How Praying Can Help Reduce Depression
Interview with Psychotherapist Davis Chackaleckel, MSFS
Engaging in daily routines, working and having healthy relationships with others can seem impossible when you live with depression. What has seemed to reduce feelings of depression is praying. To help understand how praying can help reduce feelings of depression, I have interviewed psychotherapist Davis Chackaleckel, MSFS.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a catholic priest and a National Certified Counselor. Graduated from Seton Hall University , NJ. Currently I serve as a Pastor of St.Catherine's Catholic Church , Columbia , TN. I see many people with mental health issues , especially those who are unable to pay for the services. I render free counseling- 3 to 5 sessions maximum."
What type of impact can depression have on someone's overall life?
"Depression robs joy of life, sees reality from a negative perspective, and debilitates normal functions of life, of course depending on the intensity of depression. I see the number of cases more during the winter. Depression affects all areas of one's life- physical, psychological and spiritual."
How can praying help reduce depression?
"I would teach the clients to learn GUT LEVEL prayer. Talking to God like a close friend, sharing everything they experience. I also help them to recite psalms form the Bible. There is a Book of Pslams available to buy. Also scripture based meditations are taught to acute cases. I see great improvement so far with the use of praying and using scriptures."
How should someone that is experiencing depression go about in praying especially if they haven't prayed before or have a religion that they are practicing?
"Though there are classical books to teach how to pray, the patients with chronic/manic depression are unable to use them because of their peculiar mindset. What I do is to sit with them and ask them how they feel and make them speak out loud in a chapel or a room with an image. It could be a crucifix , statue or an image of their choice. After a few rehearsals, they do well. I have seen some of them who had left the church for several years, come back and felt a new meaning and new life even though they live with their depression without being enslaved by it. It will be a new normal for them!"
Thank you Davis for doing the interview on how praying can help reduce feelings of depression. For more information on Davis Chackaleckel or his work you can check out his website at stcatherinecc.org .
Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/288011/handling_depression_in_a_relationship.html?cat=72">Handling Depression in a Relationship
Published by Jaleh
JALEH holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling. She is the book author of Making Marriage a Success and Life's Little How to Book which can be... View profile
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