" Life happens to everyone and no matter how much we love God , we are responsible for our own happiness ."
DAUGHTERS OF A KING
AUTHORITY
D ' Andrea believes effective Christian counselors should allow God to be a part of the process . She says , " If we are going to do everything the same way as the world system , then what is the point of saying we are Christians ?"
She also believes the role of the Christian counselor is to walk alongside those who are struggling with past issues and need help main-
" Life happens to everyone and no matter how much we love God , we are responsible for our own happiness ."
taining or progressing in their deliverance . She says , " When counseling and deliverance are properly utilized , deliverance will help to remove demonic bondage and counseling will help individuals deal with root issues and erroneous thought patterns ( i . e . strongholds , pasts hurts { rape , incest , abandonment }, addiction , etc .). People have issues and they need help beyond a shout and dance ."
D ' Andrea shares that many pastors are frustrated . " Although they are properly ministering deliverance to people , they are not seeing enough people maintaining their deliverance and progressing ." Often times it is because the individual needs professional counseling . She says , " A person can receive deliverance , but not understand what they have been freed from or how to avoid the same demonic bondage to regain access to their lives . We have to come out of the mindset of constantly casting out devils and ministering deliverance with no follow-up to help these people remain free - this where the ministry of counseling is needed ."
The Statistics
Mental illness touches many Americans and is prevalent in churches across the nation . Here is some statistical data :
• 1 in 5 adults in America experience mental illness .
• 1 in 25 ( 10 million ) adults in American live with a serious mental illness .
• 50 % of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and 75 % by the age of 24 .
• 1.1 % of American adults live with schizophrenia .
• 2.6 % of American adults live with bipolar disorder .
• 6.9 % of American adults live with major depression .
• 18.1 % of American adults live with anxiety disorders .
• 90 % of individuals who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness .
• 26 % of homeless adults staying in a shelter live with serious mental illness
Final Thoughts
When asked what she would specifically like to leave with DOAK Magazine ' s readers , D ' Andrea said , " It is ok to NOT be ok . This is especially true for leaders who feel they have to show they are strong . Many believers have the false belief that needing help equals a lack of faith , an ineffective prayer life , or not even being born again . Life happens to everyone and no matter how much we love God , we are responsible for our own happiness ."
" If you find yourself in a rut mentally , unhappy and constantly in a depressed mood , please get help . Generally , things tend to automatically get worse over time , not better . Get help - it ' s your life !"
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