Depressed

Discussion

Darryl's Dilemma

Help Darryl minister to a disheartened group member.

Topics:	Depression, Emotions, Frustration, Sadness, Worry
Filters:	Group Leader, Host, Lead, Support groups
Purpose:	Discipleship
Date Added:	March 16, 2009

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Total Reader Responses: 3 (see below)

Larry has been a member of Darryl's small group for almost two years. He's usually a pleasant guy with a warm smile and a handshake for everyone he sees, but a series of unfortunate circumstances have begun to weigh him down. It stared when Larry's father passed away. A couple weeks later, Larry informed the group that he had lost half of his retirement savings in the stock market slide. The week after that, he requested prayer for patience and stamina because the recent layoffs at his company forced him to significantly increase his workload.

Darryl has noticed several changes in Larry's behavior during recent group meetings. Larry's warm smile rarely appears any more, and he usually sighs heavily when he first sits down. Larry seems to have less energy every time Darryl sees him, and he has difficulty concentrating during group discussions—he even fell asleep twice during prayer. When the group participated in an icebreaker where everyone used one word to describe themselves, Larry said he felt "worthless."

Darryl is beginning to worry that Larry is suffering from depression, but he is not a counselor and does not know how to help. What should Darryl do?

Posted: March 23, 2009

Peggy Hardwick (Guest)

You should reach out to him and encourage him to see a christian counsellor. I have been through depression in my life and have learned that christian counselling and being in the bible and prayer helps. It may not seem like it at first, but encourage him to pray and cry out to the Lord even if he doesn't feel like it. The Lord will draw him and use his depression to refine him. Encourage him to continue in bible study and get involved in ministry helping others.

Posted: March 20, 2009

Suzanne Clevenger (Guest)

We are seniors and have lost half of our retirement savings as well, but we recognize God is still on the throne of our lives, our circumstances, and our world. I would suggest someone spend some one on one time with Larry on a regular weekly basis, reminding him he is loved by the One who created him, encourage him through God's Word (I especially love Psalm 139 and Psalm 119). This takes a real commitment from his "mentor" but the investment has eternal rewards. It is only through a living and trusting relationship with Jesus that Larry will be lifted from his depression. Perhaps he needs some financial counseling as well. Just please don't give up on him. He needs your group even though he may be feeling "worthless" right now. This place he is in is only temporary. A brighter day is on the horizon.

Posted: March 18, 2009

James T. Greene (Guest)

Darryl's depression has caused him to lose sleep and therefore he needs to have some sleep meds. He needs to have some relaxation, perhaps a diversion of a game of golf, a game off tennis or even a relaxing meal with his friends. A funny movie would help him to momentarily be distracted fromhis woes. Be patient with him while he grieves. Time will heal his pain, show him love and lft him up in prayer.