Q Pastor Graham, I’m going through a dark season right now. Is it okay for me to go to professional counseling?
A Many people still attach a stigma to professional counseling, especially those of my generation, believing that sadness should not be a part of the victorious life in Christ. But no one is above trials like depression.
When I found myself in my own season of darkness, I humbled myself before a professional counselor, telling him how I was feeling, what I was afraid of, what I needed, and how he could help. He listened. He cared. He prescribed medication when necessary. And he helped get me back on my feet. Whatever you believe about Christians, counseling, and medication radically changes when you’re staring up from the bottom of the black hole known as depression.
Q Alongside counseling, how else should Christians approach dark seasons of life?
A Remember the three Ts: time, touch,and thanksgiving. Recovery takes time, so practice patience and remember that “joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). In addition, ask others for help. Allow them to help you bear your burden, sit with you, and offer a shoulder to cry on (Galatians 6:2). And finally, practice gratitude. Make a habit of it, especially when you don’t feel like it. Thanksgiving begets thanksgiving and will lift your spirits in time
