All of us have emotional difficulties at some times in our lives. And the fact is, those difficulties usually make us feel bad about ourselves. Confronting emotional problems requires prompt action, because the longer the problem lasts, the more difficult it is to treat properly.

When we are having strong emotional disturbances or unusual worries, it’s very important to find a competent person to help. Sometimes the problem is not too complicated, as in the case of minor mood disorders, situational depressions, or light relational problems. Parents, a good friend, a teacher, or a pastor can provide the competent help in such cases.

When things are more complex (as in clinical depressions, major mood disorders, mental illnesses, or serious marital conflicts), it’s better to look for the professional help provided by specialized counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists.

Don’t hesitate to get help! Remember, getting help at the beginning of a problem is the first step to solving it!

Four Things to Look for in a Counselor

1. Warmth. A good counselor is one who respects you and cares for your needs, who has a non-smothering concern for you regardless of your actions or attitudes.
2. Genuineness. A counselor can be effective only if he or she is “for real,” - a sincere person who is open and avoids phoniness or the playing, of some superior role.
3. Empathy. Having the ability to “feel with” is a must for a good counselor, so that he or she can understand your values, beliefs, inner feelings or fears, conflicts, and hurts.
4. Christianity. A Christian counselor will take into consideration your spiritual background and needs, focusing on aspects related not only to this present life, but considering eternity as well.  

Three Major Benefits of Counseling

1. Understanding that having personal problems is a common challenge, not something that’s just affecting you. The Bible contains many examples of people facing the same situations you face. Its pages tell us about grief, discouragement, sadness, violence, anxiety, loneliness, doubt, abnormal sex, bitterness, poverty, greed, sickness, interpersonal tension, insecurity, worry, lack of faith, lack of hope, and a variety of other personal problems- sometimes seen in the lives of the greatest saints.
2. Counseling is a process that can help you to deal with your problems with the concurrence of a professional who will be able to assess the causes of your disturbances and lead you to their resolution.
3. A competent counselor can help you recognize hidden harmful attitudes, teach interpersonal skills and new behaviors, guide those who are making decisions or changing their lifestyles, or show how to mobilize one’s inner resources to cope with a crisis.  

One More Piece of Advice

Visit bookstore and look for books that deal specifically with the issues you’re struggling with. There are many contemporary Christian authors who have been a blessing to people with problems, and you can benefit from their work, too.

Remember, though, that self-help never fully replaces the benefits of a competent professional’s help.

Scriptures that Deal with Emotional Disturbances

Anxiety -- Philippians 4:6
Depression -- Psalm 43:5
Fear -- Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 56:3-4
Guidance -- Psalm 32:8
Guilt -- 1 John 1:9; Acts 24:16
Irritability -- Galatians 5:22-23
Lack of Confidence -- Hebrews 10:35-36
Lust -- Job 31:1
Self-Control -- Titus 2:1-15
Worry -- Matthew 6:34


From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry © 2000 John Hancock Center for Youth&Family Ministry Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.