What does the church say about depression?

Psalm 40:1-3

In this, and other Scriptures for depression, we're reminded that God is always near to the brokenhearted. No matter how deep the pit of despair you're in, God can lift you out. Just as He did for David, God can set you back on a path towards hope and He will steady you whenever you start to stumble.

What does God say about depression in the Bible?

Psalm 9:9. “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” The Good News: Depression can make you feel as though you're weighed down. But no matter how troubled you feel, this verse reminds you that the Lord is always there to support you.

What is the Biblical way to deal with depression?

Through prayer, social support from Christian fellowship, taking suffering as a gift and blessing from God in disguise, hope that leads to courage to live and expectation for the coming of a better world, forgiveness that leads to healing of trauma, letting go to overcome loss, and love to overcome learned helplessness ...

Why is depression considered a sin?

Depression is associated with sin because people experiencing depression are seen to lack some of the spiritual fruits that are regarded as evidence of genuine Christian faith: When dealing with people in the church... some see mental illness as a weakness —a sign you don't have enough faith.

Is it a sin to have anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and Depression are not Sin – and Here is Why! If you had an upbringing in the church, it is likely you have heard the message (intentionally said or not), “one only needs to pray ______ away”. While well intentioned, this can be harmful for both the individual's mental and spiritual health.

What does the Bible say about depression?

How does God view mental illness?

Saviano says Christians typically view mental illness as a spiritual problem, assuming iniquity in the person's life led to the difficulties. “They don't recognize it can be a real biological illness that causes brain chemicals to be off balance,” Saviano says.

Is it normal for Christians to be depressed?

The death of a loved one; the loss of a job; financial hardships; an unfavorable medical diagnosis; marital discord or divorce; an empty nest; unresolved childhood issues; ministry burnout; disobedient children; the list goes on and on of possible triggers for depression.

What did Jesus say to the depressed?

Matthew 11:28

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

What is the root cause of depression in Bible?

Fear and a Lack of Faith

To fear is to not trust God. Hopelessness is at the root of depression; but so is fear. Fear also sends the emotions into a tailspin. From Genesis (15:1) to Revelation (2:10), God commands His children not to fear, but rather to trust and rest in Him.

Which woman in the Bible suffered from depression?

In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel for she said “I have asked him of the Lord”. ' In this account we learn of Hannah's great distress because of her infertility and a sufficient number of symptoms are mentioned to make a diagnosis of depression.

What is another word for depression in the Bible?

The Greek Word for Depression, Ademoneo

For example, in the New Testament we read the following: “And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled.” (Matthew 26:37.

How do you counsel a depressed person biblically?

What are God's promises on depression?

God will one day wipe away all your tears – and there will be no more sorrow or suffering. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Who are the persons in Bible who suffered from depression?

In the New Testament, one of the best examples of depression can be found in the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 1:3-8, Paul writes about being in complete despair and says, “burdened beyond our strength ….”

Is depression a form of mental illness?

Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite.

What is the main root of depression?

There's no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.

Is there mental illness in the Bible?

But there is nothing new about mental illness. It was certainly present in ancient times and the Bible makes specific reference to several cases. King Saul, the first king of Israel, was repeatedly afflicted by what we would probably term clinical depression today.

What does God say when you feel hopeless?

One of the most famous is God's promise to the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:11, when God speaks into a season of hopelessness and reminds them: “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.”

Is it a sin to take medication?

There are several places in the Bible, where faith alone is accounted for the healing of the people. But there is no place in the Bible that forbids the use of drugs, especially for someone who is ill. Jesus said: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick”—Matthew 9:12.

What is a good Bible verse for mental health?

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

How long does spiritual depression last?

Depressive episodes can last anywhere from two weeks to several years, and with varying degrees of severity. The presence of the symptoms will negatively affect a person's relationships, work responsibilities, etc.

What percentage of Christians are depressed?

The National Institute of Mental Health lists the prevalence of having a major depressive episode in 2017 at 7.1%. Applying the 7.1% rate to 106.8 million Christians allows us to arrive at the number 7.6 million. So, calculating the number of Christians with depression becomes a matter of simple math, right?

Is depression a chemical imbalance in the brain?

It's often said that depression results from a chemical imbalance, but that figure of speech doesn't capture how complex the disease is. Research suggests that depression doesn't spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals.

Can believing in God help treat depression?

The researchers report that previous studies suggest that spiritual or religious beliefs may act as a buffer against several mental health conditions and behaviours, including depression and self-harming. Some studies suggest, however, that spiritual struggles can worsen or bring on symptoms.