Is there hope for my depression?

With the holidays behind us life should be turning back to “normal.” But I know for many, they were brought down by the blues or depression because of the holidays and cannot seem to find “normal.” I believe the holidays remind us of how lonely many of us are.

Dr. Robert McGee, author of Search for Significance wrote, “Loneliness has already reached epidemic proportions … 92% of Christians attending a Bible conference admitted that feelings of loneliness are a major problem in their lives. All shared a basic symptom: a sense of despair at feeling unloved and fear of being unwanted or unaccepted. ”

What a tragic commentary. A study published in the journal, The Archives of General Psychiatry suggested that about one in four people diagnosed with depression might instead be struggling with emotions associated with the loss of a loved one, or a job, or some other event in the person's life-- the blues. Many people describe themselves as depressed when they are really discouraged or unhappy or lonely.

Depression can be brought on by biochemistry as well as the loss of a loved one, unemployment, or even a bout of ill health. When we lose the ability to enjoy things, or feel badly about ourselves, believing we do not deserve to be happy, or feel guilty for no reason, or blame ourselves for something we had no part in, this is when we are likely to experience depression. Depression goes beyond the blues. Depression is generally a result of anger turned inward and/or a deep sense of loss.

You may have the blues, or be genuinely depressed. In either case, lost in your feelings you are clinging to a thread of hope that something or someone will break through the fog of despair because we all have the desire to have joy in our lives. But I have good news! God is throwing your soul an anchor.

If we don’t have union with God, life holds no hope. Recovery simply means recovering God’s plan for our life. It takes courage to step forward and say, “I want help to be free from my burdens.” This journey requires we follow God willingly, and trust him to lead us safely through the pain and around unseen obstacles. He knows the safest and best route. The word journey is repeated to convey that change doesn’t happen overnight. God doesn’t always work in the way that seems most logical to us. Instead of guiding the Israelites along the most direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land, He took them on a longer route.

However, everyday you can enjoy the place where you are while you travel down this road. Nothing is as heartbreaking as wasted grief. We can be determined to learn from it, rather than be bound by it. Along the way you will find out who you really are --God’s Girl.

This is an excerpt from the devotional book: I’m God’s Girl? Why Can’t I Feel It? I would recommend purchasing a self-help book on how to defeat depression God’s way and challenge negative thoughts. Learn to see the world in a hopeful, positive light.
For Christ-based help consider working through one of the books I’ve written: http://www.olivebranchoutreach.com/shopping.htm
• I’m God’s Girl? Why Can’t I Feel It? Daily Biblical Encouragement to Defeat Depression & the Blues
• Breaking the Cover Girl Mask: Toss Out Toxic Thoughts

You may want to seek expert help from an experienced mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Your family doctor is a good place to start if you are looking for a referral.

Celebrating Christmas—Celebrating Life

The Christmas season is a time of celebration for Christians. We sing about and rejoice in the birth of the Savior. Friends and family gather for the feast and the little ones rip through their presents. But do not forget this earth-shattering truth: The birth of Jesus was the sign that God had invaded earth. And that gives us the real reason to celebrate Christmas.

The virgin birth made possible the uniting of full deity and full humanity in one person—called the incarnation. Jesus was the God-man. Not God dwelling in a man. Not a man deified; but God and man, combining in one personality the two natures, baffling every possibility of explanation.

I get it now. Christ, the God-man, suffered for me, and for you. Our sin was poured into the sinless Christ at his crucifixion. His righteousness is then poured into us at our conversion. This is what Christians mean by Christ’s atonement for sin. Now when God looks down at us, he sees us through the lens of the Cross—sin free. This is a reason to celebrate life!

The number one need in every person’ life is to be immersed in a personal and intimate relationship with God through Jesus. Everyone needs a relationship with someone that can make then feel safe and loved. Jesus is that person. Acknowledge your need for Jesus. Recognize your vulnerability. Recognize you can no longer carry your burdens. Lay them at Jesus’s feet. Find comfort for your soul.

He is the only one who can touch you without hurting or breaking you. Mankind can’t promise that. He can nurse you back to spiritual health, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. …learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus longed to give people life. All they need to do is come to him. That’s all.

Holiday Help for Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Sufferers

I suffered from bulima for 17 years and I know how hard the holidays are--physically, mentally, and realtionally. These are some things that have worked for me and others:

1. Spend the holidays with the people who love you—people who build you up and not tear you down. Share your observations. Help and encourage one another. [And if you love someone with an eating disorder, get in touch. Don’t let them spend this time alone.]

2. If you have to spend time with family members who trigger the worst in you, journal your thoughts and insights. One way to begin breaking down a wall is through journaling. Many have found writing helpful in coming to terms with the past, or processing fresh pain. Suggested entries: Thoughts and Emotions; Physical Sensations; What you did; What you could do next time.

3. Keep track of your goals before you head out to grandma's house—journal them. Write out and track your overall plans, nutrition plan and your thoughts about it.

4. Memorize Scripture. Write it on a card & carry it with you [or use a scripture memorization program like Memlok.]

5. Tis’ the season to be grateful: to gain perspective. Carla told me she’d write down 5 things each night that Ishe was thankful for... "helped me see that my focus on food/eating/starving/weight was really pointless, and to look at what I have that so many people don't have in this world. It helped get the focus off of ME (the eating disorder's focus on ME has really messed up my perspective)."

6. Check out my website: www.olivebranchoutreach.com/edindex.htlm for lots of inspiration, Scripture and help.

7. For Christ-based help consider working through one of the books I’ve written: http://www.olivebranchoutreach.com/shopping.htm

· I’m Beautiful? Why Can’t I See It? Daily Encouragement to Promote Healthy Eating and Positive Self-Esteem
· I’m God’s Girl? Why Can’t I Feel It? Daily Biblical Encouragmeent to Defeat Depression & the Blues
· Breaking the Cover Girl Mask: Toss Out Toxic Thoughts

Merry Christmas!

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." — Luke 2:13-14

Inspiring Positive Thinking

Well the day has finally come—a new look for Olive Branch Outreach and the release of my latest book, “Breaking the Cover Girl Mask: Toss Out Toxic Thoughts.” Today the press release goes out and I ma praying the women who need this book most (which is most of us), those struggling with ongoing negative thinking, will get a copy sooner than later. Of course, I am trusting in God as he is the only one who can make that happen. I’m merely joining him in his plan—writing and doing things to market the book. God gets the praise and glory for the work!

Here is the press release:

Oregon Author Inspires Positive Thinking in Latest Book
MOLALLA, OR - Many women suffer from low self-esteem, negative thoughts, and depression, perhaps from old wounds and lies they continue to believe. But there's no freedom from these things without total mind renewal, says Oregon author and women's pastor Kimberly Davidson.

In her third book, "Breaking the Cover Girl Mask," Davidson urges women to get rid of the negative-the toxic thinking that's affecting their entire being. Drawing from personal and ministerial experience, Davidson teaches readers how they can confront and heal harmful thought patterns and behaviors, regain control of their lives, and experience personal growth.

Molly Theissen, writer and editor, says, "[The author's] aim to help Christian women readjust their thoughts, emotions, and ambitions in order to set a pace for a healthier lifestyle is truly admirable. [Her] writing style is engaging, and [she has] a great sense of knowing [her] audience."

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from me at www.olivebranchoutreach.com, or the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Pastoral counselor, personal life coach, and founder of Olive Branch Outreach, Davidson received her MA in specialized ministry from Western Seminary and BA in health sciences and nutrition from the University of Iowa. She speaks at church conferences and schools and offers dynamic workshops to reach youth and women with her messages. The author previously released "I'm God's Girl? Why Can't I Feel It?" and "I'm Beautiful? Why Can't I See It?"

For promotional inquiries, please contact Amanda Soderberg, Marketing Representative, at (888) 361-9473 or send an email to asoderberg@tatepublishing.com.