Depression and the Bible
Anxiety and depression affect over 40 million adults in the United States annually, almost 20% of our total population. Recently I got to sit down with Savannah Clemons, a local professional counselor, and talk with her through the subject of depression. Here are some excerpts from our discussion:
What is depression? Why does depression happen? Depression affects millions of people around the world and is characterized by several weeks of a low/saddened mood, persistent throughout one’s day and situations. Depression often has a variety of spiritual, psychological, physiological, relational, and environmental contributing factors (learned behavior, rejection, abuse, trauma, sickness, medicinal side effects, poor health, lack of sleep, negative thinking, anger, guilt, etc.). Treatment of depression thus necessitates a wholistic approach to gain lasting solutions.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you.
Psalm 42:5-6
What are the differences between discouragement/disappointment, sadness/sorrow, and depression? Discouragement/disappointment is usually temporary, related to failure in a specific relationship or a goal and is overcome or put into proper perspective. Sadness or sorrow can persist longer than discouragement in proportion to the degree of loss and trauma. Depression is even more lasting, less explainable, often difficult to overcome, and becomes a significant and defining perspective in all areas of one’s life.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
What is it like to suffer depression? What are the signs of depression? Symptoms of depression: No motivation. Difficulty in explaining one’s situation to others. Sense of overwhelming darkness. Dramatic change in personality. Lost Hope, hopelessness. Non-communicative, quiet. Withdrawal from life. Low joy and high negativity. Low self-esteem, derogatory remarks about oneself. Verbalization and signs of suicide. Lethargic and tired. Presence of pain without a clear cause. Inability to function with the normal activities of life.
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.
Matthew 6:25
Is depression described in the Bible? Yes, here are some examples:
Abraham - hopeless for a child in his old age, trusted the Lord in the midst of overwhelming darkness (Genesis 15:3,12)
Job - in intense emotional, physical, relational, & financial suffering came to points where he hated life and was encouraged to die by his own wife (Job 2:9, 3:11, 3:26, 10:1, 30:15-17)
Moses - broken and burdened by the suffering of others to the point he was willing to give up his own salvation and life (Exodus 32:32, Numbers 11:14-15)
David - seen in many of the Psalms and in his loss of his sons (Psalm 38:6-8, Psalm 56:8, 2 Samuel 12:15-23, 18:33)
Psalm 42 & 43 - powerful words of David as he walks through depression
Elijah - even after a great victory and protection by God, runs away and hides in fear and depression (1 Kings 19)
Jeremiah - was mocked, persecuted, and ignored to the point he wished he wasn't born (Jeremiah 20:14,18)
Jonah - angry with God and mad at God (Jonah 4:3 & 4:9)
Jesus - was sorrowful unto death, sweating blood in his suffering (Mark 14:34-36, Luke 22:44)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. …It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8
We should be encouraged that those who suffer from depression are not alone. We should be challenged to deepen in our understanding of its seriousness and danger of depression and to seek the Lord more desperately and intentionally for lasting solutions. Even if we have not suffered from depression, may we be faithful to reach out compassionately to those who suffer daily from its effects.