There are times I don’t know what to say, no matter how badly I want to.
When a loved one or friend is struggling with depression, we want to say the right thing. We want to be a good friend. In today’s conversation with Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a board-certified neuropsychologist, she and I talk about what helps and what doesn’t help when a friend is walking through depression.
Michelle is not only a neuropsychologist, she’s battled depression herself.
She wrote about her experience in a book titled, “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression.”
Join me in this conversation.
If you can’t see the video, click here.
These are four things that Michelle says will help.
- You don’t have to know what to say, just be present
- Don’t offer advice
- Check in from time to time
- Be aware that depression isn’t his or her identity
I hope you’ll check out Dr. Michelle’s Bengston’s book, Hope Prevails.
I also invite you to join Holley, Jennifer, and I today on More Than Small Talk Podcast for Episode #20 — Depression Doesn’t Define You! You can listen at KLRC.com or on your favorite podcast app.
What is one thing you learned from today’s conversation with Dr. Michelle? If you struggle with depression, what is one thing you want us to know about you? Let’s take this deeper. . .
Michelle and Suzie, my dear friends and sisters in Christ-I cried through this entire video. I am, thankfully, coming out of a deep depression and everything discussed is so true. Oddly another thing people say, that adds more guilt and shame is, “Jesus loves you-your the daughter of the King of kings-Trust Him more.” I KNOW these things and yet I suffer depression. When people say these things, well meaning people, it makes me want to scream. I am so very grateful I have one face to face friend who truly understands because she has gone through the type of depression I have, Everyone else kind of looks at me with a goofy face not knowing what to say or do. Just give me a hug-that is SO much better than saying the wrong thing or trying to fix me. In HIS time, God fixes me as I cling to Him with all my heart, nothing os wasted during this season and gifted medical professionals like Dr Michelle are there when I need more help. Thank you for this conversation!!
Nancy, thank you for sharing. I love you and I will give you a big hug very soon. ❤️
I’m so thankful this was helpful to you.