A Christian's Guide to Depression

Depression is known among psychologists as the "common cold of mental disorders." Christians, though they find hope in their relationship with Jesus, are not exempt from struggling with this painful and serious problem. It is estimated that between thirty to forty million Americans are affected by depression.

There is no easy answer or cure for depression. Josh McDowell, a notable Christian author, compiled a list of eight major causes for depression. They are:

1. Biological factors (PMS, postpartum, glandular disorders, etc.)

2. Helplessness to remedy an intolerable situation (an unsaved spouse, loss of a loved one)

3. Parental rejection

4. Abuse

5. Negative thinking

6. Life stress

7. Anger

8. Guilt

Every Christian will deal with some or all of these contributing factors in varying degrees throughout her lifetime. How we deal with these circumstances determines whether we will become depressed, or whether we will use them as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.

Here are a few ideas you can use if you feel yourself battling depression:

1. Avoid being alone, be with people who love and care about you.

2. Sing or listen to uplifting, godly music.

3. Read the Bible daily (especially the Psalms) and draw your strength from it.

4. Get enough rest, don't try to handle your depression when you're sleep-depreived.

5. Exercise and evaluate your diet for needed changes. Eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer refined sugars will improve your outlook.

6. Seek help from others if you feel overwhelmed with your discouragement.

7. Praise God and give thanks, even if you don't feel like it.

8. Focus on your blessings: You have many of them, even if you can't always see them.

9. Work on the causes of your depression, not the symptoms. Is there a spiritual problem you need to deal with? Is there a relationship you need to reconcile?

10. Get active with recreation you enjoy.

11. Seek out a Christian friend or Biblical counselor.

Though I am not an expert in the field of depression, I know what it is like to feel discouraged and hopeless. There have been times in my life when a situation has caused me to be so fearful and upset that I have been unmotivated to think about or to do anything but worry about that situation.

A wonderful phrase I heard lately was, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." This is a truth we need to get ahold of and from which we can draw strength.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) No matter how dark your situation, God has a plan for you that He is accomplishing even through your trial. If you feel like no one understands what you are going through, God does. He wants you to have hope and a future. It is not His will for you to be discouraged and without hope.

"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31) If you are despairing because of your current circumstances, your eyes are on the wrong things. Instead of looking at the problem, look to the One Who can fix it.

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) Nothing is too high for you to attain, if you do it according to God's will and Christ's strength.

"...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult situations to show us how much we need Him. When we do things in our own power we become susceptible to pride and arrogance. A time of discouragement could be God humbling us so that He can show us His power.

I Peter 1:3-9 tells us of the great hope we have as children of God. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade..." As a child of God you have the hope of heaven! No present earthly circumstance should be allowed to steal the joy of that truth from your heart.

"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) You are not alone! God is beside you, waiting to help you in your time of need. Call out to Him, read His Word, and trust in Him in the discouraging times of life.