Anxiety and Depression
Over 18 million adults in this country experience depression, and over 19 million endure mild to severe anxiety. Frequently, individuals suffer from both. When anxiety and depression coexist, people have difficulty functioning from day to day. When depression and anxiety become overwhelming, medication may be helpful during the counseling process. Professionals at HeartLife work closely with medical professionals and can effectively assess when referral is needed.
Some Christians have difficulty accepting that anxiety or depression may have a medical basis. When either of these issues is severe, they are best addressed with counseling and medical intervention. There is often a stigma associated with admitting one has either one of these common problems. Many of our brothers and sisters bear this burden in silence which only makes it worse.
Some of the common problems Christians who suffer from depression or anxiety report are:
- I feel that God is distant.
- I read my Bible but I can’t focus and don’t feel God’s presence.
- There must be some sin in my life or I’m being punished for past mistakes.
- I do not feel God’s peace or joy in my life.
- As a Christian, I should be able to cope better.
Symptoms of Depression include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
- Not wanting to live, or thoughts of suicide
- Feeling restless or moody
- Crying a lot
- Having no energy or motivation
- Eating too little or too much
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Having trouble focusing or making decisions
- Having memory problems
- Feeling worthless and guilty
- Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Having headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems that don’t go away
If you respond to 8 or more of the symptoms above, you may be experiencing depression
Symptoms of Anxiety include:
- Feeling restless, edgy, keyed up
- Tiring easily
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Increased muscle tension
- Trouble sleeping (initial insomnia or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
Post Partum
- Tired after delivery
- Tired from a lack of sleep or broken sleep
- Overwhelmed with a new baby
- Doubts about your ability to be a good mother
- Stress from changes in work and home routines
- An unrealistic need to be a perfect mom
- Loss of who you were before having the baby
- Less attractive
- A lack of free time
Are some women more at risk for depression during and after pregnancy?
Certain factors may increase your risk of depression during and after pregnancy:
- A personal history of depression or another mental illness
- A family history of depression or another mental illness
- A lack of support from family and friends
- Anxiety or negative feelings about the pregnancy
- Problems with a previous pregnancy or birth
- Marriage or money problems
- Stressful life events
- Young age
- Substance abuse
Women who are depressed during pregnancy have a greater risk of depression after giving birth.
