Show Notes
In this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Gary Zustiak (Dr. Zus) on the growing issues loneliness and depression. Dr. Zus holds a DMin from Abilene Christian University and is the head of the Psychology and Counseling program at Ozark Christian College. He has been regarded as a longtime expert on youth ministry and mental health, and he has written a number of related works, including the books Intensive Care: A Manual for the Nonprofessional Who Work with Hurting and Broken Youth and Student Ministry That Leaves a Mark: Changing Youth to Change the World.LinksGary ZustiakJean Twenge: iGen Nicholas Kardaras: Glow Kids The Coddling of the American Mind National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Notes:How to recognize it before it becomes a problem:Know yourself and monitoring your emotional pulse. Ask questions like: "How often do you feel hopeless? How often do you feel that you have lost interest in the things that used to bring you joy or purpose? How often do you feel overwhelmed? etc.Do not isolate yourself or deny the problem hoping it will go away. Ask for help.Steps to manage depression: 1. Be intentional about rebuilding connectionsDo things you’ve never done before.Like having virtual hangouts with friends or family.2. Follow a normal routine.Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.Organize your day.Keep up with personal hygiene.Eat healthy meals at regular times.Exercise regularly.Allocate time for working and time for resting.Make time for doing things you enjoy.The more you structure your day, the more your brain will calm down.3. Make a list of things you can control.Surrender what you can’t.Write down things you actually have choices with.Minimize newsfeeds. Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed.4. Practice mindfulness.Take every thought captive.Don’t give in to thoughts of panic, process your thoughts.Increase all the spiritual practices you do.5. Reach out to loved ones in your life whom you can talk to.6. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help.God never intended for us to face our problems alone.How to help if someone battling depressionIf you believe someone is struggling with depression reach out to them. Let them know you care.Treat people how they want to be treated. Respect their wishes.Listen non-judgmentally.Give support and reassurance.Encourage professional help if needed.Encourage self-help organizations like Celebrate Recovery.
More from Unpacked with Skyler
In this episode Skyler interview Dr. Tom Wright on his newly published book Into The heart of Romans: A Deep Dive Into Paul’s Greatest Letter. Dr. Wright brings his fresh perspective from over 50 years of studying the letter of Romans in this book. He is the former Bishop of Durham and has taught at various schools such as Oxford, Cambridge, and McGill University. Currently Dr. Wright is the research professor emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at at St Mary’s college and Senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall at Oxford.
In this episode Skyler interview Dr. Sandra Glahn on her newly released book Nobody's Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament. Dr. Glahn brings her Biblical expertise and person experience to shed light on a misunderstood background and interpretation to what Paul means when he says, "women will be saved through childbearing" (1 Timothy 2:15). Dr. Glahn is professor of media arts and worship at Dallas Theological Seminary where she focuses a lot of her time teaching about first-century backgrounds.
In this episode Skyler interviews Peter Gurry on the ancient Bible manuscripts, common myths, objections, and the science behind the Greek New Testament used in our English Bibles. Peter serves as the Associate Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary and the Director of the Text and Canon Institute. He holds a Ph.d from the University of Cambridge and is leading expert in the field of textual criticism. Notes:Phoenix Seminary Text and Canon Institute * Two Reasons There Are Variants in Our Copies of the Bible (article) Scribes and Scripture: The amazing story of how we got our Bible (book) Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism (book)
In this episode Skyler interviews John Marriott on the Christian deconversion. John serves on the research staff at the Center for Christian Thought at Biola University, and adjunct professor in the department of philosophy. John's dissertation focused on deconversion from Christianity to atheism making him a leading voice in the area of understanding deconversion and a helpful resource to pastors, parents, and churches in today's world. Notes:The Anatomy of Deconversion John Marriott website
In this episode Skyler interviews David L. Rowe on the Latter-Day Saints and how Christians can have better conversations with them. David served as professor and dean of spiritual life at Salt Lake Theological Seminary, before transitioning to the dean of facilitators at The Vine Institute. In this interview David shares his wealth of knowledge and heart for the Latter-Day Saints. Notes:I Love Mormons: A New Way to Share Christ with Latter-Day SaintsThe Vine Institute