Four.
Has your sleep pattern changed?
Are you unable to sleep at night, or are you struggling with restlessness that leaves you tired in the morning?
Do you have trouble getting out of bed?
Do you want to sleep all day?
Five.
Have you thought recently that life is not worth living?
Do you wish God would just take you home?
Six.
Do you dread the beginning of a new day, the anticipation of your responsibilities, decisions, and meetings with coworkers or others?
Seven.
Are you anxious and stressed?
Are you worried and concerned about the past or about what the future may hold?
Eight.
Have your eating patterns changed?
Have you lost your appetite?
Does your favorite food no longer interest you?
Are you eating much more than you previously did, perhaps even an excessive intake of junk foods?
Nine.
Do you have less energy than usual?
Are there other physical symptoms that differ from the past, such as frequency of headaches, upset stomach, constipation, or rapid heartbeat?
Ten.
Do you feel you are not functioning as well at work as you have in the past,
and that others are beginning to notice?
“Fifteen years ago,” Goodall says as he ends his interview, “when I was in the middle of depression, I did not care if I lived another day. I was not suicidal, but I asked: Who needs life? But there is a way to re-prioritize your life. The harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few. The Lord wants us to carry a light burden. There will always be ministry, and we can be in ministry. Our goal is to understand the lightness of His burden. It is not God’s will for ministry to overwhelm or kill us.”
If you are struggling with depression or burnout, we encourage you to seek out professional help. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone. “I have decided not to be afraid to talk about this,” Dr. Goodall concludes. “I care less about what others may think because I know the Lord created me and understands me. I do not need to live in fear. I am going to trust the Lord. I have been there, and I am going to avoid being there again.”
God has something better in store for us, our families, and our ministry.
Let’s take refuge in that.
DJG
Thanks for this article. As a pastor I have dealt with depression at times. Lately it seems that is the course in which I find myself due to various circumstances around me. I have found comfort in not hiding how I am doing with our Biblical Counseling Director. He has come alongside of me and has been there to encourage me. In addition, I spoke with a close friend and just told him how deeply sad that I have been. His response spoke volumes to me: “It’s for God’s glory that you’re going through this.”
Again, thanks for addressing this issue.
PAT
It seems to me, burn out is a tell tale sign of spiritual death. I argued in my mind with the man that once said that. When I burned badly and was more than depressed, I realized more so the truth of the statement. I have exercised for years. I invested in others. I spent time with family. I went on vacations and spent time with friends. Yet I still ended up in a horrible condition. I apparently did not do what was best for my situation. Philippine 4:6-8 speaks of this. The key word is dwell. It is apparent with the many pastors and people I have talked with, having the practical lesson in exactly how to “dwell” is missing. Something happens in the brain and chemistry of the body by doing this. God promises peace in our effort. I am not speaking to those who may have inherited certain traits as depression. That is another topic. Yet this principle can help that condition as well. If your reading this and hurting. I am very sorry and know I will pray for you as others had for me.