Introduction

Contributing Factors

Identifying Symptoms of Depression

Treatment

“Real” Intersection of Systems

Action Ideas That Work

Resource Links

Resource Pages

References

Action Ideas That Work

Understanding Depression: A free series of educational forums provided by six south Minneapolis churches

Health Fair – Understanding Mental Health and Depression

Tele-Group for Depression

Friendly Visitor Programs

Befriender and Stephen Minister Lay Ministry Programs

A Card Ministry

A Card Ministry

A fairly simple ministry that can be helpful to those elderly experiencing depression is to gather a group of congregation members who are willing to mail cards to those who are lonely or in need of a friend. Individuals who would like to receive cards and special notes (or their loved ones) ask to be put on the list. You then pair up these individuals with volunteers. Typically, cards are sent on holidays, birthdays…and some volunteers send them occasionally for no reason at all. The elderly are very appreciate of this special ministry.