A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1

Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status

Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7

Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually

Statistics:

• 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
• 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
• 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
• covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

• Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
• Felling of guilt or worthlessness
• Withdraw from people who are close to you
• Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
• Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Pessimism and indifference
• Significant change in sleep patterns
• Unable to concentrate
• Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

• Genetic predisposition
• Lack of intimacy with God and sin
• The stresses of life
• Medical changes
• Giving birth
• Seasonal changes
• Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*

God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!

Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."

The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)

Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Where to turn:

• The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
• General Practitioner
• OB/GYN
• Counselors
• Pastor
• Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.

The Road to Healing

1. Admit your need.  (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the one problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)