Depression is a global affliction, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that more than 350 million individuals worldwide experience depression in their lifetime.

Depression is certainly not a new illness, with the Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived from 460 to 377 BC, first describing the state of depression as “melancholia.” And, while not explicitly expressed, the Bible is full of references to characters suffering in this way. David described himself as “groaning in anguish of heart” (Psalm 38), while in Jonah 4:3, Jonah was so distraught that he asked God: “Take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

Despite this prevalence, many people feel ashamed or guilty if they feel depressed, or simply do not recognize that they are struggling with depression. Thankfully, the topic of mental health has become more widely discussed in recent years. At Stone Oak Christian Counseling, we offer proven therapeutic techniques to help individuals who are struggling with symptoms of depression.

The Christian counselors in Stone Oak, San Antonio, Texas, are well-equipped to help give you the treatment you need so that you can regain your enjoyment of life.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(210) 961-8365

Do I have depression?

Depression affects people in different ways. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that clinical depression is a broad term used by mental health professionals that incorporates more specific diagnostic labels, with a person’s lifestyle needing to be significantly affected by some of the following symptoms nearly every day for at least a two-week period for the labels to be applied:

  • Depressed mood most of the day
  • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities every day
  • Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite
  • Insomnia (inability to get to sleep or difficulty staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping more than usual)
  • Psychomotor agitation (for example, inability to sit still, pacing, pulling at clothes) or retardation (for example, slowed speech and movements, quiet talking)
  • Fatigue, tiredness, or loss of energy nearly every day
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
  • Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideas with or without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt

The good news is that depression is highly treatable. With the right combination of psychotherapy and/or medication, studies show that close to 60% of people attending secular psychology sessions show a positive result after four months, with 40% reporting that they are in remission.

By pursuing Christian counseling in Stone Oak, San Antonio, Texas, the results will likely be more promising, given that addressing depression from a faith-based perspective considers the thoughts that determine our attitudes and actions, and calls on God’s healing power to transform one’s mental state.

Types of depression

There are several different kinds of depression, with suitable treatments available for each. These include:

  • Major depression
  • Postpartum depression, which affects 10-15% of women after childbirth
  • Bipolar depression
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Situational Depression
  • Atypical Depression

Your counseling sessions will be a place where you can find refuge and compassion, and an empathetic listener who is also equipped to help you turn to God’s Word for the ultimate refuge and comfort our hearts seek.

Based on the type of depression you are struggling with, your trained Christian counselor in Stone Oak, Texas will guide you toward reflecting on how and why your depressive symptoms play out, and the root causes behind them.

For the Christian suffering from depression, biblical counseling can have a huge impact in helping the individual to grasp all that Christ offers us, both now and ultimately, in heaven: His redemptive love shown on the cross, His daily intercession for us, His peace and comfort, and His promise of perfect wholeness and joy with Him forever.

This is by no means an attempt to offer a simplistic solution to the very complex issue of depression. Churches and Christian counselors have been blamed (often rightly so) for advancing the stigma that depression is the result of a lack of faith and that those who trust God will not suffer from this illness. This is certainly not the case.

At Stone Oak Christian Counseling, we will listen to your story, assess your unique symptoms, and collaborate with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that incorporates proven therapeutic techniques for treating depression from a faith-based perspective.

Next steps

The journey out of depression is not easy and takes time and applied effort. At Stone Oak Christian Counseling, we are here to walk with you out of the darkness and into the light, with God’s help. Contact our office today to let your healing process begin.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(210) 961-8365