What a load of rubbish! Being Christian doesn't magically prevent you from the human condition. In fact, being Christian likely means you'll suffer these things more. Why? Because Satan is trying his best to pull you from God.
We often think that because we are Christians, and because we have God on our side, we're not allowed to experience certain emotions. And I believe the Bible has some part to play in that thought pattern. Take Matthew chapter 5 as the first example:
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement..."
It can be interpreted here that Jesus is saying being angry with your brother or sister is as bad as murdering someone. And very often, depression is a result of unreconciled anger. Another example is from James chapter 1:
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
Please don't think I'm downgrading the severity of depression. Having suffered this condition for over 10 years, I understand what a serious matter it is. Simply bashing yourself over the head with your Bible is not going to solve the problem.
So what is depression?
Depression is feelings of sadness, being consistently moody or low. Some people experience these feelings every now and then, but depression is when these feelings stick around for weeks, months or even years and often without an apparent reason. Please note that depression is not just a low mood—it is a serious condition.
These feelings can seriously affect your life and your relationships. They affect how you do everyday tasks. Some of the symptoms include:
- Not going out, withdrawing from friends and family, relying on alcohol or sedatives
- Feeling: overwhelmed, guilty, frustrated, angry and sad
- Having negative thoughts: I'm a failure, I'm worthless, Nothing good ever happens to me, Life's not worth living
- Feeling tired all the time, sick and rundown, sleep problems and lack of appetite.
Urgent note: IF YOU FEEL LIFE IS WORTHLESS OR NOT WORTH LIVING, PLEASE CALL YOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE NOW!
Who does depression affect the most?
In short, everyone and anyone.
Male, female, young and old, short and tall, gay and straight, blonde or brown haired...the list goes on. Anyone can get depression and for a variety of reasons. It doesn't make you worthless! It doesn't mean you're weak! In fact, I think it means the opposite—you've tried to be too strong for too long.
Sometimes you can tell someone is affected by depression. They will often lash out at the people they care about the most. But often, people keep their darkness hidden deep inside them. They go about their daily lives as normal, but when they are alone, they fall apart.
How do I support someone with depression?
If you ever tell someone to just 'cheer up' or 'it's not that bad' and you know they have depression, take yourself to the nearest bookstore and buy every book on depression. DO NOT ever tell someone with depression those things. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING!
People with depression already feel worthless: don't make it worse. The second thing is to let them know you are there for them and that you care. Even knowing one person cares can be enough to give someone with depression the strength to fight back.
The third thing can be pretty obvious—call for emergency help. If someone with depression suggests life isn't worth living, or that they are going to commit suicide DO NOT IGNORE IT! I don't care if they've said it 10 times; it might only take 21 times to complete it. If someone has attempted suicide, don't ignore their cry for help.
I'm a Christian and I think I'm depressed: please help!
First of all, good on you for realising and please accept my virtual hug. Email me and let me know your story—I'm here to be a friend and to help you. I may not have met you but as a brother or sister in Christ, I love you. You are priceless and worth more than you know.
The second thing I'd like you to do is go and see your local doctor. Tell him (or her) how you're feeling and allow them to help. If you can, tell your family too. They might already suspect and are waiting for your request for help.
Thirdly, I recommend keeping a diary/journal. Pour all your feelings into your journal and stop them running around your head. If you can, write the opposite to your feeling e.g. "I'm worthless" → "I'm priceless to my family."
Final Thoughts
People with depression often feel like God has deserted them. This is never the case. You might find printing out and memorising this poem helpful. And then, when Satan says God isn't available for you, recite this poem.
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
Especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
There was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
There was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I need You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.
-Anonymous
Emma is a full-time admin worker with a passion for Christ and an interest in reading, writing and music.
Emma Seabrook's previous articles may be viewedathttp://www.pressserviceinternational.org/emma-seabrook.html