Depression + Following Jesus 02 | Anatomy of Depression
Depression is a complex human experience –––– Some people experience mild depression, others major depression, and still others a combination of depression and anxiety. There are also different types of depression. Depression is not simply rooted in one cause, but can stem from many different causes. Each person who suffers from depression has a unique story behind their depression. In addition, each person has a unique combination of thoughts and feelings stirring within them.
Various thoughts can surface while a person is depressed.
Could I be depressed?
What will people think about me if they find out that I am depressed?
How did this happen to me?
I don't want to be labeled.
I just want to feel normal again.
I don't like myself right now.
No matter how much I try, I can’t seem to feel like myself.
Various emotions can surface while a person is depressed.
I feel numb.
I feel scared.
I no longer feel joy.
I no longer feel passion or drive.
I feel sad.
I feel shame.
I feel overwhelmed.
I feel paralyzed.
I feel stuck.
I feel helpless.
I feel hopeless.
I feel anxious.
I feel apathetic.
I feel restless.
I feel tired.
Because depression is complex –––– we have to be thoughtful and careful with how we approach the topic in Christianity.
We have to be careful not to treat complex human experiences with overly simplistic cliches and answers.
We have to be careful not to prejudge a person’s depression as though it is a moral issue.
We have to be careful with giving spiritual solutions when we do not have a thorough understanding of what the Bible teaches about depression, mental health, and human suffering.
We need to be careful not to perpetuate stigmas that further exacerbate a person’s pain.
It is vital that our approach to depression reflects the heart of a kind, merciful, and loving God. When God sees a person suffering, He leans in with deep seated compassion and draws near to a person’s pain. He offers a safe spiritual home of comfort, love, rest, strength and gentleness to a person processing deep and complex pain.
We would be wise to do the same.
To be people of kindness.
To be people of mercy.
To be people love.
To be people that lean in with compassion.
To be people that draw near to a persons pain with gentleness.
If we do not approach depression in a thoughtful and careful manner, we will continue to perpetuate stigmas around depression in Christianity. Stigmas hurt. Stigmas exasperate suffering. Stigmas plant seeds of self-doubt and self-criticism. And worst of all, stigmas can deeply injure a person spiritually.
Jesus is a safe place. Jesus is a safe relational home. No person should ever have to think thoughts of spiritual confusion or shame over depression. And no person should ever have to be in mental and emotional turmoil over whether it is safe to open up about depression amongst Christians.
I am sorry if this has been your experience.
I am sorry if you have ever felt unsafe sharing your experience with depression.
I am sorry if churches or Christians have not been a safe spiritual home to process your pain.
Can I help you reorient your heart and mind back to a true picture of Jesus?
He is safe. He cares. He loves you. He sees you. He feels your pain.
And He says to you…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30
This is Jesus invitation to your weary and hurting soul. You are loved.
Check back soon for part 03 of “Depression + Following Jesus.”
Much Love,
Wesley, founder + speaker