768 My Strength Is My Story with Dr. Michelle Bengtson, Hope Prevails

Dr. Michelle Bengtson believed she was prescribing the most effective treatments for her clients who struggled with depression. But when she experienced debilitating depression herself, she found something was missing. 

In her new book, Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression, she shares the missing piece discovered in her own journey.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
~ Jeremiah 29:11

Dr. Michelle Bengtson: A devoted wife of 29 years, a mother to two beautiful sons, and two puppy dogs. Dr. Bengtson is a neuropsychologist who treats her clients for depression. She is a speaker and author of her new book, Hope Prevails.

Marilyn Meberg (Women of Faith speaker and author of Constantly Craving) says, "There are many fine, worthy, and insightful books written about depression, but in my view, Dr. Bengtson's trumps them all."

With the deep compassion of someone who has been there, Dr. Bengtson blends her training and that vital missing piece she discovered to offer you a hope grounded in God's love and grace. She helps you understand what depression is, how it affects you spiritually, and what, but God's grace, depression cannot do. The result is an approach that offers not just the management of symptoms, but the hope of true release.

"The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full." ~ John 10:10

BOOK: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression

Enjoy the multitude of topics discussed including depression all wrapped in HOP! You'll discover many nuggets of wisdom throughout this coffee chat. Hope ignited. Joy celebrated. Sit back and let yourself hear how the thief will not rob you of your joy. Hope prevails!

Wife, mother, speaker, and author What is depression? Men and depression Genetics Chemical components (Hormones) Spiritual component of disease Root causes Key indicators Vegetative Signs Loss of Joy Stigma Poster child for depression Growing up in a home of depression Premature birth Childhood disease Reconstructive surgery Death of Father as a teen Study of psychology and neuropsychology Lung cancer diagnosis Pain and agony Abdominal cancer Post-partum depression Grief vs. Depression The identifiable reason Life-threatening disease HOPE Thoughts of the enemy Truthful thoughts Social Media Comparison Praise A world epidemic Words have power What depressed people need to know from you? Love and acceptance Criticism Power of prayer Be present How God makes the crocked path straight Moment by moment 100 sticky notes Gratitude journal Take your thoughts captive Cost of health Relationships Who am I in Christ? What would God say? Overcomer

BOOK: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression

 

Quotes and statements within the interview:

"Everyone's experience is a little different."

"There's a genetic and chemical component."

"There is always a spiritual component."

"Don't take on a spirit of criticism."

"It's a change in our emotional and physical functioning."

"Depression doesn't have to be a death sentence."

"The good news is there's help for it and hope through it."

"When people call me tenacious on steroids, I take that as a compliment."

"Post-partum depression hit like a ton of bricks."

"Sometimes it's our family members who see it before we do."

"Depression is an atypical change in emotions and behavior in daily functioning."

"I must be joy immune."

"We have 30,000-70,000 thoughts a day!"

"Our thoughts are from the enemy or the Holy Spirit."

"I had to choose intentionally to stand on the promises."

"Faith comes from hearing."

"So the stinkin' enemy knows I mean business."

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

"Depression is going to be our greatest epidemic world-wide by 2020."

"When you're in the pit, you don't care."

"Not even depression is going to separate you from God's love."

"Prayer opens the portals of Heaven."

"His mercies are new every morning and for that reason alone, it's a good day!"

"There was a cost for me. If I really wanted to get out of that depression, I had to be willing to do the work.

"So when God performs His miracles in our lives, sometimes it doesn't have as much impact as when He walks with us through it and makes us do some of the work for it."

"I'm so stupid!"

 

What would you tell someone on the sidelines who wants to help?

"You reap what you sow."

It's not what you say, but how you say it. Express your concern and compassion. Go with them to the doctor, even help schedule the appointment. Where's your heart? Approach with love and compassion.

Am I suffering from depression?

Make an appointment with your family physician for a general health check-up. Between now and the doctor's appointment, jot dotes of what hasn't been normal.

What has your story gifted you?

A greater level of empathy and compassion for those going through depression.

"I hear it with different ears, and see it with different eyes now."

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson; http://drmichellebengtson BOOK: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression Facebook: facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Instagram: instagram.com/drmichellebengtson Twitter: twitter.com/drmbengtson Pinterest: pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson Google+: google.com/+MichelleBengtson

 

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