Depression is defined as, “a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty with thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or an attempt to commit suicide” (Merriam Webster). A close friend of mine battles depression and would describe it is, “a debilitating mood that makes it hard to get out of the bed in the morning, a desire to sleep all the time, inability to experience joy, and apathy towards life.” Due to its prevalent occurrence among several people groups throughout history, depression is known as the “common cold of mental illnesses” and has been called “the most widespread, serious, and costly psychiatric disease afflicting humankind today” (Fairchild). Depression affects people of all ages, races, and economic as well as religious backgrounds.
When looking at the bible, one finds that even biblical characters were not immune to depressed moods. For example, Moses, Elijah, and Job became so depressed at some point during their ministries that they wished they would die (Numbers 11:15, 1 Kings 19:4, and Job 3:20-21). Jesus himself experienced great grief due to his compassion, concern, and vast sense of disappointment over the sins of the world and their fatal consequences.
Though it often goes by different names, depression infects many Christians as well. That statement may surprise some since the typical Christ follower is often pictured as a happy-go-lucky, carefree, always smiling type of individual. No one is immune to depression. Everyone goes through difficult times and if the feelings associated with these times are not dealt with properly, an individual can find h...
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As previously stated, no one is immune to depression. Jesus himself experienced sorrow, disappointment, and discouragement, but he is a remarkable example of how to deal with these emotions in a Godly manner. Christ experienced the tension of living in this fallen world while still submitting himself to the divine will of God. He did not allow his sufferings to be the cause for sin or hopelessness. When dealt with in a healthy way, these emotions can cause people to grow and make them more like Christ. Pastors will without a doubt encounter individuals battling depression. It is important for pastors to take the time and try to help someone with depression talk and work through why they are feeling this away. If a pastor has met with an individual three times and they seem to be getting nowhere, it is wise to refer the said individual to a medical professional.
The start of this article focuses on a Christian client named George who is plagued with feelings of worthlessness, depression, low self-esteem, and suicide. His mother had also battled depression, and his father had an abusive relationship with alcohol, which caused his father to have verbally and physically abusive altercations with George and his mother. The abusive experiences that George was exposed to as a child paved the way for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as an adult (Garzon, 2005). With all of these factors present in this client’s life, a treatment plan was created that involved scripture interventions. The author made sure to touch on the fact that every client is unique in the hopes that counselors would be aware that one type of scripture intervention might work for one client and not work for another. The article highlights three guiding values when considering these types of interventions; “respect for the client’s autonomy/freedom, sensitivity to and empathy for the client’s religious and spiritual beliefs, and flexibility and responsiveness to the client’s religious and spiritual beliefs.”(Garzon, 2005). ...
Gilliland, Steve. “Awake My Soul: Dealing Firmly with Depression.” Ensign Aug.1978: 37-40. Mills Johnson, Sherrie. Remarks at Assoc.of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists. Salt Lake City, Utah. 2 Apr. 2004. .
Sittser’s ideas on the Christian view of sorrow and loss are based on his own heartbreak. The loss of his wife, mother and daughter in a car accident and the after effects of such a catastrophe lead him to explore the depths of sorrow, loss and pain and in them discover God. He begins by stating that “all people suffer loss” (Sittser, 2004, p.31) and despite the fact that every person’s loss is individual and unique, all humans will experience some type of loss in their lives. These losses vary from losing your childhood to acquire adulthood all the way to loss that brings great sorrow such as illness, disability, various kinds of abuse and...
The Christian perspective on psychopathology is that all psychological aspects of an individual have been affected in some way by the fall. The Christian perspective sees us all as broken, deceitful who have been blemished from the fall. However, we are also created in the image of God. Therefore, through His redemptive grace, we can be restored. Also, “a Christian understanding of sin and psychopathology should be based on a holistic view of the person in relation to self, other, God and one’s physical surroundings” (Yarhouse, p97). This Christian perspective can be used to explain several aspects of pathology, or what contributes to psychopathology. These aspects are; human nature, human incompleteness, the effects of others sin, the effects of the client’s own sin, and the effects of sin on society as a whole. All of these aspects show that sin is at the root of psychopathological
Regardless of the person whether male or female who has developed the symptoms of depression, their lives have been invaded by a sickness that can have a devastating effect on their lives; depending on how severe their symptoms are. If left untreated the end result could have an even more devastating effect. Luckily, there are treatments available that are successful.
Koenig states that the impact religions have on mental pathologies such as depression and anxiety are making the person more suppress, moderate, deter and prevent the effects from stress which leads to depression (Koenig, 1998). Mormons may get caught up in practicing what they think is right about God and will step away from all other options. However, Koenig states that Mormons are wealthy and would sometimes rather counselors over their own religion. There is a lot of controversies over whether or not Mormons seek help in God or in other ways such as counseling or health professionals. The Mormons that do want professional help also are sometimes discouraged from fellow neighbors because of the inability past social workers had in knowing different cultures and religions beliefs, morals, and behaviors. The author also mentions that Mormons are built upon truth and when a mental or emotional illness occurs it is sometimes known as a manifestation of sin. Mormons who are diagnosed with a mental illness usually have had a difficult time self-reflecting until they are brought upon an illness that stops them living the way they used
Society has been separating God from every facet it can for many decades. Roe v. Wade in 1973 is one example, abortion was no longer considered criminal. We still debate this issue today. Other disturbing behaviors such as piercing pale in comparison, however they are all a part of the things which separate us from God. There is scriptural guidance offered for each behavior discussed. We will never be restored without God and we face impossible goals. Simple steps taken in and for Christ are our assurance we will achieve success, every person will not be saved and every sin will not be eliminated in this world, our success is in that we get back up. We use the tools and advice given to us by God Himself. The suggestions given for dealing with depression serve as an example. “Confess and turn from Sin” (Acts 3:19), “Quit worrying” (Philippians 4:6), and “Be with the right people” (1 Corinthians 15:33) are three of the suggestions, all which have Biblical support. I have included a verse which supports each idea given in the text in addition to the scripture given by the authors. We are called to do what we can and the task is beyond us, we must remember Paul in the conclusion of 1 Corinthians 15:10 “…yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” He said he had worked harder than any Apostle just before saying this, the point is it is not us but
According to the Oxford Dictionary, depression is a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection. Depression is a mental condition that affects the human in various ways, the person affected by depression can’t snap out of it and be happy. Many people affected by depression have to go through treatment or psychological counseling to get the help they need. In various media, we see stereotypes of people with depression that aren’t true. Due to the media covering the topic of depression a lot, society doesn’t see depression as a real mental illness . Because of the stereotypes of depression, this mental illness isn’t viewed by the public to be as important as a physical illness, even though it may eventually
Depression is defined as "a state of despondency marked by feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness" (Coon, 2001). Some people can mix up depression with just having the blues because of a couple of bad days or even weeks. It is already said that depression affects about one sixth of the population or more (Doris, Ebmeier, Shajahan, 1999). Depression can happen in any age range from birth to death. The cause of depression is still obscure and becoming clear that a number of diverse factors are likely to be implicated, both genetic and environmental. Some causes are leading stressful lives, genetic factors, a previous depressive episode, and the personality trait neuroticism (Doris, et al., 1999).
As a Christian, it is important to understand that “when you know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will understand that you are children of the living Father” (Boardman, 202) because life is all about finding oneself and exploring all the opportunities that are offered through faith and God. Whether they can bring happiness, depression, or fear, life is full of unexpected events that can have an impact on faith. In 480 to 524, Boethius wrote “The Consolation of Philosophy” that explains how happiness can be found only through the evidences of self-sufficiency of the mind. Turning away from the darkness of the world and working toward the light can increase the brightness and enjoyment of life. Boethius stated “nothing is miserable except when you think it so, and vice versa” (Boardman, 227). No one finds it easy to accept difficult life situations, but it is natural for humans to face failures and sadness because those moments are the experiences when one learns from mistakes and become successful in life with the support from Jesus. Although Jesus cannot be seen, his spirit and existence is felt in the air around us. He said “I am the light that is over all things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained…” (Boardman, 203). Through different kinds of hardships, most Christians would ask for Jesus’s help to brighten their life up and live to the fullest potentials as much as
Depression is much more common than most people think. Because it is essentially an invisible illness and is largely in the mind, it is difficult to correctly diagnose it and most people suffer for months, years, or even decades with depression. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines depression as “a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty with thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or an attempt to commit suicide.” Most medical definitions are able to explain what happens and why it does, but after carefully examining this one, we only notice that it explains what happens, but not why. Usually, the symptoms of an illness are...
Depression is more than experiencing a difficult day or event or being in a bad mood. Sometimes, people seek help even though they are not clinically depressed because they think they need the help they get from a psychologist. When speaking to a depressed individual, it is very important to know the occasion that lead to their emotional trauma. Depressed mood is not the same as a depressed disorder. According to Nydegger, “Depressed mood is a negative affective or emotional quality such as feeling sad, miserable, gloominess for a period of time. Depressive disorder refers t...
The shepherd and sheep relationship is the best illustration for the relationship between pastor and parishioners. When Jesus asked Simon Peter does he love him three times and said to him “Feed my sheep”, the shepherd and flock relationship has been set. Since Jesus is our good shepherd (Jn. 10:11a), he laid out a good example for us to follow - to lay down his life for the sheep. (Jn. 10:11b) Thus, the wellness of both in and out of the parishioners should always be the concern in the pastors’ hearts. Soul care for the people is essential. Christian friendship is the foundation of Christian soul care. Pastoral ministry including preaching, teaching, and worship forms the broad context of pastoral counseling. Pastoral care is within pastoral ministry but broader than pastoral counseling. God’s love is the source and motivation. Within the pastoral care, there are spiritual direction and pastoral
There are many people in the world who are struggling with the disease depression. Depression is the state in which a person feels very sad, hopeless and unimportant. The thing about depression is that it affects both genders and any ages. Depression is something that deserves full attention. For many reasons doctors believe that when a person has depression, they have to start taking medication for it as if medications help. People are becoming more dependent on antidepressants when there are other techniques for dealing with depression.
Pastors will also experience personal pain as they go through ministry. This is one of the methods that God can use to see that the pastor is growing and is more mature. It also helps the pastor to identify with the pain and suffering people in his congregation may be going through. This is evident in the life of the apostle Paul and others who have faithfully served the