I
grew up in a very conservative portion of Christianity, and I have met numerous
people from similar faith backgrounds who struggle with depression. While many
find solace in their faith during times of depression, unfortunately, some
religious communities perpetuation harmful myths about depression that only add
layers of pain to those already suffering.
Here are some of the myths
about depression I have heard coming from some religious communities:
● Depression is a spiritual issue or spiritual failure.
● Prayer, Bible reading, and sermons are enough to heal depression.
● Christians shouldn’t see licensed therapists, only bible based pastoral
counselors without psychology degrees.
● If you take medication for depression, you are not trusting God enough.
● Suicidal thoughts are sinful, selfish, and damming.
● You need to get over your depression, or you are outside of God’s will.
● Christians should be the happiest people in the world, if you struggle
with depression or suicidal thoughts you are not a true Christian.
Despite
what some may tell you, depression is not primarily a spiritual issue, and it
is certainly not a spiritual failure. Science shows us that depression can be
caused by a myriad of things including stress, trauma, and chemical or hormonal
imbalance in the body and brain. You are not at fault for the way you are
feeling. Depression and suicidal thoughts are not sinful or an act of
selfishness, but they are serious mental health issues that deserve treatment.
Depression
needs to be treated by mental health professionals like doctors, psychiatrists,
and licensed therapists. At times a person may find comfort in prayer and
scripture reading on their own or by a pastor friend, but this should be in
addition to and not in contrast with professional healthcare specialists. Just
as you would not seek medical attention from a pastor-counselor, who is not
also a licensed medical doctor so you should not seek primary care for your
mental health concerns from a pastor who is not also a credible, licensed
therapist.
Professionals
often have solutions and tools to address depression such as therapy treatments
or medication. Relying on these medicines and medical advances, long-term or
short-term, does not in anyway take away from your ability to trust in God. We
take antibiotics for illness and view this prescription as a gift. In the same
way, a person of faith can use medication for depression and know that this is
also a gift and does not detract from their spirituality.
I
was recently watching an interview with a celebrity who no longer identifies as
Christian. Even though she is no longer in a faith community and she had
changed her beliefs in many areas she admitted that she still has nagging guilt
and fear around mental health issues such as depression and suicide due to her
past faith background.
Whether
you identify as Christian or not, harmful myths from spiritual leaders
regarding depression can still haunt you. In addition to the science of mental
health linked to above, I want to remind you that even Jesus called out in what
seemed to be a depressive state in the garden right before his arrest and again
in anguish on the cross. If even Jesus experienced extreme seasons of deep
emotional pain, I believe God has compassion for those of us suffering from
depression too.
If
you are a person of faith, I want you to know that professional treatment for
your depression is not in conflict with faith. You deserve to find support and
healing.
If
you are a faith leader, I encourage you to examine how your words around
depression and other mental health issues significantly impact those in your
care. When in doubt refer out to professionals and approach the subject with
compassion. Doing this will show you take seriously your responsibility to
safe, pastoral care.
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