I start this conversation with great caution. Depression is serious. It is to be treated with great care. I am not a medical expert. What follows is merely my opinion. However, I believe that I have something to say on the subject of “The Christian and Depression.”
Depression is a topic that Christians tend to avoid. There is a commonly held belief that only the weak get depressed. Depression only visits those with sins in their lives. Or that depression is a sign of the mentally ill. It is an inferior affliction for the marginal.
Hear me: this is a lie.
It is not an absolute sign of weakness, sin, or a mental illness to be depressed. Let me be clear; these things most definitely can lead to depression. They are but three possible causes for depression. And therein is the issue. They are but three possible reasons. Somewhere along the line, the world told us depression always equals a deficit in the depressed.
This causes crushing shame in those who feel like they are depressed. Think about it: why would you come forward and say, “help, I have a problem” if you know that everyone thinks it is your fault or that something is wrong with you. How can we be so blind? We have brothers and sisters all around us that is struggling with depression. We must open our eyes.
I hope to achieve that with this first of many letters on The Christian and Depression. I attempt to bring awareness and hopefully foster some grace. Writing about depression is difficult. I feel the weight of it now. Every word I type gets slower and slower.
But I must go on. I must. To spend oneself for the betterment of others is a task befit of any amount of discomfort. Let us go on together!
Finally, if you are reading this and you are struggling with depression, you must get help. The only way through depression is with the help of others. Even if that path includes medication, it starts with the help of others. If you are having harmful thoughts, stop what you are doing and call 800-273-8255. I know it does not feel like it, but you can do it. I believe in you!
Werner,
WONDERFUL words of wisdom that I completely agree with and support you in vocalizing. It is truly a unique cross to bear, especially when society as a whole does exactly what you have said – dismiss and almost degrade depressed individuals like myself. I take comfort in my faith, in my wonderful church family, and my own family for their support and understanding when the days get rough. I am thankful for skilled doctors and therapists who have helped me navigate the choppy waters of depression. I am especially thankful for those like you, who are pushing aside their own comforts to raise awareness and shine light on a topic where we truly can be stewards of Jesus and comfort others.
God bless you.
Hi Dana,
Thank you! It really is a big topic that we should talk more about. We all need more grace. Blessings
I personally struggle heavily with the church and depression and mental illness. Pastors of many many churches would rather show you the door to a good christian physciatrist for some happy pills. As a loved standing by I have seen mental illness. It did not just visit my home, it nearly destroyed it.
Medication is pro longing the depression. Worsening it for some.
The bible say He has given us a sound mind.
When my husband wad diagnosed with Schitzophrenia, ocd, depression they told me, this does not come right. He will surely in time need a long term facility care.
Noone heals. Why.
Because we are not set apart from the world.
Set apart, medication?
So if you write on depression and christianity. It is contraversial. Because in our story the Lord healed but it was not healing where everyone is willing to pay the price for that healing.
Because being set apart is just that. Standing for something that alienates you from the conformist.
I hate any form of anti depressant phycotics.. All of it, steal years from a sound mind.
There is miracles and God heals, and nutrition and the gut health is a major major part in it.
Do it justice Werner
Hi Karen,
Thank you for opening up and sharing some of your experiences. As you said, this topic is controversial. Hopefully, we can make it less so by talking about it more. I hope to do it justice and trust that good will come out of it. Blessings