With prayer, 'all things are possible,' but sometimes depression requires additional action
DEPRESSION: HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Being a Christian does not offer immunity from trials, troubles or illness. Depression is not rejection by God, but it can often feel like it is. Feelings of depression are common. We have down times, and nobody can expect to feel charged up about life all of the time. However, if the down feelings are severe enough and persist long enough to interfere with everyday functioning, you may need to take some constructive action. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and is not a sign of weakness. Left unchecked and unchallenged, depression can wreak havoc on our spiritual, emotional, and physical well being. “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?” (Proverbs 18:14) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FEELINGS INVOLVED?
There are some commonly expressed feelings associated with depression such as lack of energy or motivation; sadness; feelings of hopelessness or helplessness; lack of self confidence; lowered self-esteem; self-blame; loss of appetite; tiredness or exhaustion; lack of interest in others or in usually enjoyed activities; feelings of isolation; a sense of alienation or abandonment from God; or thoughts and wishes related to death. A person experiencing severe depression may experience extreme fluctuations in moods and loss of joy. Depression inspires lies that speak counter to what God has spoken as truth. Guilt can then become a significant additional issue for Christians suffering from depression. Depression may involve any or several of these feelings in varying degrees of severity.
WHAT IS LIKELY TO SHOW UP IN YOUR BEHAVIOR?
Some observable behaviors associated with depression may include excessive crying, alcohol or drug abuse, neglect of self and responsibilities, avoiding or alienating others, discontinuing common activities, suicidal threats or behaviors, more aches and pains than usual, sleeping too much or too little, or eating too much or too little. A person may be described as not himself or herself, slow, withdrawn, or agitated.
WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE CAUSES?
Depression may stem from a plethora of sources. It may be spiritually induced or associated with aspects of the environment or biology. It may involve losses of all kinds such as of a loved one, a job, or an opportunity. It may be associated with disappointment, a perceived failure, or health issues. Depression may also relate to making transitions in life or just not going anywhere.
Diet, exercise and lack of sleep may figure into our emotional and spiritual condition. Many of us would feel more spiritually alive and joyful if we exercised regularly, ate healthy and received sufficient amounts of sleep. Sometimes depression may be the result of exhaustion. In 1 Kings 19, we read how the prophet Elijah, worn out from his struggles to defeat Jezebel and her prophets of Baal, is so depressed that he cries out to God to end his life. In response, God tells Elijah to eat a good meal and go to bed, and that he would feel better in the morning. Our physical, mental and spiritual resiliency is interdependent and all require daily nurturing. Depression may result from the neglect or mistreatment of any of these three areas.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT DEPRESSION OR COPE WITH IT WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE IT?
Prevention and coping can both be aided by trying to be more self aware, more tuned in on your feelings, and more willing to look at what might be bothering you. Avoiding or denying thoughts or feelings may help temporarily, but in the long run may catch up with you. It often helps to talk things over with a trusted friend or family member. This may help reduce the sense of isolation and may also help to gain new perspective on the problems. God answers prayer, and persistent prayer facilitates the process of emotional healing. For the depressed Christian whose world has fallen apart, personal prayer may be difficult. If this is the case, you may need to rest on the power of God’s word and lean on the prayer of close friends or relatives. You do not have to feel guilt or shame.
Forcing yourself to be active can also help. Examples include activities with or around people, hobbies, sports, physical activities, music, planning for the future, or even cleaning and fixing. Activity helps reduce the intensity and heaviness of the feelings associated with depression. Not being able to bring yourself to be more active may be a sign that you need to seek some help. It is also useful to see depression as something that you can deal with or get help for without feeling ashamed. See your failures and imperfections as a part of being human that God can perfect and make holy. Recognize that you have choices. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom 15:13).
WHERE CAN YOU TURN FOR HELP?
Parents, friends, and family members can often be helpful. If you feel comfortable and trusting of someone close, then there is a good chance it would help to talk with him or her. If difficulties persist, it is a good idea to visit and discuss your symptoms with your family doctor. There are many biological problems that can result in symptoms similar to those of depression. Then make an appointment with your pastor to discuss the situation in a relaxed and attentive setting. If the depression drags on or gets more severe or seriously interferes with your everyday life, you may want to consult a professional. Getting the right kind of counseling from the right kind of counselor is essential. It is a good idea to talk to your pastor, priest, or rabbi for a recommendation if more specialized help is warranted. Talking with a professional counselor may help you get more objective perspectives on the situation in a confidential atmosphere and help you arrive at some possible solutions. The best counseling is carried out in harmony with your own beliefs and values.
UNHELPFUL COMMENTS TO MAKE TO A CHRISTIAN WHO IS DEPRESSED.
• True Christians don't get depressed. • You need to have more faith in God. • Taking antidepressants isn’t trusting God. • This is probably for your own good. • You need to claim your healing. • Depression is a self-discipline problem. • You just need to rebuke that spirit of depression and tell it to leave you. • Don't let Satan steal your joy. • Repent and ask for forgiveness for your sin.
WHEN YOU ARE DEPRESSED, PLACE YOUR HOPE IN GOD.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. …For you are the God of my strength…” (Psalm 42:5, 43:2).
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Pro. 3:5-6).
If you have self-destructive thoughts, urges or behaviors call a local crisis line.
24/7 Crisis Hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
Safe Place 24-hr hotline 512-267-SAFE(7233)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Rape Crises Center: 512-305-5181
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault 512-474-7190
YWCA Women’s Counseling and Resource Center 512-321-1222