Depression is a legitimate mental illness, and it’s not something to mess around with. Christmas can be a major trigger. Can you believe 15 million people in the U. S. are affected by it?1 I want you to know that I’m no expert, but there are signs indicating you or your teen may need some help. Many with depression suffer from anxiety, apathy, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, mood swings, or sadness. Sleep habits are all screwed up. Weird appetite. Emotional mess. If this is you, get some help. Dr. Bruce Hennigan says having “a tendency toward depression” isn’t a sin, but giving into it is2. His suggestions: don’t make any major decisions, stay in God’s Word (even though you don’t want to), and thank God for loving you through it.

1“Depression in Women,” WebMD.com

2“Depression: Reject the Guilt, Embrace the Cure” by Dr. Bruce Hennigan, FocusontheFamily.com

Depression symptoms from Mayo Clinic , WebMD, and the National Institute of Mental Health.

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