Depression is defined as, “a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty with thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or an attempt to commit suicide” (Merriam Webster). A close friend of mine battles depression and would describe it is, “a debilitating mood that makes it hard to get out of the bed in the morning, a desire to sleep all the time, inability to experience joy, and apathy towards life.” Due to its prevalent occurrence among several people groups throughout history, depression is known as the “common cold of mental illnesses” and has been called “the most widespread, serious, and costly psychiatric disease afflicting humankind today” (Fairchild). Depression affects people of all ages, races, and economic as well as religious backgrounds.
When looking at the bible, one finds that even biblical characters were not immune to depressed moods. For example, Moses, Elijah, and Job became so depressed at some point during their ministries that they wished they would die (Numbers 11:15, 1 Kings 19:4, and Job 3:20-21). Jesus himself experienced great grief due to his compassion, concern, and vast sense of disappointment over the sins of the world and their fatal consequences.
Though it often goes by different names, depression infects many Christians as well. That statement may surprise some since the typical Christ follower is often pictured as a happy-go-lucky, carefree, always smiling type of individual. No one is immune to depression. Everyone goes through difficult times and if the feelings associated with these times are not dealt with properly, an individual can find h...
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As previously stated, no one is immune to depression. Jesus himself experienced sorrow, disappointment, and discouragement, but he is a remarkable example of how to deal with these emotions in a Godly manner. Christ experienced the tension of living in this fallen world while still submitting himself to the divine will of God. He did not allow his sufferings to be the cause for sin or hopelessness. When dealt with in a healthy way, these emotions can cause people to grow and make them more like Christ. Pastors will without a doubt encounter individuals battling depression. It is important for pastors to take the time and try to help someone with depression talk and work through why they are feeling this away. If a pastor has met with an individual three times and they seem to be getting nowhere, it is wise to refer the said individual to a medical professional.
The start of this article focuses on a Christian client named George who is plagued with feelings of worthlessness, depression, low self-esteem, and suicide. His mother had also battled depression, and his father had an abusive relationship with alcohol, which caused his father to have verbally and physically abusive altercations with George and his mother. The abusive experiences that George was exposed to as a child paved the way for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as an adult (Garzon, 2005). With all of these factors present in this client’s life, a treatment plan was created that involved scripture interventions. The author made sure to touch on the fact that every client is unique in the hopes that counselors would be aware that one type of scripture intervention might work for one client and not work for another. The article highlights three guiding values when considering these types of interventions; “respect for the client’s autonomy/freedom, sensitivity to and empathy for the client’s religious and spiritual beliefs, and flexibility and responsiveness to the client’s religious and spiritual beliefs.”(Garzon, 2005). ...
Gilliland, Steve. “Awake My Soul: Dealing Firmly with Depression.” Ensign Aug.1978: 37-40. Mills Johnson, Sherrie. Remarks at Assoc.of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists. Salt Lake City, Utah. 2 Apr. 2004. .
Having a mental disorder, including Trichotillomania, does not make you any less of a Christian, despite the popular controversy of mental disorders and the Christian faith. In fact, many people who suffer from mental disorders use their Christian faith as a form of treatment in the lifelong battle they are fighting. This paper will examine what Trichotillomania is, including the causes and symptoms, how a Christian who suffers from Trichotillomania uses their faith as a part of their treatment, and how the Christian faith is impacted by Trichotillomania.
The Christian perspective on psychopathology is that all psychological aspects of an individual have been affected in some way by the fall. The Christian perspective sees us all as broken, deceitful who have been blemished from the fall. However, we are also created in the image of God. Therefore, through His redemptive grace, we can be restored. Also, “a Christian understanding of sin and psychopathology should be based on a holistic view of the person in relation to self, other, God and one’s physical surroundings” (Yarhouse, p97). This Christian perspective can be used to explain several aspects of pathology, or what contributes to psychopathology. These aspects are; human nature, human incompleteness, the effects of others sin, the effects of the client’s own sin, and the effects of sin on society as a whole. All of these aspects show that sin is at the root of psychopathological
It is imperative that they trust and lean on God for guidance during times like these. The Christian nurse can draw consolation from the words of Jesus when burdened with guilt associated with the patient’s sickness and suffering. According to 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (ESV) Nurses may not associate the patient’s problem with spirituality if they (the nurse) are not spiritually healthy, likewise they may not be able to fully help the patient if their suffering is persistent and without hope. However, compassionate caring goes a long way in alleviating the worries of the patient which will further relieve the worry and stress felt by the
Koenig states that the impact religions have on mental pathologies such as depression and anxiety are making the person more suppress, moderate, deter and prevent the effects from stress which leads to depression (Koenig, 1998). Mormons may get caught up in practicing what they think is right about God and will step away from all other options. However, Koenig states that Mormons are wealthy and would sometimes rather counselors over their own religion. There is a lot of controversies over whether or not Mormons seek help in God or in other ways such as counseling or health professionals. The Mormons that do want professional help also are sometimes discouraged from fellow neighbors because of the inability past social workers had in knowing different cultures and religions beliefs, morals, and behaviors. The author also mentions that Mormons are built upon truth and when a mental or emotional illness occurs it is sometimes known as a manifestation of sin. Mormons who are diagnosed with a mental illness usually have had a difficult time self-reflecting until they are brought upon an illness that stops them living the way they used
Depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how a person conducts him/herself, and the way he/she think. Depression may include anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, manic depressions. People with a depressive illness cannot merely ‘pull themselves together’ and get better. About 5% of the population will have some form of a mental illness at some point in their lives. Half of these people will also have a substance abuse
The human experience is what connects people to one another. What we experience defines who we are and who we become. It also defines how we interact with others. The amazing thing is that not only do the events that bring joy, peace and happiness connect us but also those that bring anxiety, fear and despair. This brings to light the fact that God somehow in his sovereignty uses all things for the good of those who love Him. These ideas are brought to light in Jerry Sittser’s book, A Grace Disguised which is his personal journey of loss and the insight and experience that was gained in the face of great tragedy. In his book, Sittser discusses various insights he has gained, such as how Christian’s view sorrow, how families recover when someone they love develops a mental disorder, and the Christian view on suffering and forgiveness. I believe that the author has written a book that has many universal truths that can be applied to anyone’s life and they have the ability to bring healing to many. His ideas can also aid professionals who work with the mentally ill in becoming more compassionate.
Regardless of the person whether male or female who has developed the symptoms of depression, their lives have been invaded by a sickness that can have a devastating effect on their lives; depending on how severe their symptoms are. If left untreated the end result could have an even more devastating effect. Luckily, there are treatments available that are successful.
Depression is much more common than most people think. Because it is essentially an invisible illness and is largely in the mind, it is difficult to correctly diagnose it and most people suffer for months, years, or even decades with depression. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines depression as “a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty with thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or an attempt to commit suicide.” Most medical definitions are able to explain what happens and why it does, but after carefully examining this one, we only notice that it explains what happens, but not why. Usually, the symptoms of an illness are...
Depression is defined as "a state of despondency marked by feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness" (Coon, 2001). Some people can mix up depression with just having the blues because of a couple of bad days or even weeks. It is already said that depression affects about one sixth of the population or more (Doris, Ebmeier, Shajahan, 1999). Depression can happen in any age range from birth to death. The cause of depression is still obscure and becoming clear that a number of diverse factors are likely to be implicated, both genetic and environmental. Some causes are leading stressful lives, genetic factors, a previous depressive episode, and the personality trait neuroticism (Doris, et al., 1999).
Long ago, caves were the only shelter available to man. There was no choice but to live in them. They provided warmth and protection. Living in a cave in today’s society would be torturous. Depression plays a role in society today, and people live with it non-stop. Depression is isolating and leaves one in the darkness. Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” helps show how a person is captured by depression, living inside their own mind just like the cave, and how to see the light of escaping depression is like the sun.
Depression is more than experiencing a difficult day or event or being in a bad mood. Sometimes, people seek help even though they are not clinically depressed because they think they need the help they get from a psychologist. When speaking to a depressed individual, it is very important to know the occasion that lead to their emotional trauma. Depressed mood is not the same as a depressed disorder. According to Nydegger, “Depressed mood is a negative affective or emotional quality such as feeling sad, miserable, gloominess for a period of time. Depressive disorder refers t...
There are many people in the world who are struggling with the disease depression. Depression is the state in which a person feels very sad, hopeless and unimportant. The thing about depression is that it affects both genders and any ages. Depression is something that deserves full attention. For many reasons doctors believe that when a person has depression, they have to start taking medication for it as if medications help. People are becoming more dependent on antidepressants when there are other techniques for dealing with depression.
According to Psychology Information Online, depression is a psychological condition that changes how a person thinks and feels, and it also affects their social behavior and sense of physical well being. Depression has been called a "whole body" illness because of the many things the illness affects.