Have you ever heard the shock expressed at the unfortunate passing of someone through suicide? Usually, at this time, it is revealed that this individual suffered from depression. I have heard but ‘he was the life of the party’ it seems inconceivable that this person could have a diagnosis of depression.
Why are some people who suffer depression afraid to talk about it? I am speaking especially to Christians circles where the language and attitude around mental health are sometimes insensitive. Proclamations such as; ‘Christians should not suffer from depression’ is verbalised, I can understand if you are in shock as you read this outrageous statement. I still swing between shock and raving mad whenever I hear this repeated.
We seem comfortable accepting physical illness, however, the stigma of mental health has reached through the doors of churches and has influenced the minds and dare I say it the hearts of people. There seems to be a callous treatment of those who display any signs of mental or emotional ill health. As a result, people try and to maintain a status quo pretending that everything is ‘ok’ while suffering shame due to their illness. Could it be that individuals suffer embarrassment at any likelihood of exposure and as such their isolation is compounded first by the silence they are forced into and second by the very nature of the illness? I believe education and understanding could begin to change the attitude of some Christians and give people the freedom to be true to themselves wherever they are.
They are many factors that can influence depression
For some, the darkness came through trauma experienced in their childhood that they cannot get past. They experience dark places that persistently haunt.
For some, the darkness came through bereavement.
One person describes depression as an effort to just hold their head up
Unfortunately, for many, depression is associated with shame and humiliation, even a lack of faith. Perhaps this is the echo of many voices that trivialise mental health.
Understanding depression
- What life event is happening now that could lead to depression, such as relationship breakdowns, bereavement and loss – it may be the loss of an ideal, loss of employment.
- Have the persons thinking change, have they become more negative in their outlook.
- Mood swings, for example, low moods that last longer than normal.
- Changes in behaviour and activities that they previously took part in.
- Stressful life events.
- Isolation loss of social support.
Strategies that can help
- Talking therapy
Find a good therapist/counsellor that can help walk alongside you through the darkness of depression. Counselling can help you understand underlying reasons and give you skills with which to cope.
- Depression recovery
This is a combination of group work and using NEWSTART (nutrition, exercise, water, the sunshine, temperance, air, rest, and trust in God). For information about depression, nedleyhealthsolutions.com
- Medical help
Keep in touch with your doctor and discuss options for treatment.
- Support Plan
Have a support plan and share that with the significant people around you. This will help them help you during a crisis.
- Self-help ideas
Books ‘overcoming depression: A five areas approach by Chris Williams. There are other great self-help books available. these can be sourced via your local library or perhaps you could discuss the options with a mental health professional.
Some do’s and don’ts in helping someone with depression
- Do not pull out a little part of scripture to use over someone’s head
- Do not discourage people seeking help
- Do not give people the impression that Christians should not experience depression or there must be some unconfessed sin in their lives.
- Do affirm people and encourage and support them.
- Do help with the everyday tasks when that becomes difficult.
- Do motivate and listen when necessary.
- Pray with and for them