The following steps can help you know how to deal with depression so you don’t suffer needlessly. You can get better. There is hope for depression. And there is help.

Take a Depression Screening Test
Although it is not conclusive, a screening test may indicate some of the symptoms of depression. It may reveal information that prompts you to seek help. A depression screening test is available on our site.

Although it is not conclusive, a screening test may indicate some of the symptoms of depression. It may reveal information that prompts you to seek help. A depression screening test is provided on page

See a Physician
A physician can diagnosis depression and assess its severity as well as offer treatment possibilities. Many people suffer needlessly with depression that is caused by an undiagnosed and treatable medical condition such as a thyroid or hormone imbalance. A doctor will check for these and other disorders that trigger or contribute to depression.

See a Counselor
In addition to seeing a medical doctor, obtaining good Christian counseling can be extremely helpful. Counseling is a "whole person" approach to recovery. It can shed light on the sources of emotional and spiritual pain that may be contributing to depression. People often struggle with the idea of getting professional mental health assistance to deal with depression. They believe that talking with those closest to them can be just as effective as seeing a counselor. Although involving family members and friends in recovery can be beneficial, those closest to us often aren’t able to be objective. They also lack the training to uncover root issues that may be fueling depression. Counselors are trained to do both and to offer practical, biblical steps toward healing. Counseling is so widely accepted as a valid treatment that most insurance policies cover at least a portion of the cost.

Another misconception is that it is a sign of personal weakness to seek counseling. Nothing could be further from the truth. Obtaining counseling is a sign of maturity and courage. People who enlist the help of a trained mental health professional are taking their health and recovery seriously. For more information about counseling or to find a counselor in your area, click here.

Enlist Help
God created us for relationships. He designed us to connect with and bond to other people and to Him. Yet depression can cause us to withdraw from others just when we need their strength and wisdom the most. So tell those closest to you that you are depressed. Most likely they already know that something is wrong and will be relieved to know that you are seeking treatment. They may want to know what they can do to help. Be open and honest about your needs. Depression symptoms often diminish when we share our struggle with others and receive their affirmation, encouragement and support.

Consider Journaling
Many people discover the root issues behind their pain when they give their heart an avenue for expression. Journaling or writing down impressions, feelings and thoughts gets us in touch with our emotions, helping us regain a sense of wholeness. Those who struggle with writing can consider other forms of expression such as drawing or painting in a sketch book or oversized journal.

Take Care of Yourself
Adequate sleep, exercise and proper diet are paramount to treating depression. Many people have found relief from their symptoms by simply taking better care of themselves and making sure their primary health needs are met. Caregivers and family members of patients who are dealing with a serious medical condition are susceptible to depression because they are so busy meeting the patient’s health needs that they neglect their own.

Sleep - Disrupted sleep patterns are a common symptom for 80% of people battling depression. Resist the inclination to sleep in late, sleep all day or avoid sleep altogether. Try to maintain your normal sleep pattern by scheduling activities that will prevent you from being able to sleep too late. Don’t schedule activities that could interfere with your normal sleep time. Talk with your doctor if you are unable to get adequate sleep. Teenagers need 9 hours of sleep while most adults need 7-8 hours. Your doctor may prescribe medication to restore your normal sleep pattern, which is a critical component in depression recovery.

Exercise - God wired us in such a way that we feel better when we do things that are healthy for us. In addition to improving our self-esteem and waistline, exercise releases chemicals in our body that reduce pain and improve our overall mood. Many people who suffer from depression find relief from their symptoms simply by incorporating regular exercise into their daily routine.

Diet –While it’s important to eat a balanced diet for overall health, it’s especially important when you’re battling depression. Many nutrients are necessary for correct brain function and chemistry. Some of these nutrients include fiber-rich carbohydrates, omega-3 fats and foods rich in B vitamins. Studies show these nutrients can help ease depression symptoms. In addition to eating a balanced diet, it’s important to not skip meals. In addition to lowering your energy level, skipping meals can cause changes in your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical that produces calmness.