Many people begin to think, “I wish I could go to sleep before Thanksgiving and sake up after New Years,” this time of year. If that is you, you are not alone. But too often, in the midst of this season or apparent merriment, those who are depressed or grieving feel very alone and out-of-place.
Below is a video presentation of “Overcoming Depression-Anxiety: A Suffering Paradigm.” It is meant to walk people through their experience of depression and help them find hope during this “stubborn darkness” (to borrow a phrase from Ed Welch).
For the various counseling options available from this material visit www.summitrdu.com/counseling.
The complementing studies “Overcoming Depression-Anxiety: A Responsibility Paradigm” and “Towards a Christian Perspective of Mental Illness” will also available in a video format after their presentation
NOTE: Many people have asked how they can get a copy of the seminar notebook referenced in this verbal presentation. You can request a copy from Summit’s admin over counseling at counseling@summitrdu.com (please note this is an administrative account; no individual or family counsel is provided through e-mail).
STEP 1.
PREPARE yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually to face your suffering.
Depression-Anxiety Suffering Paradigm Part 1 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
Blog Post: “A Sample Letter to Help Cultivate Community While Struggling with Depression-Anxiety” (Sample of material in the seminar notebook)
Blog Post: “6 Steps to Wise Decision Making About Psychotropic Medications” (Appendix A from the seminar notebook)
STEP 2.
ACKNOWLEDGE the specific history and realness of my suffering.
Depression-Anxiety Suffering Paradigm Part 2 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
On-Line Evaluation: Types of Depression & Anxiety Evaluation
Resource: Depression-Anxiety Daily Symptom Chart
STEP 3.
UNDERSTAND the impact of my suffering.
Depression-Anxiety Suffering Paradigm Part 3 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
STEP 4.
LEARN MY SUFFERING STORY which I used to make sense of my experience.
Depression-Anxiety Suffering Paradigm Part 4 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
STEP 5.
MOURN the wrongness of what happened and receive God’s comfort.
Depression-Anxiety Suffering Paradigm Part 5 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
STEP 6.
LEARN MY GOSPEL STORY by which God gives meaning to my experience.
Depression-Anxiety Suffering Paradigm Part 6 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
STEP 7.
IDENTIFY GOALS that allow me to combat the impact of my suffering.
Depression-Anxiety Step 7 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
STEP 8.
PERSEVERE in the new life and identity to which God has called me.
Depression-Anxiety Step 8 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
STEP 9.
STEWARD all of my life for God’s glory.
Depression-Anxiety Step 9 from The Sam James Institute on Vimeo.
Blog Post: 9 Questions to Help You Steward All of Your Life for