Downloads

This booklet shows what depression is, what it isn’t, and how to start on your journey to healing. Chapters include:

Let’s talk about mental health: Depression is an illness, and it’s treatable.
Depression questionnaire: How is depression affecting your life?
Understanding your illness: Information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) about depression’s factors, types, and treatments.
Beyond Treatment: A few things to try on your own.
The spiral staircase to recovery: Why healing doesn’t happen all at once, and how to recognize your progress.
Resources for your journey: These books, websites, and podcasts are a great place to start.

If worries are wearing you down, there is hope. Chapters in this booklet cover:

No Condemnation: You don’t have to wonder if you’re hearing anxiety or God because of one big difference.
Anxiety Questionnaire: Are worries trying to take over your life?
What Does Your Score Mean: Understanding your questionnaire results and planning your next steps.
Learning About Anxiety: Information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) about anxiety and types of anxiety disorders.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Tips for managing your anxiety.
Resources for You: Websites and information that you might find helpful.

If you’ve thought of suicide or hurting yourself, help is just a call away. Chapters in this booklet cover:

Your Life is Still Worth Living: It’s OK if you don’t see a way out right now. That’s what depression does.
Getting Help For Suicidal Thoughts: You can learn to manage and find help for thoughts about ending your life.
When You Feel Like Self-Harming: It’s possible to replace self-harm with a safer coping strategy. Here’s how.
Creating Your Personal Safety Plan: Sit down with a therapist or a trusted friend to create this action plan for a suicidal crisis.
#BeThe1To Help Someone: Find out how to help someone who is in emotional pain.
Resources and People to Call: You’ll never have to feel alone again.

Depression and anxiety are treatable. This booklet shows how to find what works for you. Chapters cover:

Professional help: It’s not as scary as it sounds. A conversation about seeking treatment for mental health.
Finding safe people: How to spot someone who can help.
Starting your treatment: Advice from the NIMH to make the most of primary care and mental health appointments.
Talking to your pastor: What is pastoral counseling, and how can it help with your recovery?
Treatment Resources: Information to help you find a mental health professional, a support group, or whatever you need for the next step.

This booklet covers things you can do to fight depression or anxiety, and start feeling better. Chapters cover:

Body + Mind: Different kinds of health are all connected because you are one whole person.
Taking Care of You: Looking after your physical health is huge. It might be just what your mind needs.
Moving Your Body: Exercise can be intimidating, but don’t count it out. It makes all the difference in recovery.
How to Get Better Sleep: Depression and anxiety can give you trouble sleeping. And when you are sleeping better, it’s often a sign that you’re starting to heal.
Sleep Consolidation: A great technique for fighting insomnia.
Finding Your Balance: Recovery tools are easier to manage when you set small, achievable goals.
Resources for Recovery: Websites, organizations, and contacts you might find helpful as you heal.

Making new mental pathways that aren’t guided by depression and anxiety. This booklet covers:

You’re Never Alone: Recovery can be a wild ride, but God’s with you.
Identifying Negative Thoughts: Spot the lies depression and anxiety tell.
Confronting Negative Thoughts: Once you’ve learned to spot harmful thinking, the next step is confronting those thoughts.
CBT Strategies for Anxiety: These techniques might help to break the cycle of worry.
Living in the Moment: Use mindfulness, or being in the present moment to overcome worries or negative thoughts about the past or future.
Resources: More information about retraining your brain.

Recovery doesn’t end when you feel better. The next step is maintenance. Chapters in this booklet cover:

Dare to be a Daniel – After Recovery: What to do once you start to feel better.
How to Build Habits: Tips for moving into the maintenance phase.
Making Space for Joy: Simple self-care tools. You’ve got your life back, now enjoy it!
Beyond Treatment: A few things to try on your own.
Managing Stress: Stress isn’t great for mental health. These tips from the National Institute for Mental Health will help you manage it better.
Finding Community: Surrounding yourself with supportive friends is an important part of maintaining your recovery. Here are a few tips.
Resources: These books, websites, and podcasts are a great place to start.