Dealing with Depression

27th March 2013

“Praise be to the God and father of our lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

2 Corinthians 1 v 3 & 4

Overview

• framework for understanding depression

• case studies

• how can we be effective comforters?

• questions

Why talk about depression?

• It’s common

• It’s serious

• The Bible speaks of it

• It affects our spiritual life

• It’s often misunderstood

What is Depression?

• symptoms:– physical– psychological– social– spiritual

• pervasive low mood

Physical Symptoms

• low energy

• easy fatigueability

• poor sleep

• poor appetite

• weight loss

• reduced libido

Psychological Symptoms

• poor concentration

• recurrent negative thoughts

• hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness

• guilt

• suicidal thoughts

• psychotic symptoms

Social Symptoms

• isolation• anxiety• overly self-conscious

Spiritual Symptoms

• lacking assurance

• inappropriate guilt

• feelings of failure

• feeling abandoned by God

• distorted views of God

A Spiritual FrameworkGenesis 1 & 2:

• spiritual needs

• social needs

• need for meaningful

occupation & purpose

• harmony with nature

• peace with oneself

Genesis 3:

• separation from God

• social separation &

exploitative relationships

• burdensome work

• pain & death

• fear, shame & anxiety

stresses/losses

early experiences

lack of meaning

physical illness

genesbiological make-up

temperamentpersonality

thinking patterns

depression

Important Lessons

• depression is usually an effect of general,

rather than specific sin (Jn 9 v 1&2)

• the causes of depression are poorly

understood

• anyone can become depressed

Other forms of depression

• Bipolar depression

• Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Post-natal depression

Case Study 1

• James, 55 year old business man

• happy stable childhood

• married with 3 adult children

• 2 previous episodes of severe depression

• very busy at work but no other recent stresses

• Christian, involved in local church

Case Study 1 continued

• depression came ‘out of the blue’

• poor sleep, agitated and anxious

• mislaid a key; thought this would mean the

world would end

• needed hospital admission because of

severity

Case Study 2

• Sally 45 year old pub owner

• mother died when Sally aged 7

• husband left her 10 year previously

• Depressed for 8 months following this

• Her only son recently died suddenly

• initially appeared to be coping• busy supporting other family members• had not had time and space to grieve• suddenly ‘went to pieces’• existential crisis• could not face living any longer

Case Study 2 continued

How Can We Help?

• what won't help:– being like Job’s comforters– being glib– being judgemental

• what may help:

– listening

– understanding the issues and taking them seriously

– prayer

– patience

– gentle encouragement

– practical support

– encouragement to seek medical help

Treatments for depression

• Exercise + tackling lifestyle issues

• Psychotherapy, particularly CBT

• Medication

• ECT

What Answers Does A Christian Faith Provide

• relating with God meets existential needs

• realistic view of ourselves helps meet our

psychological needs

• possibility of healed relationships and forgiveness

• social structure and opportunity for service

afforded by a church

• fellowship, prayer, love and acceptance

Further reading