Understanding Depression video series

Case Study of a Young Mom

Melissa is a Christian, wife and mom of four young children. She’s in her 30s and on maternity leave. She’s feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and is uncertain in her role as a mother. While Melissa is fictional, her story is common. In this video, Jennifer Antonsen explains how Melissa learned she was actually dealing with depression.

Get more out of this series!

After watching video 4, follow these steps to get the most out of this part of the series:

// Step 1

Read and meditate on this verse: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1b)*

// Step 2

Answer these discussion questions:

1. 1. Have you ever experienced shame about what you were feeling like Melissa did?
   2. Did you know postpartum depression can occur any time within the first year of a baby being born, not just the first few weeks?
   3. Can you see how, in a simple conversation with a counsellor, Melissa was able to discover deeper truths about her feelings and get started on a path of healing? Have you seen a counsellor yourself? Would you be more open to it after hearing Melissa’s story?

// Step 3

Listen to the Focus on the Family Broadcast  “Embracing Hope in the Midst of Postpartum Depression” with Jerusha Clark as she describes her past struggles with severe postpartum depression and how she found recovery.

// Step 4

Download our free booklet Coming Home: How to Know God. Like Melissa, many of us forget the basic truth that God loves us as we are and there is nothing we can do to separate us from his love. In this free booklet, you’ll be reminded of the good news of God’s unconditional love for you.

*In the video at the 5-minute mark, Jennifer says Isaiah 41:3, but is referring to Isaiah 43:1.