How Should Christians Deal with Depression?

As Christians, most people would assume that you should or would have smooth sailing throughout your lifetime because you believe in God.

Well, news flash, this is not true because, along the way, different things can happen.

Apart from the different things one has to face in life’s journey, have you ever heard of the word burnout? Yes, burnout is a state of exhaustion.

We are humans, and it is normal to have burnouts. It is very possible to get to a state where you are just frustrated, tired of everything, and sad.

These burnouts, being frustrated, etc. can lead to depression

What, then, is depression?

According to the World Health Organization, depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.


Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. It can affect all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends, and the community. It can result in or lead to problems at school and at work.


Depressed people should not be stigmatized because they may not even be aware of their state.


Even in the Scriptures, one of the great prophets also encountered depression. Yes, that’s right. The great and mighty Prophet Elijah, who called down fire from heaven, was depressed.


After Jezebel sent a messenger to him saying that she was coming after him, the same man who destroyed the prophets of Baal fled for his life and even went as far as praying for his life to come to an end.


And we all know that Elijah was far from weak; we can say his depressive state happened as a result of burnout.


Let’s take a look at the events that happened in the previous chapters of 1 Kings before he got to this state


In 1 Kings 17, the prophet made a decree that there would be no rain, and it came to pass. In that same chapter, the man of God also performed a miracle as he visited the widow; in fact, there were two miracles. One was the provision of food that made sure the woman and her child wouldn't experience drought during the famine, and the second was reviving the child of the woman after crying to God to restore his life


He didn’t even stop here; he was so energized that in the next chapter, he challenged the prophets of Baal to a battle, the “Show off your God challenge”. The challenge was simply to ask your God/god to bring down fire.


Just so you know, these prophets were 450 in number. He went ahead and defeated all of them because, you know, one thing our God cannot do is fail.


He made a mess of them and their gods, and after that, he slew them all.


The God of Elijah now became the God that was accepted.


The miracle of rain came shortly after, because, if you remember, he made a decree for the rain to stop.


After accepting Jesus, rain had to be restored because all this was for them to accept the Lord God.


At the slight signal that it was going to rain, Elijah sent word to the king and told him to gather his chariots and leave before the rain started. This same Elijah outran the chariots of Ahab, the king.

It was after this series of mighty events that this great prophet asked God to take his life

Why?

Burnout! After all he had done, the people finally accepted God, only for Jezebel to send word to him that she was coming after him.


He must have been tired and frustrated, and the one positive thing about how Elijah handled this state was that even in his depression, he still went to God.


Now, I am asking you, who do you go to when you feel sad, frustrated, or depressed? Or do you just bottle your emotions and not share them with anyone, not even your God?


Before going into that, I want to let you know that it is one thing to be depressed; it is another to know you are depressed because, for some, they are not even aware of depression.


There are some signs/traits that depressed people exhibit, and these are some of them.


When sadness is a permanent state, not a one off sad feeling

Feeling helpless or hopeless

Feeling the need to be distant from people

Having suicidal thoughts


When you come to the understanding that you are depressed, it is best to make an effort to bring yourself out of it. Even if you have people around who want to help you, if you are not forthcoming, you may frustrate their efforts. I know it is easier said than done, but you have to try.


For people who have friends or loved ones exhibiting some of these traits, you should be your brother’s keeper because some are unaware while others are aware. And the nature of depression is to make those who are aware put up a facade in front of people, while those who are unaware may just feel the need to isolate themselves.


Having known this, how do you overcome/deal with depression?


Accept your state

Make efforts to leave that state

Know it is going to be a gradual process

Seek medical help

Surround yourself with family and friends that you can talk to

Always go to God.


Also, if you have loved ones that are depressed, I am sure one question that comes to mind is, "How do you help them overcome or deal with depression?”


Be sensitive to their feelings

Let them know and understand their state and let them see how it has affected their lifestyle

Give support and guidance

Take them for medical care

Pray with them

Conclusion

As Christians, keep in mind that depression can happen to anyone. It is not a punishment, nor is it a character flaw. It is a state that is caused by diverse things.


When dealing with people who are depressed, be sure to pray to God for wisdom, because no one is more knowledgeable than God, and I’m sure as you help your loved ones, God will pull them out of this state.


To all who are depressed, know that God loves you a lot. Just stay close to him, and he will pull you out of it by his grace. All you have to do is submit to him and be determined to get out of that state.