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 Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 6:41 am
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 6:44 am
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What should a Christian do if overwhelmed with depression?
Depression is a common problem.
Depression has been called the “common cold” of mental disorders, and one source estimates that it disrupts the lives of 30 to 40 million Americans. [4]
Depression is too complicated to solve with a single pat answer. Gary Collins, in Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide (Dallas: Word, 1988 ), lists seven major categories of causes for depression,[1] and six major approaches to treating it. Each one has multiple options within each category. In addition, people use the word “depression” to cover everything from disappointment over losing a baseball game to the terrifying gloom that drives people to suicide.
The Bible does not use the word “depression,” although it describes people whom we might call depressed. It certainly doesn't mention antidepressant drugs. However, there are a few general principles I would recommend when trying to deal with depression:
Aim to work on the causes of your depression, not just the symptoms.
Scripture points to many issues of sin or conflict that can affect your emotions; most counselors would agree that depression can result from other underlying issues. Don't just worry about the depression itself; check to see what other problems need attention.
Realize that you can't base life on your emotions
Christians base life on truth, not feelings. Philippians 4:1 commands us to rejoice (whether we feel like it or not!). And James 1:2 asks us to “Consider it all joy when we fall into various trials.” Notice that James doesn't tell us to feel joyful; he tells us to reckon, to choose to think about your situation as a spot where you can have joy.
Faith
Depression can be overcome.
Choosing to trust truth rather than your feelings may require a lot of faith. And if that is what we mean by asking if faith can solve depression, then faith may be enough in some cases. Trusting what God says rather than your feelings is certainly a more realistic approach to life!
Heed God's Advice
However, many people talk about “faith” and only mean a vague hope that God will somehow pull them through. That's too nebulous a concept to be reliable. Many of the same people who claim to have faith keep plunging through life ignoring God's principles for healthy living. If we spurn the good advice that the Bible contains, we won't escape the consequences - even if we have faith.
Is it right to use antidepressant drugs? Or is faith enough to solve the problem?
Chemical Imbalances
Some cases of depression may be caused by chemical imbalances. If that is the cause, then antidepressant drugs may be the answer. God has allowed mankind to learn about many medical tools, and He sometimes uses medicine to heal. There may also be some cases of depression so severe that medications are necessary to bring the sufferer to the place where they can tackle some of the other issues; such cases might require medication, at least temporarily. I know of no Scripture that forbids such use. [1]
Unresolved Issues, Root Causes
However, any medications should be used with caution. Virtually any medicine has some side effects. Drugs can mask the symptoms, allowing you to ignore root causes. Some people may use antidepressants to avoid approaches that require you to deal with other unresolved issues. It seems easier to pop a pill. A general rule of thumb is to try other strategies first, unless the depression is so severe that the person endangers themselves or finds themselves unable to participate in other therapies.
Depression is a complex area, and severe problems of depression deserve the attention of a pastor or other counselor.
Author: Dr. John Bechtle
More pointers for Christians…
- Avoid being alone. Force yourself to be with people.
- Seek help from others.
- Sing. Music can uplift your spirit as it did for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
- Praise and give thanks. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ).
- Lean heavily on the power of God's Word.
- Rest confidently in the presence of God's Spirit. “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5).
Source
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Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 11:46 am
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Ophelias Bathwater Thank you for such a positive response to this terrible story. I myself struggle with mental illness and have at times struggled to accept it as a condition of my body rather than my soul. It's very easy for Christians (and people in general) to brush off depression as a person being ungrateful. I highly recommend seeking out counseling and medication, as both have been life saving steps for me. Unfortunately, my church has not been quite so helpful and so I've had to seek spiritual peace about my condition privately. No lie, it's been difficult, but now I love my life and shudder thinking that I could have given it all up in the face of a temporary situation. There is hope. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Very true. People should not just sit on it, and keep it to themselves. Don't sit alone with you sadness, and despair. Allow others to help you out.God could have put someone in your life that would have been able to help you, if you allowed them to.
I know a few things about being depressed myself. There was a point in my life where I was considering killing myself, and I had gone about planing how I would do it. The only thing that held me back was compassion for my parents,
'who had already lost my younger brother due to heart failure. Though I did not reach out to get medical assistance I am looking back now and thinking I probably should have. I was not saved at that point in my life. I did not know Jesus, so I felt this utter despair and loneliness. I had no friends that I kept in touch with, and my life was pretty much void of meaning to me. I am happy to say it is not like that now. Though I am at times struggling with anxiety of new situations and people, which I am trying to overcome, and I am pretty sure I will eventually get past because I can see God guiding me to do things in my life to repair it. It can change. Though most of the change in my life is through a renewal of mind, because God is working in me, there is no shame in asking a medical for help, it is not a defeat.
There is spiritual peace to be had in the middle of this type of struggling.
If you can't get help with your church, then go right to the source. Go to God with it. He invites us all to do so.
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Great of you to share the link, and for sharing your story. smile |
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