Encouragements for the Depressed Mom

video featured on Thrive Moms

I can summarize what I have learned about navigating seasons of depression in one word: walk. It arrives, and I must walk through it. I must walk step-by-step, one day at a time. I walk while my Savior walks with me, though his footprints may be unseen. I walk because he walks and his footprints are the steps of victory. I walk, following his footsteps forward to my overcoming.

I walk, because this season will not be the end of me, because my resurrected King is daily resurrecting me. Because I don't need to understand the method or the purpose or the plan or the timing or the reason I am being asked to walk–childlike faith knows not yet walks on. I walk onward and upward and through and between because forward and Godward is the right way to exit the dark.

If you find yourself in a season of motherhood where depression has taken a seat at your table, I invite you to hear four biblical truths of encouragement I filmed last year for Thrive Moms. May God himself bandage your weary heart with the tenderness of his care and the promise of his presence in this place.

Though we may feel abandoned in our struggles, they do not go unseen by God. He is leading the way through the deep waters of depression as a shepherd leads his flock through the valley.

Additional Videos on Depression

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Walking Through the Dark Part III: Exposing the Lies & Mystery of Depression

In Part III of this Facebook/Instagram LIVE video series, I discuss the need to leave room for mystery in the battle against some cases of depression, the importance of caregivers who are willing to go “down in the well” with the sufferer, and some of the underlying emotions and unbelief at the heart of our most desperate seasons of sorrow.

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Walking Through the Dark Part II: Real Christians Can Experience Real Depression

Have you ever been guilty of jumping to conclusions about the cause of someone's depression? Do you feel a sense that your companionship during that time requires your ability to know how to fix the other person? If you haven't experienced the darkness of depression yourself, is it possible to soften your heart to the experience of the sufferer? In this recorded Facebook Live video, I outline 3 helps for people to consider when caring for someone suffering from depression. Also included in this video are reading recommendations for those who wish to equip themselves for compassionate, biblical care.

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Walking Through the Dark Part I: Approaching the Wounded with Compassion

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New Biblical Resource Guide For Depression Available for Download

Walking Through the Darkness is a digital download that seeks to bring biblical clarity to the issue, for sufferers and caregivers alike. The guide is a collection of resources curated by author Christine M. Chappell, who personally lives by faith with a Bipolar II diagnosis, and has battled mental health extremes for almost two decades. With helpful checklists, author commentaries, video/audio links, Scripture indexes, and a wealth of recommended books/resources, Walking Through the Darkness will equip both the afflicted and the ones walking alongside them to find biblical hope and help.

Christine M. Chappell

Author/Writer/Speaker

Christine Chappell is the author of Clean Home, Messy Heart, and is a guest contributor at Desiring God. She writes frequently about mental health topics at her blog, has completed biblical counseling certificates with the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship, and is currently pursuing certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.