The Facts of Depression

Our national economy has made the past year difficult for many in terms of employment, investments, housing, etc.  Even in times without so many uncertainties, however, approximately 16 million new cases of depression occur every year in the US.  The World Health Organization named depression the second most common cause of disability worldwide after cardiovascular disease and it is expected to become number one in the next 10 years. Read More

Detecting Depression

Here are three questions to consider if you think you or a loved one may be struggling with depression.

First, ask the beyond sadness question. Life in our sin-stained world can be tough, and everyone feels the wear and tear of it at various points in life. With depression, sadness progresses to a point of persistent and deep emotional pain, often coupled with hopelessness, irrational feelings of guilt, and sometimes thoughts about suicide.

Second, ask the physical symptom question. For many adults, depression is associated with early morning waking, poor appetite, unintentional weight loss, irritability, crying bouts, difficulty concentrating, and memory lapses. To make matters worse, depression interferes with motivation, so a depressed person is inclined to withdraw from the activities and relationships that once brought happiness and joy to his or her life.

Third, ask the impaired functioning question. A person struggling with depression is likely to have difficulty functioning in everyday life. Depression can lead to lost productivity at work, strained relationships at home, and declining passion for ministry.

For those who answer yes to one or more of these three questions, it is time to seek help.

     From “When You’re Depressed,” Mark R. McMinn,
Christianity Today, March, 2009
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/march/14.24.html

Did You Know?

Our 2010 banquet is now on the calendar.
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

And we have an exciting speaker
for you to enjoy:
Ron Wellman, Athletic Director
Wake Forest University