Depression and the Church, revisited

This is a post about depression and how the Church should handle depression and depressed people. There may be triggers in this article. As always, If you’re depressed, tell someone. Tell a doctor, friend, family member or counselor. Please do not suffer alone, especially if you feel suicidal.

Normally, I don’t revisit blogs that I have already written, however, today I feel the need to write about depression. For those that don’t know depression is much more than the blues. An occasional case of the blues is normal. However, getting yourself into a funk, especially one that you don’t see the other side of is hard. 

I have a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder. I don’t speak about it nearly enough because often when I do, I find myself being told “let it go!” This past weekend, I had a pretty intense episode of depression. It exhausted me! What brought the depression on is that I found out a house that I have very fond memories of is up for sale. I know it sounds stupid, and I get that…people sale houses all the time, but there is a specific reason this depresses me. Either way, I am going to be okay. I spent yesterday, April 15th, fasting and praying. I noticed that the depression and anxiety did let up some and maybe it’s because my focus was on “not starving!” Yet, the fast gave me time to walk away from people at lunch, take a walk around the lake and get some much needed vitamin D (sunshine). 

For those that don’t know there are several different types of depression—usually we only think of postpartum depression, major depression or seasonal depression. Truth is there are many more types of depression and not all of them manifest in the same way. 

Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder.

Postpartum depression is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies.

Psychotic depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive “theme,” such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness.

Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder.

Bipolar disorder is different from depression, but it is included in this list is because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression (called “bipolar depression”). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.”

For the person experiencing depression, you may want to note the signs and symptoms, but before you start checking off the list and saying “Well I don't have all of these so I am not depressed, you may or may not experience all of these symptoms. 

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite and/or weight changes
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempt
•         Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment.

Maybe now your question is “What can the church do about it?” One thing I really dislike about how churches deal with depression is that they call it a spirit, a demonic possession. And while there may be some truth to the fact that it is a spirit, that’s not all it is. Another thing I hate is when people say “Rebuke it”, “Let it go” or “shake the dust from your feet.” That’s not always possible. Sometimes, that just makes things worse for the depressed person. Words that are meant for encouragement, don’t always sound that way to the depressed person…matter of fact, because I can’t “Rebuke it”, “Let it go” or “Shake the dust from my feet.” I often walk away from the church feeling defeated. Like there is something wrong with me. When in reality, I am human and that is all I will ever be! 

So to my pastor friends, who may be reading this, here is what I think you need to remember: 

Church leaders should know that depression is a very real issue that they must address.  Some people say that depression is solely a spiritual problem while others believe it to be a physical or mental disorder.  I believe it is both.  As followers of Christ, everything we are, everything we do and everything we experience is wrapped up in and affected by the personal relationship we have or do not have with God through Jesus Christ.  Nothing touches our life that doesn't pass through His hands, with His permission.  Every problem we face, whether it is a physical illness or an unconfessed sin is a "spiritual problem".  If it is a concern to us it is a concern to Him.

Church leaders should know that depression may require medical attention.  Chemical imbalances induced by stress can trigger depression.  It is important to know that a tendency toward depression is many times hereditary, resulting in a disorder that responds well to the right medication.  Depression is not eliminated by medication.  Medicine simply levels the playing field so that the issues and problems that lead to depression can be effectively dealt with.

Church leaders should know that depression may require professional counseling.  I am amazed that so many Christians are so afraid to see a Christian counselor.  Shame and guilt often prevent those who battle depression from getting the help they need.  God gave counselors their gifts and abilities.  He must have known we would need them.  Church leaders should be quick to encourage those struggling with depression to seek out Christian counseling. 

Church leaders should be aware of the shame and stigma felt by those who struggle with depression.  These people are not "crazy" but often feel as if everyone thinks they are.  Many times a pastor or church leader can make it easier for those who battle depression by simply acknowledging depression as a reality that anyone can face.

Church leaders should know that depression is not necessarily sin.  The causes of depression are incalculable. While it is true that depression can be triggered by the consequences of sin it is just as true that depression can simply be the result of a chemical imbalance present from birth. Depression can even be a side affect of medication or induced by health problems as well as physical and mental exhaustion. For example, those who must take medicine to control high blood pressure, thyroid conditions, diabetes and a host of other illnesses are very likely to struggle with depression.  Many of the most creative and powerful leaders battle depression because they constantly teeter on the brink of burnout.

Remember, authenticity and transparency bring healing.  As pastors and leaders we must be willing to practice emotional integrity, freeing those we love and lead to do the same.