What is Depression?

What is Depression?What is Depression?

A psychotic or neurotic condition A psychotic or neurotic condition characterized by an inability to concentrate, characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, and hopelessness.sadness, dejection, and hopelessness.

What is Depression?What is Depression?

A psychotic or neurotic condition A psychotic or neurotic condition characterized by an inability to concentrate, characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, and hopelessness.sadness, dejection, and hopelessness.

From a Bible standpoint there are several From a Bible standpoint there are several words which would either describe or words which would either describe or involve depression: Anxiety, despair, involve depression: Anxiety, despair, worry, an overwhelmed spirit, etc.worry, an overwhelmed spirit, etc.

The Christian Life is Joyful!The Christian Life is Joyful!

(John 10:10 NKJV)(John 10:10 NKJV) - “The thief does not - “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. destroy. I have come that they may have I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more life, and that they may have it more abundantlyabundantly..


(Philippians 4:4 NKJV)(Philippians 4:4 NKJV) - Rejoice in the - Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!


God has not promised to take away the God has not promised to take away the sources of our despair, but has given us sources of our despair, but has given us the way to endure with joy. the way to endure with joy. (1 Cor 10:13; Phil 1:30)(1 Cor 10:13; Phil 1:30)


(1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV) No No temptation has overtaken you except such temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but as is common to man; but God God is is faithfulfaithful, , who will not allow you who will not allow you to be tempted to be tempted beyond what you are ablebeyond what you are able, but with the , but with the temptation temptation will also make the way of will also make the way of escapeescape, that you may be able to bear , that you may be able to bear it.it.


(Philippians 1:27-30 NKJV)(Philippians 1:27-30 NKJV) - Only let - Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,gospel,


{28} {28} and and not in any way terrified by your not in any way terrified by your adversariesadversaries, which is to them a proof of , which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.from God. {29} {29} For For to you it has been to you it has been granted on behalf of Christgranted on behalf of Christ, not only to , not only to believe in Him, but believe in Him, but also to suffer for His also to suffer for His sakesake,, {30} {30} having the same conflict which having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear you saw in me and now hear is is in me.in me.


The most powerful example of our faith is The most powerful example of our faith is how we respond in suffering. how we respond in suffering. (2 Cor 12:10)(2 Cor 12:10)


(2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV) - Therefore - Therefore I I take pleasure in infirmitiestake pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, , in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I when I am weak, then I am strongam strong..

Characteristics of DepressionCharacteristics of Depression

Depression alone is not a sin!Depression alone is not a sin!


Depression alone is not a sin!Depression alone is not a sin! There are different levels of depression - There are different levels of depression -

Short term, Periodic and Chronic. Short term, Periodic and Chronic.


Depression alone is not a sin!Depression alone is not a sin! There are different levels of depression - There are different levels of depression -

Short term, Periodic and Chronic. Short term, Periodic and Chronic. All God given emotions are to be All God given emotions are to be

experienced. experienced.


(Ecclesiastes 3:2-4 NKJV)(Ecclesiastes 3:2-4 NKJV) A time to be A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; {3} A And a time to pluck what is planted; {3} A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; {4} break down, And a time to build up; {4} A A time to weeptime to weep, And a time to laugh; , And a time to laugh; A time A time to mournto mourn, And a time to dance; , And a time to dance;

Characteristics of Chronic DepressionCharacteristics of Chronic Depression

An unreal view of the world and people. An unreal view of the world and people. They often have their own reality.They often have their own reality.



There can be physical reasons for There can be physical reasons for depression.depression.



There can be physical reasons for depression.There can be physical reasons for depression. However if depression is not checked it can However if depression is not checked it can

come to control ones actions and thinking. In come to control ones actions and thinking. In many cases this is an issue within the control many cases this is an issue within the control of the Christian.of the Christian.


Consider some indications of chronic Consider some indications of chronic depression.depression.





They become ego centered. All things are They become ego centered. All things are viewed by how it relates to them.viewed by how it relates to them.



They become ego centered. All things are They become ego centered. All things are viewed by how it relates to them.viewed by how it relates to them.

There is a strong desire to withdraw. There is a strong desire to withdraw.


There is a strong desire for escape. (Eating, There is a strong desire for escape. (Eating, shopping, drugs, alcohol, “binges,” shopping, drugs, alcohol, “binges,” immorality, spending all spare time on immorality, spending all spare time on recreation)recreation)



There are physical changes. There are physical changes.



There are physical changes. There are physical changes. Thoughts of suicide.Thoughts of suicide.


Warning signs of suicideWarning signs of suicide * Changes in eating and sleeping habits. * Changes in eating and sleeping habits. * Withdrawal from friends, family, * Withdrawal from friends, family,

activities. activities. * Violent or rebellious behavior, running * Violent or rebellious behavior, running

away. away.


Warning signs of suicideWarning signs of suicide * Drug, alcohol abuse. * Drug, alcohol abuse. * Changes in hygiene. * Changes in hygiene. * Persistent boredom, difficulty * Persistent boredom, difficulty

concentrating, decline in schoolwork. concentrating, decline in schoolwork. * Frequent stomachaches, headaches, * Frequent stomachaches, headaches,

fatigue. fatigue.


Warning signs of suicide.Warning signs of suicide. * Loss of interest in pleasurable activities. * Loss of interest in pleasurable activities. * Inability to accept praise. * Inability to accept praise. * Feeling "rotten inside." * Feeling "rotten inside." * Giving away favorite possessions. * Giving away favorite possessions. * Verbal hints, such as "I won't see you * Verbal hints, such as "I won't see you

again." again."

Men who Overcame DepressionMen who Overcame Depression

Elijah Elijah (1 Kings 19:2-10, 18)(1 Kings 19:2-10, 18)


(1 Kings 19:2-8 NKJV)(1 Kings 19:2-8 NKJV) Then Then Jezebel sent Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijaha messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the , saying, “So let the gods do gods do to me, to me, and more also, and more also, if I do not if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this timetomorrow about this time.”.” {3} {3} And when And when he saw he saw that, that, he arose and ran for his lifehe arose and ran for his life, , and went to Beersheba, which and went to Beersheba, which belongs belongs to to Judah, and Judah, and left his servant thereleft his servant there..


{4} {4} But he himself went But he himself went a day’s journey into a day’s journey into the wildernessthe wilderness, and came and sat down under , and came and sat down under a broom tree. And a broom tree. And he prayed that he might he prayed that he might diedie, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, , and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I take my life, for I am am no better than my no better than my fathers!”fathers!” {5} {5} Then as he lay and slept under a Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “and said to him, “Arise Arise and and eateat.”.”


{7} {7} And the angel of the LORD came back And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise “Arise and and eat, because the journey eat, because the journey is is too too great for you.”great for you.” {8} {8} So he arose, and ate and So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.Horeb, the mountain of God.


(1 Kings 19:18 NKJV)(1 Kings 19:18 NKJV) “Yet “Yet I have I have reserved seven thousand in Israelreserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose , all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”mouth that has not kissed him.”


David David (Psa 142:1-4)(Psa 142:1-4)


(Psalms 142:1-4(Psalms 142:1-4 - - I cry out to the LORD with my I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.supplication. {2} {2} I pour out my complaint before I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.Him; I declare before Him my trouble. {3} {3} When my When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my pathmy path. In the way in which I walk . In the way in which I walk They have They have secretly set a snare for mesecretly set a snare for me.. {4} {4} Look on Look on my my right right hand and see, For hand and see, For there is there is no one who acknowledges no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soulNo one cares for my soul..


Both these men were able by faith to Both these men were able by faith to overcome.overcome.

Sources of DepressionSources of Depression

Buried anger. A passive escape! Buried anger. A passive escape! (Eph 4:26-27; 1 John 3:15)(Eph 4:26-27; 1 John 3:15)


(Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV)(Ephesians 4:26-27 NKJV) ““Be angry, Be angry, and do not sinand do not sin”: do not let the sun go down ”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,on your wrath, {27} {27} nor give place to the nor give place to the devildevil..


(1 John 3:15 NKJV)(1 John 3:15 NKJV) - - Whoever Whoever hates his hates his brother is a murdererbrother is a murderer, and you know that , and you know that no no murderer has eternal life abiding in himmurderer has eternal life abiding in him..


Often the most angry people I know are the Often the most angry people I know are the most passive ones.most passive ones.


Often the most angry people I know are the Often the most angry people I know are the most passive ones.most passive ones.

By burying and dwelling on hurts we only By burying and dwelling on hurts we only make them bigger. We may make them make them bigger. We may make them permanent.permanent.


It is never better to run from problems. God It is never better to run from problems. God has commanded what we should do. has commanded what we should do. (Matt 5:23-24; 18:15-17)(Matt 5:23-24; 18:15-17)


Living in the past. Living in the past. (Phil 3:12-14)(Phil 3:12-14)


Philippians 3:12-14Philippians 3:12-14 - - Not that I have already Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.has also laid hold of me. {13} {13} Brethren, I do not Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, I do, forgetting those things which are behind forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are and reaching forward to those things which are aheadahead,, {14} {14} I press toward the goal for the prize I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.


Selfishness. Selfishness. (Phil 2:3-4)(Phil 2:3-4)


(Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV)(Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV) Let Let nothing nothing be be done done through selfish ambition or conceit, through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.others better than himself. {4} {4} Let each of Let each of you look out you look out not only for his own interests, not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of othersbut also for the interests of others..


An overemphasis on the here and now. An overemphasis on the here and now. (1 Tim 6:6-10; 17-18)(1 Tim 6:6-10; 17-18)


(1 Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV)(1 Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV) Now Now godliness with godliness with contentment is great gaincontentment is great gain.. {7} {7} For For we brought we brought nothing into nothing into this this world, world, and it is and it is certain we can certain we can carry nothing outcarry nothing out.. {8} {8} And having food and And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.clothing, with these we shall be content. {9} {9} But But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and and a snare, and into into many foolish and harmful many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.perdition.


{10} {10} For the love of money is a root of all For the love of money is a root of all kinds of kinds of evil, for which some have strayed evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many pierced themselves through with many sorrows.sorrows.


(1 Timothy 6:17-18 NKJV)(1 Timothy 6:17-18 NKJV) Command Command those who are rich in this present age not to those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living Godbut in the living God, who , who gives us richly gives us richly all things to enjoyall things to enjoy.. {18} Let them {18} Let them do good, do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,give, willing to share,


A poor family upbringing. A poor family upbringing. (Eph 6:4)(Eph 6:4)


(Ephesians 6:4 NKJV)(Ephesians 6:4 NKJV) - - And you, fathers, And you, fathers, do not do not provoke your children to wrathprovoke your children to wrath, but , but bring them up in the training and bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.admonition of the Lord.


It is not uncommon for depression to go It is not uncommon for depression to go through generations.through generations.



Some are raised in an anger filled home Some are raised in an anger filled home where resentment is taught. where resentment is taught.



Some are raised in an anger filled home Some are raised in an anger filled home where resentment is taught. where resentment is taught.

Others are taught to run from problems Others are taught to run from problems rather than solve them.rather than solve them.

The Christian’s Response to DepressionThe Christian’s Response to Depression

To the one dealing with depression. To the one dealing with depression.


To the one dealing with depression. To the one dealing with depression. Build your faith in God. Build your faith in God. (Phil 4:11-13)(Phil 4:11-13)


(Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV)(Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV) - - Not that I Not that I speak in regard to need, for speak in regard to need, for I have learned in I have learned in whatever state I am, to be contentwhatever state I am, to be content:: {12} {12} I I know how to be abased, and I know how to know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned learned both to be full and to be hungry, both both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.to abound and to suffer need. {13} {13} I can do all I can do all things through Christ who strengthens methings through Christ who strengthens me..


A daily transformed mind.A daily transformed mind. (Rom 12:1-2) (Rom 12:1-2)


(Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)(Romans 12:1-2 NKJV) -- And do not be And do not be conformed to this world, but conformed to this world, but be transformed be transformed by the renewing of your mindby the renewing of your mind, that you may , that you may prove what prove what is is that good and acceptable and that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.perfect will of God.


A God centered mind.A God centered mind. (Phil 4:5-7) (Phil 4:5-7)


(Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)(Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV) - - Be anxious Be anxious for nothingfor nothing, but in everything by prayer and , but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;requests be made known to God; {7} {7} and and the peace of Godthe peace of God, which surpasses all , which surpasses all understanding, understanding, will guard your hearts and will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesusminds through Christ Jesus..


A life of meaning and fulfillment.A life of meaning and fulfillment. (Matt 20:28)(Matt 20:28)


(Matthew 20:28 NKJV)(Matthew 20:28 NKJV) “just as the Son “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, of Man did not come to be served, but to but to serveserve, and to give His life a ransom for , and to give His life a ransom for many.”many.”


Worship to the ever present God.Worship to the ever present God. (Psa 73:16-17)(Psa 73:16-17)


(Psalms 73:16-17 NKJV)(Psalms 73:16-17 NKJV) When I thought When I thought how how to understand this, It to understand this, It was was too painful too painful for me;for me; {17} {17} Until I went into the sanctuary Until I went into the sanctuary of Godof God; ; Then Then I understood their end.I understood their end.


Confidence in the hope of heaven.Confidence in the hope of heaven. (Rom 8:24-25; 12:12)(Rom 8:24-25; 12:12)


(Romans 8:25 NKJV)(Romans 8:25 NKJV) But if we hope for But if we hope for what we do not see, what we do not see, we eagerly wait for we eagerly wait for it it with perseverancewith perseverance..


(Romans 12:12 NKJV)(Romans 12:12 NKJV) - - rejoicing in rejoicing in hopehope, patient in tribulation, continuing , patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;steadfastly in prayer;


Surround yourself with faithful people. Surround yourself with faithful people. (1 Cor 15:33)(1 Cor 15:33)


(1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV) - - Do not be Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”habits.”


Some seek to associate with others who are Some seek to associate with others who are depressed because they will “understand”. depressed because they will “understand”. This could lead to compounding your This could lead to compounding your problem.problem.


During your times of weakness you will During your times of weakness you will need others who will strongly encourage need others who will strongly encourage you to faithfulness. you to faithfulness. (Gal 6:1-2)(Gal 6:1-2)


(Galatians 6:1-2 NKJV) (Galatians 6:1-2 NKJV) Brethren, if a Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, man is overtaken in any trespass, you who you who are are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentlenessgentleness, considering yourself lest you , considering yourself lest you also be tempted.also be tempted. {2} {2} Bear one another’s Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.


Do not flee from problems!Do not flee from problems!

The Family of the Depressed The Family of the Depressed

There are two common, but wrong There are two common, but wrong approaches to the depressed.approaches to the depressed.


There are two common, but wrong There are two common, but wrong approaches to the depressed.approaches to the depressed.

Some treat the member with silence and by Some treat the member with silence and by ignoring them. Others may even ridicule or ignoring them. Others may even ridicule or bury anger against the depressed.bury anger against the depressed.


There are two common, but wrong approaches to There are two common, but wrong approaches to the depressed.the depressed.

Some treat the member with silence and by Some treat the member with silence and by ignoring them. Others may even ridicule or bury ignoring them. Others may even ridicule or bury anger against the depressed.anger against the depressed.

Some may allow the depressed to rule. In this Some may allow the depressed to rule. In this situation they must submit to the depressed person situation they must submit to the depressed person or be punished. Here the depressed one can be very or be punished. Here the depressed one can be very manipulative. manipulative.


Have the courage to give the person what Have the courage to give the person what they need, not everything they ask. they need, not everything they ask. (Mk 10:21)(Mk 10:21)


(Mark 10:21 NKJV) (Mark 10:21 NKJV) Then Jesus, Then Jesus, looking looking at him, loved himat him, loved him, and said to him, “One , and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”the cross, and follow Me.”


This may lead to short term anger, but long This may lead to short term anger, but long term solutions.term solutions.



I have seen cowardly men and women I have seen cowardly men and women allow these problems to make shipwreck of allow these problems to make shipwreck of their entire family.their entire family.



I have seen cowardly men and women I have seen cowardly men and women allow these problems to make shipwreck of allow these problems to make shipwreck of their entire family.their entire family.

There may be a need for professional help.There may be a need for professional help.


Understand your own limitations.Understand your own limitations.


Understand your own limitations.Understand your own limitations. You cannot change another person against You cannot change another person against

their will.their will.


Understand your own limitations.Understand your own limitations. You cannot change another person against You cannot change another person against

their will.their will. Always keep your own faithfulness in mind. Always keep your own faithfulness in mind.

(Gal 6:1)(Gal 6:1)


Have realistic expectations.Have realistic expectations.

The Church’s Response The Church’s Response

Give understanding, love and support to the Give understanding, love and support to the brother. brother. (1 Cor 12:22-24)(1 Cor 12:22-24)


(1 Corinthians 12:22-24 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 12:22-24 NKJV) No, much No, much rather, rather, those members of the body which seem those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessaryto be weaker are necessary.. {23} {23} And those And those members members of the body which we think to be less of the body which we think to be less honorable, honorable, on these we bestow greater honoron these we bestow greater honor; ; and our unpresentable and our unpresentable parts parts have greater have greater modesty,modesty, {24} {24} but our presentable but our presentable parts parts have no have no need. But God composed the body, having need. But God composed the body, having given given greater honor to that greater honor to that part part which lacks itwhich lacks it,,


Stop the depressed from spreading their fear Stop the depressed from spreading their fear and in some cases gossip.and in some cases gossip.


Stop the depressed from spreading their fear Stop the depressed from spreading their fear and in some cases gossip.and in some cases gossip.

The depressed fight “contending for the The depressed fight “contending for the faith”. They want no more conflict. Do faith”. They want no more conflict. Do not let this attitude spreadnot let this attitude spread (Jude 3) (Jude 3)


(Jude 1:3 NKJV)(Jude 1:3 NKJV) - - Beloved, while I was Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you write to you exhorting you to contend exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faithearnestly for the faith which was once for which was once for all delivered to the saints.all delivered to the saints.

Remember God’s Way! Remember God’s Way!

(Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV)(Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV) - Finally, - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things. things.

Remember God’s Way! Remember God’s Way!

{9} The things which you learned and {9} The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.and the God of peace will be with you.

What is Depression?

Documents

christian life

different levels of

short term

unreal view

feelings of extreme

neurotic condition

gospel of christ

way of escape