Depression

[Guest]

A group of women are gathered for their monthly get together. These monthly meetings give them a chance to share, laugh, cry, discuss world and home events. The group consists of professional women, managers, lawyers, stay at home moms, etc.

From looking at these women, they all have it together. Their smiles are wide and from the way they hug each other you know they're happy to see each other. Seems like the prefect little gathering but it is not. Among these women, lies a horrible hidden disease that one would not expect to be among that particular group. This disease is depression and these women are all Christian women.

Is it unfair to think that Christians should not be depressed? What could some of the reasons be why this is now prevalent among Christians? Are there suggestions to those suffering from this disease on how to get out of it?

Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

[halfwaytree]

Re: Depression

Medication, exercise, proper nutrition, meditation, counseling and holding support group meetings.

And for these women, prayer too I guess, seeing that they are Christians.

[kia027]

Re: Depression

my thoughts are it could be a physical issue and prayer alone and trusting in God to do without taking action may not be enough

[777]

Re: Depression

Prevalent among Christians...
Dem how come me noh ketch it yet??




Come to tink about it, me nay claim it neither!

[777]

Re: Depression

my thoughts are it could be a physical issue and prayer alone and trusting in God to do without taking action may not be enough

A wha *Arsenio Hall* used to sey?.....Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Meks me ponder about the powers of my jesus...

I think the one scripture about no weapons formed against them shall prosper comes to mind.....

[Diplomat]

Re: Depression

Originally posted by Compry:

From looking at these women, they all have it together. Their smiles are wide and from the way they hug each other you know they're happy to see each other. Seems like the prefect little gathering but it is not. Among these women, lies a horrible hidden disease that one would not expect to be among that particular group. This disease is depression and these women are all Christian women.

A couple questions come readily to mind: Why would depression not be expected to be among "that particular group"? Would it be because of their professions, as noted in the original post; the fact that they are Christians; or because they are perceived as being successful and happy? I raise these questions not so much for them to be answered, but because, in general, they signal how little the disease is understood. No one is "immune", whether the cause be phyiscal, emotional, or spiritual.

Very interesting subject. It's a bit busy right now, but I will come back with my thoughts later.

[Guest]

Re: Depression

Originally posted by Milo Man*:
[qb] Medication, exercise, proper nutrition, meditation, counseling and holding support group meetings.

And for these women, prayer too I guess, seeing that they are Christians. [/qb]

Great suggestions Milo Man. I do have some ideas which I will add to your list later.

[Guest]

Re: Depression

Originally posted by 777:
[qb] Prevalent among Christians...
Dem how come me noh ketch it yet??




Come to tink about it, me nay claim it neither! [/qb]

Give thanks. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Guest]

Re: Depression

Originally posted by CEW:
[qb]A couple questions come readily to mind: Why would depression not be expected to be among "that particular group"? Would it be because of their professions, as noted in the original post; the fact that they are Christians; or because they are perceived as being successful and happy? I raise these questions not so much for them to be answered, but because, in general, they signal how little the disease is understood. No one is "immune", whether the cause be phyiscal, emotional, or spiritual.

Very interesting subject. It's a bit busy right now, but I will come back with my thoughts later. [/qb]

CEW, thinking out loud as well, one would think that Christians should have it all together and not fall prey to an illness such as depression. Is it wrong to think like that?

[Diplomat]

Re: Depression

Originally posted by Compry:
CEW, thinking out loud as well, one would think that Christians should have it all together and not fall prey to an illness such as depression. Is it wrong to think like that?

IMO, not only is it wrong, but very dangerous. Depression is not something one falls prey to.

[Guest]

Re: Depression

How so CEW?

[loops]

Re: Depression

depression is often about adjustments need to seratonin levels in the brain. medication can work wonders.

[Diplomat]

Re: Depression

Originally posted by Compry:
How so CEW?

Primarily because there is nowhere in the Scriptures that says Christians should / or have it all together. It is true that a part of the 'salavation package' promised to the believer is wholeness, but in most cases this is a progressive experience that is experienced by the believer who take the necessary steps to be whole. This may require help from professionals, i.e. doctors, psychologists, counsellors, and so on, but the fact remains that not because through Christ we can lay claim to wholeness, it does not mean that we all will experience it.

The Christian is a sinner saved by grace. As long as we bear that in mind, we will appreciate that in this fallen world, bad things do happen to the children of God.

[Mutty]

Re: Depression

The ancients would have claimed they were afflicted by "evil spirits" and modern folks would say that it is satan trying to steal your joy. In either case they would point to the gods/Jesus as being the solution and in some cases, tell you that the doctor is out of the question. So if you offer enough sacrifices and fill up the temple coffers or send a stamped envelope with your "love offering" or come out to one of my Crusades to see the power of God in action, your life will be transformed and you will REALLY want to fork over some cash to my ministry to further the work of God.

[Diplomat]

Re: Depression

Mutty: I guess they didn't take Jesus seriously when he said: "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick" (Matt. 9:12). Some Christians do not even seem aware that verse exists!