Associates in Christian Counseling

What Christians Should Know about Depression - An Interview with Georgia Youssef, LMFT

The words of an old familiar hymn say, “I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” But what if there is no joy? What if you are experiencing something more like “the Slough of Despond” as John Bunyan described the pit into which Pilgrim fell? Associates’ therapist, Georgia Youssef, discusses what Christians should know about depression.

What causes depression?
Obviously, some depression is situational and triggered by a specific event—a death, change in family structure caused by divorce or empty nest, job loss, moving, etc. Since depression in these cases has a specific trigger, it is generally temporary although a person seeking help from talk therapy or mood stabilizing medication may find it more short-lived.

For other people, depression is very much a medical condition either because of a chemical imbalance or an inherited tendency. For example, studies have shown that 30% of children, whose parents struggle with this type of depression, will go on to be diagnosed with depression themselves. Of course, this raises the nurture vs. nature question: Are they depressed because they inherited a tendency for depression? Or are they depressed because they were raised by depressed parents who were emotionally unavailable to the child because of it?

What do you think Christians should know about depression?
The first and most important thing Christians should know is that suffering from depression is not a sign of spiritual weakness! Whether caused by a specific event, a chemical imbalance, or a genetic tendency, it is not a reflection on their faith or a character flaw.

Second, don’t be resistant to seeking help. Speaking to a pastor, counselor, or physician can be crucial when life feels overwhelming.

Third, it is not wrong to take medication. If a person were diagnosed with pneumonia or diabetes, they would not hesitate to take an antibiotic or insulin for whatever time was necessary to be well. Sometimes medication is simply necessary.

What positive role do you see faith playing for someone dealing with depression?
Believers have three important tools available to them: Scripture, prayer, and community.
--Scripture is full of hope. We are reminded over and over of our value to God, of being created in His image, of His promises and power to heal and restore.
--Prayer keeps us connected to God and the intercessory prayers of others can bring healing and encouragement as well.
--Being connected to a community where struggles can be shared and people are authentic is important. Depressed people tend to isolate themselves which exacerbates the problem.

Can faith also play a negative role for someone who is struggling?
Sadly, yes. Some have the inaccurate impression that Christians should not have struggles, particularly emotional ones. They believe that if they were living the Christian life successfully, they should be victorious over their feelings. They should be strong enough to not need medication. If things are not working, therefore, their faith must be weak or they must be doing something wrong.

In closing….
God is a God of hope and healing. If someone is dealing with depression caused by an event, or has been struggling with a prolonged and unrelenting sadness without an obvious cause, help is available. We were not designed to suffer in silence or carry our burden alone.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression,
Call 336-896-0065, ext. 203, to seek help.