One of the most prevelant mental health disorders is various forms of depression. By definition depression is a common but serious mood disorder also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression causes severe symptoms that affect how someone feels, thinks, and participates in daily activities like sleeping, working, socializing and eating. Depression feels like you are in a cloud of doubt, darkness and disbelief. There are also varying degrees in the severity of depression. Getting a diagnosis for depression requires there to be symptoms present for at least 2 weeks. often we see symptoms of depression as present for longer periods depending on the severity and type of depressive disorder someone has.

There are various types of depressive disorders according to the DSM-5, the diagnostic tool therapists and clinicians use to diagnose mental health disorders. There is Major Depression, which includes depressive symptoms for more than 2 weeks that consistently interfere with daily activities. Persistent Depressive Disorder is also known as Dysthymia, and this is a more long term depression that can be less severe as major depression, but persists for a period of longer than 2 years. Perinatal Depressive Disorder, is depression that occurs during or after pregnancy, if it shows up after birth of baby then it is sometimes referred to as Postpartum Depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder, is something I have written about previously here, and is depression that comes and goes with a seasonal change. Another disorder that has depressive symptoms is Bipolar Disorder, it occurs with periods of deep depression and combined with low activity, while cycling to higher episodes that feel extremely happy or even manic. These are a few of the disorders that can illustrate depression, there are other disorders that depression can be a symptom of, and depression can be comorbid with many other disorders.

Depression is caused by various biological, environmental and physiological reasons. It is a common disorder, and it is a well researched and studied disorder. The conflict for many come in when they consider their depression and their Biblical beliefs. Depression is a disorder that does not come with visible symptoms, or test. If my cholesterol is high and I am in danger of heart disease this shows up in blood work. When I experience SVT, a heart condition that makes my heart beat rapidly, it shows up on an EKG or heart monitor. The directions for those disorders are often clear, take some medication and see a decrease in symptoms. For many, because depression is not as easily ‘seen’ it is judged negatively in various communities and cultures.

So how can we cope? How can we help our brothers and sisters who are battling a depressive disorder?

I know that the best source is the Bible. First of all, there are so many examples of people who struggled with depressive symptoms in the Bible. Consider Elijah, in 1 Kings chapter 19 we encounter Elijah, on the run and scared for his life. Elijah is depressed and feeling defeated he just wants to die. “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” 1 Kings 19:4. Depression has a way of robbing us of the ability to see beyond our circumstances in the moment. When life is hitting us hard, depression can cause us to lose sight of hope. Elijah had lost sight of the hope and promises the Lord had in store for him. As we continue reading we also get a glimpse into how God intervenes in someone’s life when they are battling depression and suicidal thoughts!

God does not come to Elijah and accuse him of losing his faith, He does not place heavy condemnation upon him either. Instead he does a few things that we can take away as we minister to others who battle depression. 1. God sends an angel who bakes frssh bread upon a warm fire and gives Elijah bread and water to drink. 2. Then he tells Elijah to rest. 3. He then wakes him and feeds him more bread and water. 4. Then Elijah is able to be alone sustained for 40 days while he travels to Horeb and spends the night in a cave. Then God comes and approaches Elijah with curiosity instead of judgment. God asks Elijah “What are you doing here Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:8. God knows the answer, but he is having a conversation with Elijah, forcing him to confront his irrational thoughts and the very thoughts that are causing him to behave depressed.

Elijah is able to talk to God and God gives him encouragement and hope. God comes to Elijah: “and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:12. The way the Lord comes as that still small voice, he knows just how to encourage and equip Elijah for his next mission. It is a beautiful encouragement and testament to how the Lord meets us in our pain, our depression and our sorrow and ministers to us so openly and freely.

Another person in the Bible who we see battle depressive thoughts is David. “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, for the help of His countenance.” Psalm 42:5. Throughout the book of Psalms we read first hand how David battled many things like anxiety and depression. He poetically writes his thoughts and there is always a formula to his songs. He openly admits what he is feeling, confronting the deep dark thoughts that are causing his feelings; then he returns to remembering the faithfulness of the Lord and the promises that have been spoken to him. Instead of isolating and turning away from God, David boldly continues to seek the Lord and remind himself over and over again of the faithfulness of God throughout history.

This is exactly what Moses encouraged the Israelites to do because God was encouraging Moses in this way. “Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God drives you, and you return to the Lord your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and all your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, that the Lord your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and father you again from all the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you.” Deuteronomy 30:1-3. There is a hope and an encouragement waiting for us, when we continue to meditate on the Word and remember how faithful the Lord was to each generation.

Depression can be a debilitating disease that eats away at someone who is suffering. It can cause someone to feel isolated and alone. There are many ways to help someone who is battling depression, or if you are someone struggling. First, seek out wise counsel and also visit your primary care physician. Often depressive symptoms can be a result of other diseases or vitamin deficiencies. Rule out any physical challenges, and then begin walking with someone who will allow you to explore those irrational thoughts that drive darkness. Depression does not thrive when we are taking care of ourselves, and in community with others. Depression can be battled with the comfort of the Lord, who sees us in our affliction and comforts us.