Life Reconstruction Overcoming Depression . . . one thought at a time

Down in the dumps The Anatomy of Depression Trust God, be faithful Loss: B A Catastrophe! (C ) Disaster! stimulus empty perception primarily circumstantial acquisitions Love Worth Security Significance D “Oh no. This is the worst!” Thoughts, cognitive distortions D Replay loss incident. issue mind movies D Visualize fallout of loss mind movies Bummed, depressed, bitter, lethargic, miserable E Down in the dumps feelings F Behavior, talk

A better way! Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-5

Battle Zone!! F E D D Trust God, be faithful A (B ) C D D E F Talk, behavior E Peaceful, secure, joyful Battle Zone!! feelings D Reject negative mind movies. mind movies D Consider it joy!! (Use God’s Word) thoughts Trust God, be faithful A Loss (B ) C Disaster! Catastrophe! stimulus perception primarily circumstantial acquisitions D Love Worth Security Significance “Oh no. I’m ruined!” Thoughts, cognitive distortions D Replay loss incident, fallout of loss mind movies issue Bummed, depressed, bitter, lethargic, miserable E feelings F Behavior, talk

Emotional Self-arrest Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-5

Battle Zone!! F From God: Love Worth Security Significance E D D Talk, behavior E Battle Zone!! feelings D mind movies D thoughts Trust God, be faithful Loss (B ) A C Catastrophe! Hurts Disaster! Grief stimulus Full Peace Joy perception empty D Love Worth Security Significance “Oh no. I’m ruined!” Thoughts, cognitive distortions D Replay loss incident, fallout of loss mind movies issue Bummed, depressed, bitter, lethargic, miserable E feelings F Behavior, talk

Peace Joy “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11

Peace Joy Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, 2 John 3 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 1 Peter 1:8-9

Peace Joy - even in difficulty and hardship "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Peace Joy “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11

Battle Zone!! F E D D Trust God, be faithful A (B ) C From God: Love Talk, behavior E Peaceful, secure, joyful Battle Zone!! feelings D Reject negative mind movies. mind movies D Consider it joy!! (Use God’s Word) thoughts Trust God, be faithful A Loss (B ) C Catastrophe! Hurts Disaster! Grief stimulus From God: Love Worth Security Significance Full Peace Joy perception D Love Worth Security Significance “Oh no. I’m ruined!” Thoughts, cognitive distortions D Replay loss incident, fallout of loss mind movies issue Bummed, depressed, bitter, lethargic, miserable E feelings F Behavior, talk

Getting it done! (As you are significantly resourced by your relationship with God, meeting your deep needs for love, worth, security and significance – so that peace and joy are growing in you) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-5

Paul’s Maximum Strength Antidepressant Treatment Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Ruins of the jail at Philippi

Life Reconstruction Overcoming Depression . . . one thought at a time