Can I be a Christian and be Depressed?

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by
God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through
Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for
enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your
consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are
partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

God graciously provides us with the ability to minister to one another, often as a result of the suffering we
have experienced ourselves. This has been my experience. God showed me where I lacked compassion
prior to experiencing my own depression. I had no understanding of and very little tolerance for
depression. What I found as I struggled through my own depression was that depression takes over your
life and that of your family around you.

Depression strikes both men and women. I will be using “she” throughout this discussion as a matter of
convenience as well as the reality that it is most often that women seek out help for depression. Helping
men with depression is crucial and an area that needs to be more deeply explored in religious circles.

What is depression? How do we get it?

We will look at depression from 3 perspectives or models:

Medical model
• Decreased neurotransmitter activity: the focus of the medical model is brain chemistry,
specifically, neurotransmitter function. The brain is composed of distinct regions made up of networks
of nerve cells (or neurons) that pass messages from one to another. It resembles a neighborhood of
people, each living side by side, but none directly touching one another. In neighborhoods,
communication between people builds relationships, spreads gossip, and generates new ideas. In
similar fashion, communication between neurons in the brain produces thought, feeling, and
memories.

In order to communicate with one another, people in a neighborhood talk across the fence, pick up
the telephone, or write a letter. Neurons, in similar fashion, communicate with one another. But they
use chemical messengers rather than written or spoken ones. These chemical messengers, called
neurotransmitters, ferry messages across the gap between neurons in the brain.

An imbalance of neurotransmitters (usually too little) is thought to contribute to depression much like
missed telephone calls or misdirected mail causes communication breakdown between people. Most
antidepressant medications work by increasing the amount of available neurotransmitters traveling
between neurons so that proper communication can occur. The result is improved mood and fewer
physical symptoms. (above information from: Scott Wallace, Ph.D., R.Psych. Source:
www3.telus.net/virtualpsyc)

• Hormonal cycles: fluctuations in hormone levels have been found to affect mood. This may be
shown in monthly fluctuations related to menstruation, or at various points in a woman’s life as her
production of hormones changes. This can also include post-partum depression.
• Stress: it is not clear if stress directly causes depression, but there seems to be a strong link
between experiencing stress (either positive or negative) and the onset of depression. People who
experience long periods of stress seem to be at a higher risk for depression as well.
• Exhaustion/fatigue: when you are chronically exhausted your ability to most effectively and
efficiently handle the ups and downs of life diminishes. The constant feeling of not having the energy
to deal with life can exacerbate a simmering depression.
 • Physical illness: being diagnosed with a terminal or debilitating illness can trigger a depression.
Chronic medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, etc can also have
a component of depression as one looks to an uncertain future.
• Genetics: studies have shown a genetic or family pre-disposition to depression.
• Smoking: studies have also found that women who began smoking at a very young age (early
teens) have a higher level of depression than women who never smoked, or began smoking at a later
age.

Sociocultural Model
• Family structure: changes brought about through death of a parent, child or sibling; divorce; single
parent homes; role reversal (parentified children).
• Distance: families are increasingly living farther away from one another. This creates a loss of family
nucleus, a lack of support in not only emergencies but in day to day needs. A feeling of being without
an anchor, a homestead, a place of safety to run to.
• Economics: financial difficulties can create stress leading to depression. This includes losing a job,
having significant debt, bankruptcy, loss of a home, etc.

Psychological Model
• Past history of abuse or trauma
• Guilt: over past or present sin, over things done or not done
• Bitterness: perpetuates feelings of sadness, anger
• Negative thinking: revisiting past events or sins, seeing only the negative in various situations,
replaying “tapes” of events, particularly how you “should have” handled things differently (further
validating feelings of failure), self-defeating thoughts
• Life event changes: can be either “good/happy” or “bad/sad” changes; change can be scary and
undermine confidence
• Lack of goals: a lack of focus, plan, goals can lead to feelings of drifting in life

What does depression feel like?

Physical: pure and total exhaustion, inability to concentrate or think clearly, changes in sleep (either
sleeping much more than usual or having insomnia), changes in appetite (either not having the energy or
desire to eat, or eating on “autopilot”).

Emotional: feeling overwhelmed, desperate, hopeless; escaping from life through withdrawal from friends
& family, often managing only to perform necessary activities (work, school, church) but nothing else;
feeling as though “this will never end;” a lack of desire for sexual or emotional intimacy.

Dying: depressed persons may think often about death—it is an escape. Suicide is a way of feeling a bit
in control of what otherwise feels completely out of their control. This can be a slippery slope. For some,
thoughts of dying will never lead to active suicidal ideation, but suicidal thoughts should never be ignored.
Get help.

Grieving: loss across a wide spectrum—loss of a loved one, a job, a home, etc—can lead to depression;
there is often a feeling of grieving the loss of the person you were before the depression.

A Spiritual Perspective on Depression

If you have a wrong understanding of the Christian life you will be surprised by depression, or feel that a
depressed person must have weak faith. When we come to Christ we share in His suffering. We should
expect trials and suffering.
Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but
also to suffer for His sake…
Sometimes depression is a direct result of sin in our lives. If we are in sin we need to confess it to God
and to those impacted or involved as appropriate.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness. James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one
another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Change sinful behaviors! Don’t just confess but move away from the sin as much as possible. While it is
good to be sorrowful for sin in our lives, it is not good to dwell on the sorrow. Leads to negative thinking,
focusing on that which we cannot change—the past—and not on that which we can—the future.

Remind yourself that emotions fluctuate but God’s word is true, complete and unchanging. This helps us
refocus when emotions become overwhelming and those tapes in our head tell us that we will never feel
better, never be free from depression. Turn to scripture verses which tell of God’s faithfulness to His
beloved. The Psalms are full of discouraged people who cried out to God, entered His presence or
temple (for us, times of prayer or reading the Bible) and found their thoughts were turned toward hope.

Try to remind yourself of the big picture. It is easy to get lost in hopeless and despair with your world
closing in. Look for God at work in other people, in the world. Trust that God is also at work in you, even
when you don’t see it.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid… for the LORD
your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

So how can I help someone who is depressed?

Pray for and with her. Depressed people tend to isolate. Seek her out and pray together. Take the lead
in this and don’t wait for her to ask you to pray with her. LISTEN. Be careful not to offer advice unless
asked or you have asked permission to express your opinion, thoughts, concerns. God clearly works
through others, but advice given without love and kindness can further alienate an already withdrawing
person.

Send notes of encouragement and scriptures. Can be a handwritten note or an email. Try to send only
one verse at a time. You don’t want to overwhelm her with a whole list of scripture. Write out the
scripture so she does not have to look it up.

Offer to do something concrete for her. Depression affects people like a sickness. Respond as you
would to someone home from surgery, someone with cancer, etc. See handout on Ministering to the Sick
and the Dying for specific tips.

Invite her to take a walk with you. Exercise is very therapeutic for someone who is depressed, but it can
feel overwhelming when you are exhausted from depression. Offer to go pick her up rather than meeting
her somewhere.

Encourage her to see her place, role, importance in the family. Do not invoke guilt, but try to help her see
she is of value to you and she has specific gifts, given by God.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
The only gift she may be able to see or respond to at this time is that she has a deeper understanding of
suffering than most and can use that knowledge to reach out to others.

Sometimes family & friends grow weary of trying to support the depressed person. It may seem as
though she doesn’t want, feel, need your love and support. Press on. Although your love and support
alone most likely will not lift a loved one’s depression, the safety net of that love gives her a foundation
when everything else seems to be slipping away.

What can the depressed person do?

• Read scripture: some counselors have recommended 1 John.

• Exercise
• Therapy: seek out godly Christian counsel from a pastor, a therapist
• Prayer partner: find someone to pray with and for you.
• Medication: not every depressed person needs medication, but for some it can be a tool which gives
you the ability to address the root causes of the depression
• Confess harbored sin
• Re-train your thought process: when you find yourself ruminating on negative thoughts re-direct your
thoughts to God’s character and promises.
2 Corinthians 10:5 …casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be
known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 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.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
• Sing! Hymns, psalms and other uplifting Christian music can help elevate your mood. Sing out loud,
don’t just listen. Some studies have shown that the act of singing can release chemicals in the body
and brain to help elevate your mood. Avoid sad, nostalgic music or songs which remind you of past
relationships and might cause you to turn your heart toward someone other than your spouse (as
applicable).
• Monitor sleep: try not to get too little or too much. Set an alarm, stick to a schedule.
• Create a notebook for organizing meaningful scripture verses: for example, an A to Z list of topics
(“anger,” “confession,” etc) which you can go back to when the feeling arises. Can be helpful when
you feel overwhelmed and too tired to try to find that favorite verse on “sadness.”
• Try to adopt a schedule to keep you on track. Don’t abandon routine chores. Studies have found
depressed persons who “force” themselves to do the ironing, to clean the bathroom, etc actually
come though a depression more quickly. Very hard to do when exhausted, but important.
• This is somewhat controversial but something to think about. Make the choice to act happy whether
you feel that way or not. Think about how we put on a happy face when others are around—church,
work, etc. Why do we not do that for our spouse, our children?

Biblical examples of depressed people

Jonah (Jonah 4)
Elijah (1 Kings 19)
Moses (Numbers 11:14-15)
Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14-18)
Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23)
David (throughout the Psalms)

Verses of Encouragement for Depression

 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.
 Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all
your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
 Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may
abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 Philippians 4:4-8 (above), 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my
presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
 1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in
due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in
despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…, 16-18 Therefore we do not
lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by
day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are
not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are
eternal.; 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me.
 Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and
the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself
for me.
 Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
 Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in
God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
 Genesis 4:6-7 So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance
fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And
its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
 James 1:2-12 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing
of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally
and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who
doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he
will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Let the lowly
brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will
pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower
falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the
crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
 Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, though your sins are like
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will
also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
 John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that
they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
 Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,
and so much the more as you see the Day approaching
 Isaiah 49:1-4 “Listen, O coastlands, to Me, and take heed, you peoples from afar! The LORD has
called Me from the womb; from the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. And He
has made My mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, and made Me
a polished shaft; in His quiver He has hidden Me.” “And He said to me, ‘ You are My servant, O
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for
nothing and in vain; yet surely my just reward is with the LORD, and my work with my God.’”
 Psalm 37:39-40 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time
of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked,
and save them, because they trust in Him.
 Psalm 119:153-154 Consider my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget Your law. Plead my
cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.
 Psalm 51
 Psalm 121

Amy Sumner, LCSW