Robin Williams and How to Deal with Depression

Robin Williams shocked the world this week when he committed suicide.  He is one of the last people anyone would have ever thought was depressed.  It just goes to show that depression can be something people share openly or hide secretly.   As a result, I am dedicating this article to those who suffer mild, moderate or severe depression, especially Christians.

Depression is something everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Did you know that many well-known people struggled with depression such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther, James Taylor and Charles Spurgeon? 

There are also some great characters in the Bible who experienced depression.   They include the Prophet Elijah, Hannah, King David and the Apostle Paul.  As you can see, depression is a condition which is blind to wealth, notoriety, achievements or beliefs.

Sadly, most Christians don't want to talk about their depression because they believe that if they trusted God enough, they would not be depressed. That can be true but it is not necessarily valid in all situations.

If you identify with a majority of these symptoms, you are most likely depressed.

1.  Ongoing feelings of sadness or irritability.

2.  Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

3.  Changes in weight or appetite.

4.  Changes in sleeping patterns.

5.  Feeling guilty or worthless.

6.  Inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions.

7.  Fatigue or loss of energy.

8.  Restlessness or sluggishness.

9.  Thoughts of suicide.

10. Unexplained or heightened physical pains.

11. Intermittent or prolonged anxiety.

To be open and vulnerable, I have at some point in my life experienced the different types of depression that I am about to list. You may have too or you may know someone who has. Simply put, these types are Non-biological and Biological.  Let's take a look at each.

Non-biological depression can be caused for a number of reasons such as difficult circumstances, not being a believer in Christ, being overworked consistently, attempting to get your love and acceptance needs met apart from Jesus, performing to measure up instead of resting in your righteousness in Christ, rejection, trying to be perfect, unforgiveness, unresolved guilt, unyielded rights, not understanding the New Covenant, spiritual oppression, prolonged disappointment, failure and more.

How can you deal with non-biological depression? The best thing you can do is to resolve the spiritual conflicts within you - most often with good grace-based Biblical counseling. We see God work to bring healing in many depressed people's lives each week in our counseling ministry, Grace Life International. If you are interested in having a consultation, we provide live and Skype counseling for people. For more info, visit our web site at www.GraceLifeInternational.com or call us at 704-522-9026.  We may also be able to refer you to one of our counseling associates elsewhere.

I encourage you to read a wonderful book, "Conquering Depression" by Bill and Anabel Gillham.

Biological depression is such that counseling, praying, reading your Bible, knowing your identity in Christ, or setting your mind on Biblical truth will not alleviate it.  As a doctor friend once told me, "You can't think you way out of this kind of depression." Some of the reasons for biological depression include illnesses which change the body chemistry such as a stroke, side-effects of some medications, drug or alcohol abuse, extreme fatigue, hormone imbalance, and heredity.

What can help with biological depression? Thank God that we live in a time when there are both natural and traditional medications to help with this kind of depression.  See your doctor to discuss your options for this kind of treatment. And listen Christian!  There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed if you need to take a natural or prescription medication for depression. Would you feel this way if you had to take thyroid medication? Of course not!  So don't let those feelings prevent you from seeing your doctor.  Also, let me say that in our experience, some people cannot deal with the spiritual causes of depression until they get some help from medication to get their brain chemistry back on track.  Afterwards, some are able to stop their meds with their doctor's help while others may need to remain on them for the rest of their lives.

There are many books on biological depression to help you understand the role of brain chemistry, hormones, blood sugar, medications and more.  Though you will need to disregard the evolutionary bent, one such book is "The Broken Brain: The Biological Revolution in Psychiatry" by Nancy C. Andreasen.

Most of all, pray for God to heal your depression and to guide you to the best counseling or treatment for you. He does not want you to remain in depression.  He loves you and He is for you.  2 Corinthians 7:6 says, "But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us in the coming of Titus." (NASB)  Also, tell someone.  Secrecy is a mighty weapon Satan wields against God's children.

Finally, if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, talk to Him and ask Him to forgive you for your sins and to come live inside you.

Live Free In Christ,

Mark Maulding, President and Founder

www.GraceLifeInternational.com All Content Copyright © 2014 Mark Maulding