Depression and Christianity

[Fly-Away-Blue-Bird]

Hi all

I am new here and it has taken me a while to stop and admit that I have depression. It has taken a while because depression comes in many forms and I would go undetected most of the time because I appear happy on the outside but my mind plagues me each day. It scares me to talk about this because it means that the abuse of the past still has a hold on me and that just makes me mad! Now I am going to share with you about my religion but I don't want this thread to be about tearing it apart, because that would make me even more depressed!!

I am a Christian and I have been for 13 years now. I have been healed from many things of my past but other things remain. I think being a Christian has made it harder for me to admit and to talk to others about my depression because the stereotype I get is that Christians should be happy.. I know that when I go to church everyone is smiling and it is difficult to imagine that anyone but me could feel so sad, so lonely and so different from anyone else. I don't even share on Facebook what I am going through because when I see another friends write something about depression all I see is the typical Christian answers of "Go to God, you can overcome this through him, You will be alright keep smiling, what have you got to be depressed for Christ took it for you, etc etc." Those answers come from people who just don't understand!

So here I am, opening up to strangers.. Please be kind  🙂

[Sparkles183]

Hi myownworstenemy 

welcome to Beyond blue.

it is great to hear you decided to come here to these forums and reach out.

i am sorry to hear what you have been through with the church.  Unfortunately   we are all not all perfect even the pope him self is not perfect. 

The bible verse that comes to mind is father forgive them for they do not know what they do Luke 23:34. Unfortunately the church can be very hurtful when it comes to mental illness but I find the  more I dwell on how I have been hurt by the church the worst I get so I have to find it in my heart to forgive the. 

Gandhi once said I like Christ but I do not like your christians your christians is unlike your Christ.  And personally myself  believe that is very true.  

So may I ask are you getting  professional    help  for your mental illness ? being a Christian it can be very hard to reach out for help but to me it has been worth it I have not found a good psychologist yet but the GP,s I have been to regarding my illness have been great and wants to help me despite my faith.

as I end here today I just want to leave you with two Christian songs that has helped me through my depression and lowest moments. They are 

remind me who I am by jason grey ( it must be watched with the video clip you can find on youtube.)

and you are not alone by rick pino

i hope things get better for you soon.

feel free to keep reaching out on this forum their is always someone out there who is willing to listen. 

Take care 

Sparkles 

[Doolhof]

Hi MOWE and Sparkles,

It is unfortunate when a fellow Christian can not show empathy, love, care and understanding when it comes to mental health issues.

The thing for me is to remember that God is not like that at all, He loves us unconditionally. Like Sparkles mentioned, we are all just human and I know I have treated people badly as well and will probably continue to do so even when I don't realise I am doing it.

MOWE, it certainly sounds like you have been through quite a lot! Like Sparkles mentioned, this is a very safe and caring place to share how you are feeling and coping.

I hope the people who are supportive at your church continue to be there for you.

All the best from Lauren

[myownworstenemy]

Hi Sparkles 183.   I have had discussions with my GP, a psychiatrist and a mental health social worker which have been somewhat helpful.  I have been referred to another specialist by my neurologist and the psychiatrist but there is quite a substantial waiting list so after four or five months, I am still waiting to receive proper treatment and support to resolve the mental health issues.  Hopefully the professional help will happen soon.  In the mean time, I do the best I can with the strategies I have been given so far to cope when I lose the plot and I get some support from some of my friends at church and my brother who is my carer now.  I know that God is there to guide me at this difficult time in my life.

[Egg1]

If there are any Christians out there who are experiencing depression, I would love to hear from you. God is our greatest source of hope.

[Doolhof]

Hi Egg 1,

Welcome to the forum. I see I have posted above using "lauren" I don't use that anymore.

Yes, I have Christian values and yes I have depression and suicidal ideation at times as well. I find it confusing and hypercritical at times, but that is because I am hard on myself and have believed the stories I have been told by others that Christians should not be depressed.

Regardless of our beliefs or non beliefs, we are all humans and are all subject to the same illnesses and inflictions including mental health issues.

I'm not going to push my faith and beliefs here, I will state that yes I am a Christian and I also believe God is loving, caring, understanding and sympathetic to all we go through.

Like people in general, some Christians do not understand depression. Is this something you are experiencing?

Hope you have some people who are supportive and caring.

Cheers from Dools

[smallwolf]

Hi Egg1,

I would agree with everything that Dools said in her reply and just add the following (dot) points -

• there are some good books written by Christians that put aside the notion that you got depression because you were a sinner or whatever, and that it OK to use medication. And I agree with that.
• as Dools said there are some people who have told me that I needed to pray harder, or other phrases that I find/found extremely unhelpful.

Finally, and this is for me, that God is found in the actions of those around us, in terms of loving. supporting, caring and helping each other. There obviously a flip-side to this, but I will let you work that out 🙂

Tim

[Egg1]

Hi Dools,

Thank you for your very quick reply. I'm going through a difficult time with major depression and I could relate to much of what you said.

Look forward to keeping in touch.

God bless

[Egg1]

Hi Smallwolf,

Thanks for your reply. Depression is certainly not God's best for us but we live in a tainted world where sickness is a reality for Christians and non-believers alike. I have accepted that it is a reality for me at times having a long history of depression. My hope is that I am able to receive and provide support for others who are also struggling with mental illness- in particular depression and anxiety. My faith in God is the most significant support there is and I am learning to lean on God more and more.

May you be encouraged and comforted during times of distress.

God bless

[Doolhof]

Hi Egg1,

Thank you for responding to myself and Smallwolf. My journey with depression and other mental health issues has been a long one too.

I know that God is always with me, it is me who looses contact with Him. As Smallwolf has mentioned, there are some wonderful books relating to depression, both Christion and general.

For me, it is helpful and appreciated when people tell me they don't understand depression and don't know what to say to help. That is more than okay as I don't always understand it myself!

Some people at my Church don't know what to say, so I smile at them and ask how they are getting on.

The Bible has many stories and makes comments about people who are not doing so well. There is so much hope there as well.

Wishing you well on your continued journey.

Cheers and blessings to you from Dools

[Guest_1055]

Hi Egg,

I am also learning to lean on God more and more. Or maybe it's Him drawing me closer to Himself. Or Him showing me more of what He is like.

Have you ever listen to sermons by Andrew Wommack? I am currently listening to some called "harnessing your emotions". Would love to know if you have.

And welcome

Shell