of this
year. Read
More
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| Book Reviews
Coping with Depression
Siang-Yang Tan and John Ortberg
Baker Publishing Group, 2004
Being a Christian does not exempt you from depression. The
authors balance the spiritual dimension with scientific research
in describing the best strategies for dealing with depression.
Laughing in the Dark: A Comedian’s Journey
through Depression
Chonda Pierce
Howard Books, 2007
Pierce describes her 18-month battle with depression and her
eventual recovery with the aid of medication, weekly counseling,
and the help of friends.
Unmasking Male Depression
Dr. Archibald D. Hart
Thomas Nelson, 2001
Depression is the secret pain at the core of many men’s
lives, and one that largely goes undiagnosed and untreated.
This book explores forms of depression and gives tools for
coping and healing depression. In addition it examines the
lives of Christian leaders who struggled with depression such
as Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, and John Calvin.
A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Depression
Dr. Archibald D. Hart and Dr. Catherine Hart Weber
Revell, 2007
This up-to-date and comprehensive guide for women suffering
from mild to moderate depression addresses types of depression,
treatments, and God’s plan for wholeness. Also includes
a chapter on how friends and family may be supportive.
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| Speakers Bureau
Our clinicians have many opportunities planned to speak to
a variety of men’s, women’s and parents’
groups over the next few months.
Two speaking engagements in October are public events:
Wednesday, 10/10:
Dr. Heath Greene will be presenting a general overview of
mental health for Mental Illness Awareness Week at 6:30PM
at the Clemmons Public Library.
Tuesday, 10/16:
Mrs. Jane Bailey will be speaking at 7PM at God Encounters
for Women at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. Her
topic will be “Grief and Loss Issues in the Seasons
of a Woman’s Life.”
If you would like information about our Speakers
Bureau for your group, please contact us heather@christiancounseling.org
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| United
Way - A Way to Give |
Wachovia
- A Matching Program |
| Each
fall brings the United Way campaign to our community.
Did you know you may
designate that your donation be given to
Associates in Christian Counseling?
ACC’s code number
is 2062.
If you write 2062
on the United Way form,
ACC will receive your gift.
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Wachovia employees
have a special opportunity to support
Associates in Christian Counseling.
Any gift of up to $1000/year given directly to ACC will
be matched by
Wachovia!
Simply give your gift to ACC along with your completed Matching
Gift Form.
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| A
Thought |
| When
we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most
to us, we often find that it is those who instead of giving advise,
solutions or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain, and touch
our wounds with a warm and tender hand.
Henri Nouwen
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Fast Facts |
Depression
affects more than 19 million American adults each year
1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men will experience depression at some
point in their lifetime
2/3 of those suffering do not seek treatment
More than 80% of cases of clinical depression
can be effectively treated with medication,
psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
For more information, click
here
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