Spiritual Counseling and Depression – Counselors and Therapists in Franklin, MA
Emotions, in and of themselves, are neither good nor bad. They are bad when they prevent us from doing what we should or provoke us to do something harmful. They are good when they prompt us to do something helpful or necessary. From a spiritual perspective, emotions are good when they bring us closer to God but bad if they draw us farther way from God.
Can we say the same be said about depression? Can depression ever be good for us?
Can it ever draw us closer to God?
There is a link between depression and anxiety. Many years ago, Martin Seligman showed that a sense of helplessness can be a learned state of mind conditioned by years of frustration. This persistent frustration generates anxiety that can lead to a reduction in motivation and, eventually, a sense of hopelessness. This hopelessness can generate severe doubts in our abilities, distrust for others and even a lack of faith.
However, in our time of need and desperation, we may actually cling to God, feeling like there is nowhere, or to no one else, that we can turn. This response can actually generate a hopefulness that restores our faith and draws us closer to God.
The link below is a class, instructed by Dr. Handel, on how spirituality and depression can interact. Dr. Handel is a licensed psychologist and ordained minister. In this class, he takes a trek through scriptures and presents their relevance using actual case studies from his practice and experiences.
Dr. Handel is also the Clinical Director and owner of Thriveworks Franklin. At Thriveworks Franklin, there are therapists who have studied the interactive effects of depression and spiritually. They understand that depression affects the whole person: spiritually, emotionally, behaviorally, physically and mentally. If you are struggling with depression, a therapist at Thriveworks Franklin may be able to help you. So, call Thriveworks Franklin at 617-360-7210 and make an appointment today.
