Depression Quotes

Christian view of depression; responses from 5 different States.  The original question with the responses in the order received. The first response ignited a lot of discussion:

“Thinking about Christians and Depression… I have a gut level feeling that Christians tend to view the topic as taboo–maybe even believe that it’s a sin. What’re your thoughts?”

“I look at depression as a result of a lack of spirituality in your life.  If you truly know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, how can you be depressed!  I understand that situations can come and go in your life, but with the peace  of mind that you gain from Jesus….  the depression “should” never have a chance…” –RH, MI

“In response to your question about Christians and how they view depression…yes a lot of Christians believe its a sin to struggle with depression.  I do not happen to be one of them as I struggle with depression…and am on medication. However, years ago I was in the hospital for a nervous breakdown and I received a letter from a family member who suggested if I give everything to God I won’t have to deal with depression. Now, I agree with the part about giving everything to God, depression or not, but I don’t believe that means you won’t have depression.  Sometimes it can be as simple as a chemical imbalance which medications can help with. In addition I happen to think quite highly of counseling. I also have wonderful friends who are there to listen when I need to work through life’s hard things…for which I am very grateful to God. Sin can lead to conviction but that’s not the same as depression however you might become depressed if you sin and don’t get right with our Savior.” –JG, CA

First we must differentiate between being sad or being clinically depressed. Clinical depression is typically a result of a hormone imbalance and needs to be treated with a combo of meds and therapy. I do not see how that is result of a lack of spirituality. AB, CA

If I have enough faith??? Respectfully… Not sure I can agree with that. Depression is a Chemical imbalance and truly a medical issue, I had post partum after one of my kids and if not treated I am not sure what kind of mother I would have been. I agree that I now have a hope that I can live my life up with but I am not sure it would have changed my need for medical help. –AM, WI

…now if we are talking about being sad, I still say it is not an indicator of one’s spirituality. It is ok to be sad. It is an emotion that God programmed us with. It is what you do in your sadness that determines the state of your spiritual life. AB, CA

…seeing as though depression is known to be caused by chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters in the brain… i don’t think that we can call depression a sin or even blame it on a lack of faith. that sounds a lot like the old-time beliefs that a person’s sickness or disease was a sure-fire sign of sin in their lives. when someone we know is diagnosed with cancer we don’t immediately assume that they must not truly have faith in their savior, do we? AM2, CA

“What do you see when you read  Psalms???  I think that depression is something very real and something that needs to be treated medically and spiritually.  I have a question…Have you ever thought that God would use medicine to make you well?  I think the faith that God is in control and with the help of medication if that is the direction God leads, that your life will be just as enriched as it would be if God just decided to take it away immediately.  I also think that sometimes God leaves things in our lives as a reminder that we still need him, to allow our faith to grow, to keep us continually leaning on him.” VML–TX

I agree with Vanessa, I think it is often something that should be addressed in both ways.
Remember Job’s friends, who were so sure that the reason he was suffering was sin in his life or lack of faith? I think we’ve all had those friends. AG, MI

A–very much agree
R–could not disagree more
It makes me sad to think people still blame lack of faith or some sin for a person’s illness. –CZ, ID

–”Hmmm…sounds like most people are on the same page.  Depression is much like diabetes, your body doesn’t make the appropriate amount of a chemical on its own which can be corrected by medication.  No one says diabetics aren’t Christians, but depression carries a certain stigma. People can claim to be depressed and use that to excuse un-Christian like behaviors…only they and God know the truth which is, in the end, all that really matters anyway.” EL, CA

I agree that a lot of Christians DO tend to view the topic as taboo…..a sin or result of sin. They often tend to judge or come to their own conclusions prematurely without taking into consideration that which may be behind the depression (i.e. a chemical imbalance or tragedy that may have occurred)…….or any other mental health condition for that matter!  I find it more common with people my parents’ age who were brought up that if you have to seek counseling and/or take medication for a condition there must be a deeper meaning to it.

I don’t know if this gives any insight to your question but I think you can see where there is an “old school” way of thinking that can affect ones perception. –LC, CA

–E – very well put.
RH – I can only hope you were just trolling to spark a discussion, which you did. Like Cheryl said, you’re response makes me sad. JS, ID

“Considering this question: It’s been my experience that depression can come from many different sources. Following an accident with head trauma (concussion), I dealt with depression for a long time as I discovered what the concussion had cost me, especially in my ability to remember things. I had to find ways around, and am still working on that years later. Depression can also come from the inability of others to meet my standards – even to the point of not attempting to meet them!

Do Xians view the Big “D” as taboo/sinful? Absolutely! During my ‘recovery’ I heard from a number of Xian friends who gave (unasked) their opinion of my state of mind. “Nobody likes to be around someone who’s down.” “If you were where God wanted you to be, & doing what God wanted you to do, you wouldn’t be depressed.” And others as well. I found it ‘easier’ to try to hide the depression around these ‘Xian’ friends; I knew there wouldn’t be any real help there…”  –JH, CA

Praise God there is help from the pit. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. Psalm 40:2. Anyone struggling I recommend a doing a topical search for the word pit. AM, WI

Personally, viewing depression as a sin is… such backward thinking- I don’t see how one relates to the other. That is all. ET, CA

I agree that Christians view depression as taboo. As with all sins, we Christians tend to think we should know better and would never commit a sin on purpose. But atlas, we are human and thank God for His grace and mercy when the humanness comes out. Direction-Not intention-Determines our Destination. KM–CA

“I think many Christians who haven’t experienced depression don’t understand how hard it is. I’ve heard the advice from some Christians to those with depression just to put faith in Him and your worries and depression will be eased. But what they don’t understand is that depression isn’t something one can control. It’s bigger than just a heavy heart. I trust in the Lord and He knows my heart. But depression is all consuming at times and involves the mind. It is hard to escape the darkness when it is within your own consciousness. And depression affects you more than people realize- it’s not just your mood. It creates anxiety, and harms your relationships. It affects how you eat, sleep and live your life.

And unfortunately some Christians seem to give off the impression that the person with depression is to blame somehow, that they are choosing this affliction that God would heal if only they would let Him. Depression is much like migraines or any other medical problem that causes severe pain. Except that depression is a mental and emotional pain and carries a societal stigma. Somehow, physical pain isn’t regarded as a weakness the way depression is.”  JM–CA