Dealing with Depression   

Guest:  Jeff Kemp 

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast

Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst

Podcast Show Notes 

Depression is a mental state of low mood and aversion to activity.  It affects more than 280 million people of all ages or about 3.5% of the global population.  Many things can cause forms of depression – bereavement, neglect, abuse, and parenting treatment differing between the siblings.  It can also be the loss of an important chemical in your brain.  Men are vulnerable because men are supposed to be able to be “tough and solve our problems” without any help or admission that they need help.  That is a lie of the enemy and society. 

The great news today is that depression can be dealt with very effectively if you allow yourself to move forward and get the help you need medically, or through a friend or a counselor.  

In today’s episode, Jeff Kemp provides Six Strategies for Overcoming Depression that give you an anchor point to help get you started. 

1. Recognize the symptoms – many times we slip into low places and because it is either how we feel most of the time, or gradually sink, we do not often recognize where we are and how much we are struggling.    Ask a good friend how they think you are doing. Have them be honest. 
2. Overcome the stigma – many people believe they cannot admit or share with anyone how they are feeling due to a stigma they may believe is part of depression.  You would go to the doctor if you were sick and not be afraid to tell people – This can be viewed the same way.  
3. Be Kind to Yourself – many times one of the consequences of feeling this way is beating yourself up.  Have a friend or a professional help you with your inner talk.  This is a great starting place.  
4. Think about your health – the mind and the body are linked.   It will not be long until your body begins to suffer as well as the struggle with depression.   Many times some of the mental symptoms can be lifted by getting physically active.  Physical activity creates hormones that can help change the body's chemicals that lend themselves to a depressed state of mind.  
5. Schedule fun or pleasant activities – plan to do things you know you enjoy and will look forward to doing.  Take a friend and make it even more enjoyable.  
6. Focus on relationships that lift you– conversely, avoid relationships that bring you down. All of us need positive people in our lives that will lift us.  

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Two Questions to ask yourself: 

1. What have I done in the past that has given me hope?   Do it again! 
2. What one idea was mentioned today that gives me the most encouragement?   Try it today

To read more of Jeff Kemp’s blogs: www.jeffkempteam.com/blog/

To reach Jeff Kemp:  www.jeffkempteam.com

Just a reminder these podcasts are leased on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.   For additional podcasts go to:  www.mensministrycatalyst.org