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IF CHRISTIANS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE JOYOUS - HOW COME I HAVE DEPRESSION?

Depression seems like a taboo subject for Christians. Recent research has shown that over 20% of Australians will be diagnosed with depression at some stage in their lives - I have no doubt many more will fall victim to it without ever being formally diagnosed! It is quite likely that someone you know is suffering right now; it may even be you.

I have learnt through my own experiences with this illness, that there are some issues which are particularly difficult for Christians. We are often taught that we should be "living victoriously" (which we often do), but somehow this has been distorted to "once you are a Christian your life will be perfect; if not, then you must be doing something wrong." To admit to depression can be a huge hurdle for a believer.

Unfortunately, many Christians just don't know how to assist others caught in the grip of depression. They may ignore the subject altogether, or give glib (though well-meaning) advice: "Count your blessings", "Just pray about it", or "Claim the promises of God, remember - The joy of the Lord is our strength!". While obviously meant as encouragement, suggestions such as these do very little to assist the depressed person and may in fact make them feel worse.

So you think it can't happen to you? That's what I thought too! My life was "perfect"- a wonderful husband, beautiful children, comfortable home, all the externals; plus, I was a Christian! Then I fell into the valley of despair; it was such a gradual descent, I didn't even realise. I now calculate that I had severe depression for nearly 3 years before I sought medical help or even acknowledged my problem to anybody. Although those years were difficult for me personally, my main regret is that I didn't seek help earlier. Unfortunately, my husband and my children suffered along with me and I wish I could have saved us all that pain. If for no other reason than the sake of your loved ones, please get help if you suspect you may have depression.

In response to the growing incidence of depression, I have written several articles explaining the symptoms, stigma, problems with relationships, treatment, side effects of medication, and many other facets of depression. It is based on my own personal story, and while perhaps most relevant to Christians, will also be helpful to anybody who has, or wants to understand more about, depression.

My goal is to assist others to realise that Christians DO get depression, that it's a physical (or "biological") illness - and not necessarily a spiritual condition. Also, I want to show others how to love and support those with mental illness. Currently I am (slowly!) preparing a book on the topic.

To receive the information on depression, simply click on the email below and write "Depression" in the subject line of your email, and I will be delighted to send it to you as soon as I am able.

[ About Footprints ]   [ News & Updates ]  [ How to Subscribe ]   [ Meet the Team ]   [ Latest Issue ]   [ Letters from Readers ]   [ Mission Statement ]  

[ Clues to your Calling ]  [ Food for Thought ]  [ Dealing with Depression ]   [ The Heartache of Infertility ]   [ Writer's Guidelines ]  

[ Related Links ]  [ Speaker Services ]   [ Janet's Testimony ]   [ Love that Library ]   [ FOCUS E-zine ]   [ NEW: Prayer Points ]

[ Home: http://www.footprintsaustralia.com ]

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