God loves you as a good father loves his child. You can climb on His lap and tell Him everything. He sees your tears in the night and wants to help. Ask Him for what you need.

These verses from The Amplified Bible were used in writing the response to the Question of the Month:
Ps.30:11
Joel 2:25
Rom.8:28
Phill.3:13
Heb.13:5
Ps.34:4
John16:33
Ps.32:8
Is.45:18,19
1Thes.5:24
Gen.28:15
Deut.31:8
Deut.20:3,4
Phill3:19
Ps.145:18,19
Is.41:10-13
Ps.86:5
Ex.14:14
Ps.56:8,9
Is.49:15,16
Jer.29:11-14
Ps.86:5
Ps.22:5
Heb.11:6
Jer.32:17
Matt.9:12

Past Questions of the Month:

Hope and Assurance

This website was created for those acquainted with mental illness and in need of hope and assurance.

Question of the Month

My friend has been depressed for many years. She sees a therapist and takes a couple different medications. How can I help her?

How blessed your friend is to have a close companion who cares! One of the common threads in people who have overcome mental illness is that they have a mentor who believes in them and gives them the gift of time. A listening ear and providing comfort in thoughtful ways enables them to begin to heal. Having someone who loves you for who you are and who you can become, regardless of what mistakes you have made in the past or how weird your problems seem to be, can be the most powerful antidote for feelings of unworthiness, guilt, and shame.

Know that the duration of depression can be determined by what we believe. If we say that depression is something we were born with, or runs in our family, or is a disease that we will have for the rest of our lives, or is all genetic, understand that we are naming reasons we believe we can never be depression free. If we assert that depression is no different than having a disease like high blood pressure or diabetes, remember that like depression, these diseases are many times controllable and even reversible when we are willing to make healthy life choices.

Sometimes depression can occur when we have to give up something or someone we hold dear. We do not want to let go and we resist. It takes time for us to adjust to accepting the change and be willing and ready to move on. Depression is a place we want to be only long enough to learn new more effective skills and gather strength. It is not where we must stay indefinitely, unless that is what we choose.

Help your friend to think about all the things she can do to help herself. This mindset will enable her to take less and less medication over time. When she finds she is having a good day or a good moment, encourage her to repeat again and again the thoughts and actions that prompted the good feelings. When your friend feels worried or overwhelmed, encourage her to do something to help the situation that concerns her. Taking action, even in a small way, will help her feel in control and give her a sense of empowerment. Challenge her negative, self-defeating thoughts and words with truth and reality and teach her to do the same. Help her to see herself and her state of affairs as full of hope because of the choices she is making today. Assist her in finding a way she can be of service to others. When we give ourselves away to others, we end up finding ourselves. Lead her in understanding depression does not have to be a dead-end street but is an opportunity for new beginnings and a better life.

Let your friend consider what God has to say:

Nothing is too hard for Me…I am the Great Physician…I will counsel you wherever you go…I will fight for you…I will never leave you or forsake you…I will never relax My hold on you…I will turn your mourning into dancing…I will hear your cry…I have collected all your tears in a bottle…I work all things together for your good…I will restore for you what has been destroyed…I am utterly trustworthy…I reward those who diligently seek Me…You have strength for all things in Me…Your picture is indelibly tattooed on My palms…I have plans to give you a future full of hope…I love you with an everlasting love…I remember your sins no more…I am preparing a place for you…I gave My only Son so you might be an over comer…I will deliver you from all your fears…I will never fail you…I will liberally supply your every need…I will help you and hold you up…I am abundant in mercy and loving kindness…I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…Those who trust in Me will never be disappointed…

Your friend can choose whether to embrace God’s truth that liberates us or to hold onto the lies and restrictions of depression. This choice will make all the difference in the world.

Contact

Hope and Assurance
P.O. Box 3041
Jonesboro, AR 72403-3041

carolyn@hopeandassurance.com