Men’s Issues

12 Common Signs of Male Depression

2023-12-07T14:13:43+00:00December 6th, 2023|Depression, Featured, Individual Counseling, Men’s Issues|

Male depression is very real, and most men try to ignore the issue. Depression in men does look a little different than it does in women. The most common difference is that depression may look like anger, and this can lead to difficulty in recognizing the problem. Women need to learn how to identify the signs and what to do to help the men in their lives. Signs of Male Depression Irrational anger or inappropriate frustration. Most men who experience depression will commonly display episodes of anger. Becoming frustrated quickly can also indicate there is a struggle with male depression. Low energy/poor concentration. When people experience depression, they will often lack energy due to improper resting habits. Poor concentration is sometimes a result of a lack of quality sleep. Feeling hopeless and empty. Depression is the leading cause of feeling hopeless and having a pessimistic outlook. This isn’t just a form of sadness; it is a chronic feeling of despair. Escapist behavior. When men find ways to block out how they feel is it referred to as escaping. They try to block out what is going on by not facing the reality of the situation. Physical symptoms. It is typically harder for men to share their emotions and concerns about those emotions. They find it easier to explain the physical symptoms they are experiencing. These symptoms can include: Headaches. Body aches. Digestive problems. Heart palpitations/heart racing. Tightness in the chest. Lack of sleep. When a person exhibits depression, they may have trouble falling and staying asleep. This is a major indication of male depression. Lack of sleep is also a factor in the risk of having suicidal tendencies. Self-medication or risky behavior. Some men who suffer from male depression will engage in behaviors that are not normal for their [...]

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Blessing of Belonging: Navigating Chemical Dependency and Connection with God

2024-10-23T12:51:55+00:00July 5th, 2023|Chemical Dependency, Featured, Individual Counseling, Men’s Issues|

Every human has been created with the innate desire to be seen and known, but invisibility often seems easier in light of our unique challenges with the sin and weights that have burdened us. We retreat, hiding parts of ourselves, our history, and the testimony that the Lord is building within. Being a maverick or a loner doesn’t demand the engagement and intimacy that comes through a raw relationship, but rather intensifies isolation and separates us from the help and strength that multiplies in healthy relationships. While we might want to shield ourselves from vulnerability, God created us for community with Him and each other. Regardless of our struggle, whether dependence on a chemical substance or another form of addiction, the benefit of being known also comes with risk. In the space where we want to connect, transparency makes us vulnerable. That doesn’t mean that we run from community, however. We have to allow for authenticity that invites meaningful connection and forges a foundation for life-giving relationships. Jesus is the head of one Church, one Body; we are the many parts who receive grace to grow, as we learn and live together (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27). It’s through the working of the Spirit that our lives teach and testify to one another, and ultimately, the world, of the Father’s goodness. Prodigals and pigpens and chemical dependency We may have wandered as prodigals into the pigpens where chemical dependency produced behaviors we never thought we’d see in ourselves. Yet, we don’t have to rehearse these stories. We can trade the shame for the enduring testimony and the robe of righteousness, ring of authority, and shoes of peace that our Father wants to give us. No drug or high can deeply satisfy our innate needs of being seen, known, and loved. Instead, [...]

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