Dealing with Depression

How would you describe it?

“It was not really alarming at first, since the change was subtle, but I did notice that my surroundings took on a different tone at certain times: the shadows of nightfall seemed more somber, my mornings were less buoyant, walks in the woods became less zestful, and there was a moment during my working hours in the late afternoon when a kind of panic and anxiety overtook me…” – William Styron, Darkness Visible

Some have described it like a roller coaster ride. One moment you are moving up. Click…click…click. The roller coaster is moving upward, slowly into the air. Everything is fine. Click…click…click. Suddenly, things change. The roller coaster begins to go down the track. Everything is moving high speed yet, everything slows down and you cannot breathe. You feel as if there is a great weight upon your body.

It is difficult to get out of bed in the morning. You may have difficulty finding hope or happiness in anything in your life. Your friends and family REALLY begin to annoy you. It is a burden to make even the simplest of decisions. You cannot seem to smile. It could be that you are constantly sad and crying but you cannot find the reason why. These are all signs of depression.

Depression is a difficult topic to discuss for a number of reasons. There is a huge stigma that goes along with those who suffer from it. Due to this stigma, these individuals would rather suffer in silence rather than let their cries for help be heard. Many of these individuals are members of the church. These often do not understand why they are facing these problems. Furthermore, they tend to feel guilty because the mindset has always been that “Christians do not get depressed.” There is a fear that others will state as a matter of fact, “It is in your mind. Get over it.” Those who silent suffer usually do not know how to deal with the issue at hand. How can we “Deal With Depression”?

Why is this Topic Important?

The Bible Speaks About Depression. Some may argue, “The Bible really does not speak concerning this topic. I never once read that someone is depressed.” While the Bible does not say, “This person suffered from mental illness or depression” does not mean that it does not speak of the topic. Take the examples of Moses (Num. 11:14), Jeremiah (Jer. 20:14-18), or Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18). Think of Heman the Ezrathite (Psalm 88). These individuals all experience moments when they were “down in the valley.” There are countless others and yet, these were very godly individuals who suffered from depression. “A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Prov. 18:14).

It is More Common than You Think. Did you know that one in five individuals suffer from depression? It is estimated that 121 million people suffer from depression. 5.8% of men and 9.5% of women will suffer from a depressive episode in a given year. Suicide is the leading cause of violent deaths worldwide at 49.1%. In the past, it was thought teenagers who experiences signs of depression were just moody and just being difficult. No one believed a teenager could suffer from depression. It is now estimated that twenty percent of all teens will suffer an episode of depression before reaching adulthood. Five percent of teens will suffer from major depression at least once. Thirty percent of teens who suffer from depression with develop a substance abuse problem. Teenagers are twelve times more likely to commit suicide than adults and less than thirty three percent are willing to seek help.

It Impacts Our Spiritual Lives. When we are sick, it greatly affects us. What happens when we are sick? We do not want visitors, to get up and move around, or act as we normally do. When one is depressed, he does not want to do the things which we normally do. We do not want to go to work or play or generally do anything. Spiritually speaking, it has a huge effect on us. It can keep us from wanting to study the Bible, praying, or even visiting with our friends and family. These are able to help us when we are suffering but we push them away.

It can be Prevented or Controlled. Not everyone suffers from depression for the same reason. It may be something which is genetic in nature or something which occurred sometime in the past. If we can get a proper understanding of what is causing the problem, the church can come together to help that individual who is in need (1 Cor. 12:21-22). We have a responsibility to each other and can help each other in our times of need.

It is Misunderstood. This author is sick and tired of hearing the phrase, “I am just too blessed to be depressed!” All too often it is taught that if an individual suffers from depression then his or her “Christianity is broken.” People claim, “There is something wrong with that person’s faith! He needs to repent of his sadness!” There is not one verse in the Bible which speaks of this mental disorder as being a sin! Thanks to this belief there has been a terrible stigma attached to depression. People are afraid to tell others of the pain they feel on the inside. Why? There is a lack of knowledge concerning the issue and we need to be educated.

Since there is a lack of knowledge of the issue, people have a hard time helping those who need it. Sometimes, the one suffering from depression is told, “You should smile more” or similar statements. “As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart” (Prov. 25:20). One can do a lot of damage to a depressed person by making the wrong statement or handling the issue improperly. It is like taking a coat away from someone on a cold day.

We can take Measures to Improve Our Mental and Emotional Health. We can take measures (both preventive and curative) to enjoy a good physical and spiritual life. It will take action on the part of the one who is suffering but it is possible.

Three Main Causes of Depression

There are three major causes of depression: the mental, the spiritual, and the physical.

The Mental. Solomon described it like this: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Prov. 23:7a). What we think often times defines who we are. It could be the things which we tell ourselves or it could be the things which others tell us. There is a statement which is credited to Joseph Goebbels, the Ministry of Propaganda of Germany when Hitler was in power. There is no real proof that he actually said this but it is appropriate in this instance. “If you repeat a lie long enough, people will believe it, and you will come to believe it yourself.” If you believe that you are worthless, unworthy of love, and better off dead then it will soon become the truth to you. This could also include the problems of life. More often than not, this can be alleviated by a change of thinking.

The Spiritual. Sin has the ability to cause us to become depressed. A biblical example of this is that of David. “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture was turned into the drought of summer” (Psalm 32:3-4). “Make me to hear the joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice” (Psalm 51:8). Think also to Psalm 38, which is thought to have been written after David’s sin with Bathsheba. David’s sins cause him great mental and physical anguish! This too is true of the actions which we commit. How can one find the cure to this? “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered…I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psalm 32:1, 5).

The Physical. This can be broken down into two categories. Chemical imbalances in the brain can cause an individual to suffer from depression. This can be helped with medication which will help restore balance in the chemicals. It may be also be the case that an individual receives some news about a physical ailment and suddenly becomes depressed. This last one would work hand and hand with the mental because oftentimes this person has become convinced that “this is the end” and “there is no hope for me.”

There is problem which can occur when identifying which one of the underlying problems is causing the depression. It is the case that all too often one will try to focus on one cause and say, “That is the reason why everyone is depressed!” Far too often certain individuals want to prescribe to just one type of cure for depression. Those who believe that every depressed person suffer from a spiritual problem will just say, “You need to repent of what you’ve done!” Those who believe it is mental will say, “You just need to change the way you think.” What will those who think it is physical do? Take these pills and you’ll be fine. There is a danger of doing this.

Remember, you can do a lot of damage to an individual is you try to treat the problem in the wrong manner. It is as if you were to take away a coat from a man during winter. Treating depression in just ONE manner is problematic. How should one go about figuring out the cause? A good rule of thumb is to look at the first two possibilities. Is it mental? If so, take care of it by working to change your thoughts. Is it spiritual? Repent of the sin and enjoy the joy that comes from knowing that you are forgiven. IF you think it is a chemical imbalance, it is recommended that you get a physical from the doctor, check your diet to see if you are eating the right foods, make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, and seek counseling from a proper counselor. There are many good Christian counselors out there who can help with individuals who are suffering from depression. Medication should ONLY be a last resort.

What if I am Suffering From Depression?

What can we do if we are suffering from depression? All too often, we find ourselves struggling against we may think to be a losing battle. One may feel impotent to do anything which would help alleviate the pain. Fret not. There is something which can be done to help.

Take Action. The New Testament tells us of a man who suffered from an infirmity for thirty eight years (John 5:5). Christ asked the man a very important question. “Wilt thou be made whole?” (John 5:6). That’s a question that any person who suffers from depression must ask. “Do I want to be made whole?” The obvious answer to the question is, “Yes! I do not want to suffer from this anymore!” No one wants to go through the motions of life and “get used” to the feeling of depression. That is what too many settle for on a daily basis. It will take action on the part of the one suffering before he can get better. It will not be some overnight cure but will take time and effort.

Realize You Are Not Alone. Elijah thought that he was alone. During what seems to be a moment where the prophet suffered from depression he made that statement to God. He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain the prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10). Elijah thought that he was the only person who was faithful to God. Depressed people oftentimes have the same mentality. “I am the only one who is feeling this. No one can understand my problem. How did God respond to Elijah? “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees of which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18). God said, “Elijah. You are not alone.” The person suffering from depression should understand that he is not alone. There are others who are fighting the same struggles. There are individuals who care for you and do not want you to fight this battle by yourself.

Tell a Friend. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17). The church as a whole is supposed to encourage one another but there is something special about having a Titus. There must have been a close relationship which Paul had with Titus as Paul found comfort in his friend (2 Cor. 7:5-6). We need to find an individual in whom we can confide. This person may be someone who is facing the same struggles as we. It may be a person who can help by just listening and offering help in our time of need.

Use This to Grow CLOSER to God. David and other psalmists were depressed for one reason for another. Notice how they never once apologized for how they felt? They never confessed this depression as a sin. They used this as a part of their relationship with God. If you read through Psalm 77 you see that Asaph turned to God in examining his feelings, his thoughts, whether or not they were helpful, and how they affected his behavior. Based on that he noted the reasons he felt this way, but also reminded himself of God’s promises.

Find an Outlet. This may seem like a strange statement. Sometimes, if we can find an outlet of expression we might be able to find some cathartic release. For instance, Winston Churchill suffered from depression. It is said that he took up painting to deal with his problem. Some write. Others take photographs. Would you believe that some of the hymns we sing were formed out of immense sadness?  Find a form of expression to help deal with the pain. Drugs/alcohol/illicit relationships are NOT viable outlets and will lead to more pain.

Keep Fighting. There is something important which needs to be stated. There is no “sudden miracle cure” for depression. Once you start taking action to correct this issue does not mean everything will always be as you want it to be. There will be days in which the depression hits and may hit very hard. Do not give up when those days come. Keep fighting it. Call that friend and talk it over. Allow them to come by and see you.

Remind yourself of the importance of your life.

·         You are a special creation made by God (Psalm 139:14).

·         Although, you may feel unloved there ARE people who love you and care for you.

·         You may be suffering from this ailment but you may also be able to use the experiences to help others who are suffering from the same problem. You could be the person who helps them fight back. You also be able to bring them to Christ.

How Can the Church Help the Suffering?

           

There are a number of ways in which the church can help those who are in need.

There is Power in Knowledge. We need to understand what we are dealing with in depression. As mentioned before, there are many misunderstandings about depression. In fact, from my study of the subject many of the books which touch on the subject even suffer from this. Some books have taught that our depression may be from demonic possession. Since the age of the miraculous has ceased (1 Cor. 13; Eph. 4) there is no way this is possible. A book written by a member of the church briefly stated that emotional issues could be the cause of depression but then spent the rest of chapter focusing on sin. His book seems to say, “Get over it and follow Christ.” There are a host of misunderstands about the subject that need to be addressed. We need Christians to be more educated on this subject so that we might offer the best support that we can to others who are suffering.

Learn to be Sympathetic. “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15). Those who are not suffering need to learn to communicate with those who are so that we might help them. One of the biggest problems that people with depression face is an intense fear that others will not understand or show any patience in their times of struggle. That usually intensifies the depression. We have to be able to properly communicate and help as we can. This means we use the proper actions and words.

What kind of words can we use? I think the best rule of thumb would be the advice given by James when he said: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Listen more than you speak when you deal with someone facing depression. Sometimes we think we are helping by telling a story of how “we were depressed once” and that said story will make all the bad feelings go away. While the sentiment is, “I made it through and so can you,” it really does not do a whole lot to help. Never tell someone that they will “get over it” or how they have “nothing to be sad about.” Never tell them to “focus on the promises” or how they feel this way because of sin in their lives. This person wants to bear his soul to you. He is not asking that we lecture them about how much we know about their suffering! We know nothing about the pain they are feeling. Let them talk. Listen to them. The more one studies, the better that one is in understanding and helping others who are depressed.

As a side note: those suffering should not expect a miracle statement. Many years ago, television shows would tackle certain topics which were prevalent at the time. In the stretch of thirty minutes to an hour one character would face one of the worst times in his life. Close to the end of the episode, there would be a meeting of the minds. The one with the issue would have a long discussion with a respected figure and it happens. That one magic statement which solves all problems is uttered. The show ends on a high note and later episode never mention said problem ever again. The truth of the matter is that life is not a sitcom..

Be Patient. “Slow to wrath” is a much needed attribute in this instance. The church needs to remember there are no quick fixes to the problem of depression. It can take many months or even years for an individual to properly recover. There may be times where there is a lack of progress. It may seem that the person regresses some. Pray for them no matter what. God dealt with Elijah in a very patient manner. “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12). He did not rebuke Elijah for not making proper progress but was patient with the prophet.

What if someone comes forward asking for prayers? Treat them as if they are one who comes forward needing prayers as they suffer through cancer or any other ailment. As a congregation we support them and lift them up. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). A good friend of mine noted, “Now, as we noted, depression is not always caused by sin, BUT if we are to be close enough to other Christians to admit and deal with our transgressions against God, does it not make sense that we should also be close enough to confess the struggles we have that might lead us to do something sinful?”

Dealing with depression can be difficult. Christians needs to understand that depression is a part of life. Bible characters experienced it. They did not apologize to God for these feelings of sadness nor did they feel guilty because they thought something was wrong with their godliness. One should follow after the example of the Psalmists who used the issue to grow stronger in their faith with God.