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I have a close family member that often struggles with depression. In fact, it runs in our family. Her husband, who treats her poorly, just lost his job, and she has two kids (one a newborn). A year ago she cut her wrists and now she just sent me a very melodramatic song that makes me think she's suicidal again. She's a believer, but is unable to attend church as she doesn't have a car and her husband owns a car she can't drive.
I really don't know what to do. In the past, I've talked and cried with her, shared scripture, given Biblical advice. I just brought a bunch of groceries, diapers, and wipes over so that she doesn't have to worry about her kids going hungry. She just gets trapped in these terrible places where she thinks that everything is hopeless. What do I do? Any Scripture references you can share?
Forget the scripture and get her to the hospital for help. If she has a newborn her normal depression has probably escalated into post partum depression and she and her baby could be at risk.
I have a close family member that often struggles with depression. In fact, it runs in our family. Her husband, who treats her poorly, just lost his job, and she has two kids (one a newborn). A year ago she cut her wrists and now she just sent me a very melodramatic song that makes me think she's suicidal again. She's a believer, but is unable to attend church as she doesn't have a car and her husband owns a car she can't drive.
I really don't know what to do. In the past, I've talked and cried with her, shared scripture, given Biblical advice. I just brought a bunch of groceries, diapers, and wipes over so that she doesn't have to worry about her kids going hungry. She just gets trapped in these terrible places where she thinks that everything is hopeless. What do I do? Any Scripture references you can share?
JCO....it's not scripture that she needs right now.....it's medication. Clinical depression is a mental illness, a disease that needs treatement. Just like a diabetic needs insulin, a person suffering from clinical depression needs mediation and counseling NOW....bible study comes later.
I'm extra concerned becasue you mentiond she has a newborn. Women who are prone to depression often have more serious post-partum depression and post-partum psychosis....this is something to take very seriously.
I would drive her to a mental health clinic or psychiatrist ASAP. Medication is the first step which will diminish her suicidal thoughts and let her deal with some other issues later, when she's feeling more herslef, again.
1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God for He cares about what happens to you".
Philippians 4: 13 " For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength I need".
Philippians 4:6-7 " Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything, tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this you will experience God's which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus".
I had postpardum depression, and this is what's made me very sensitive to it. I can tell you that she wouldn't go to the hospital. She hasn't admitted anything, but I've dealt with this enough to know the warning signs. Perhaps I should set up a time for her to meet with a counselor so that she knows help is coming. She might be more open to this.
My foremost advice, pray! Pray and pray some more! Get together with your Pastor and have them pray with you. If you can, keep going to visit her, and if you can, pray over her, with her, through her house. I am thinking there may be some demons running about in her house, her life, disrupting and reaking havoc. I would plea the blood of Jesus over her, her family and over her house and cars. Pray for the Lord's protection, peace, and to hide her from the enemy. Pray against spirits of depression, oppression, infirmities, and death/suicide.
As for scriptures, I have one chapter that comes to mind right now:
Psalm 91
p.s. I also agree with beth ann, who suggested meds, I think it is an important part of dealing with this. Still yet, most of all I'd say she needs the Lord to intervene, so pray and pray and pray some more!
Is there anyway you can get her alone with you for a while? By what you have said, I am thinking her husband is probably a control freak and won't let her out of his sight...but is there a way you can just take her out for a day and help her to just let it all out?
I agree, could be post-partum. Beyond the medical help, and I certainly concur with that especially considering her past history, I am also wondering if you could get her to a Christian counselor like a pastor or someone. You said she does not attend church. Would there be someone on staff at your church who would be adept at counseling and whom she would agree to talk with? Sounds like you are doing a lot of the right things to try and help. I'm sure that taking over groceries and all did help. Sometimes just the pressure of life can get to weighing very heavily on someone and just a helping hand like that can make a world of difference. Will be praying for her and her family and for you to have the Lord's direction on this.
I had postpardum depression, and this is what's made me very sensitive to it. I can tell you that she wouldn't go to the hospital. She hasn't admitted anything, but I've dealt with this enough to know the warning signs. Perhaps I should set up a time for her to meet with a counselor so that she knows help is coming. She might be more open to this.
If you can't get her to go to the hospital then see if you can get her husband involved. If he won't help then call her OB they can also prescribe medication and suggest she see a therapist. I honestly don't think it would hurt for her to talk to a church counselor but it is NOT a substitution for professional medical help. Believe it or not if you truely think she is at risk of harming herself or the baby you can just call an ambulance and they will take her with out her consent. It may be harsh, but it may be in her best interest.
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LuLu
