Depression

[cuja1]

Do you think God uses depression as a way to change our behavior or attitude or do you think it's an illness that needs to be treated?

 

[isbjorn995]

Regarding to me, neither. Its true science can make medicine that makes you happier mentally, but Jesus tells us, in
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I will pray for you, hugs.

 

[dysert]

Do you think God uses depression as a way to change our behavior or attitude or do you think it's an illness that needs to be treated?

Imo it's both. There's no question that depression is an illness. They've looked at the brains of depressed people versus those not afflicted and can quantify a difference.

On a personal note, I see nothing good that has come from my depression. It's been 17 years, most of which were hell. Only in the past few years did my psychiatrist find the cocktail that has kept me stable. Even now, though, the ugly symptoms of the illness continue to take their toll. If God wants to use it for good I wish He'd hurry up about it.

 

[cuja1]

Imo it's both. There's no question that depression is an illness. They've looked at the brains of depressed people versus those not afflicted and can quantify a difference.

On a personal note, I see nothing good that has come from my depression. It's been 17 years, most of which were hell. Only in the past few years did my psychiatrist find the cocktail that has kept me stable. Even now, though, the ugly symptoms of the illness continue to take their toll. If God wants to use it for good I wish He'd hurry up about it.

Depression is horrible. I was severely depressed in high school and it looks like it's starting to return with a vengeance. It seems to me that it is always the situation that causes the depression. For me it's this job. I feel like if I could get out of this job, the symptoms would completely disappear. Psychology and the Bible seem to both agree that a person should be able to be happy or joyful in all circumstances.

 

[cuja1]

Regarding to me, neither. Its true science can make medicine that makes you happier mentally, but Jesus tells us, in
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I will pray for you, hugs.

Thank you, I could use it.

 

[ToBeLoved]

You might want to read some of King David's Psalms.

I think that he may have been depressed or had depression because of what and how he writes. I have found comfort in knowing that there are even people in the Bible that were down, very down. It is also in the Bible that 'God loved David'. I really love reading them because I feel like I can relate many times.

Usually at the top of the Psalm it says 'A Psalm of King David' or something like that.

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

I discovered that depression is a manifestation of the spirit of heaviness. Once I was so burdened down I could hardly go.When I went to church that day my pastor asked me what was the matter. I told him,he looked at me like he knew exactly what the remedy was and he instruct me to go and sit on the front row. Once service began, the associate pastor came out and read a scripture, Psalms 121. I felt it lift. So, I learned to speak a rebuke to it in the name of Jesus, and to play praise music to get rid of it.
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

 

[Neogaia777]

Do you think God uses depression as a way to change our behavior or attitude or do you think it's an illness that needs to be treated?

I agree with other's it's both, God can take anything bad and make some good come out of it...

God Bless!

 

[cuja1]

I discovered that depression is a manifestation of the spirit of heaviness. Once I was so burdened down I could hardly go.When I went to church that day my pastor asked me what was the matter. I told him,he looked at me like he knew exactly what the remedy was and he instruct me to go and sit on the front row. Once service began, the associate pastor came out and read a scripture, Psalms 121. I felt it lift. So, I learned to speak a rebuke to it in the name of Jesus, and to play praise music to get rid of it.
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

I was thinking about this yesterday. The Bible says "Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."

I don't know if that is referring to demons or not but I asked God to bind the demons that harass me and other people and it seem to make my day much better.

 

[Job8]

Do you think God uses depression as a way to change our behavior or attitude or do you think it's an illness that needs to be treated?

Neither. It is simply an unhealthy state of mind. And we all can control the state of our minds by focusing on that which does not depress.

 

[Lisa613]

Do you think God uses depression as a way to change our behavior or attitude or do you think it's an illness that needs to be treated?

Hmmm... never really thought of it that way. I believe he's in complete control and everything we go through are personal trials that makes us stronger and better people. There's a reason for everything and maybe one day you'll need to help someone who is going through what you are.

 

[ToBeLoved]

I would just like to say that there are two very distinct types of depression one is when you're feeling down and the other could be clinical depression that has to do with the chemicals in your brain

 

[dysert]

I would just like to say that there are two very distinct types of depression one is when you're feeling down and the other could be clinical depression that has to do with the chemicals in your brain

You are absolutely right. Unfortunately, those familiar only with the first type have no idea about the second type and think that those suffering from "clinical" depression can just get over it by thinking good thoughts. Well, when your brain is miswired, that's not even possible. I wish people were more educated about that.

 

[dysert]

Neither. It is simply an unhealthy state of mind. And we all can control the state of our minds by focusing on that which does not depress.

I must disagree. It's not "simply" a state of mind. It can be chemicals that have messed things up, and sometimes the only way to compensate is with other chemicals (e.g., SSRIs). "Fake it until you make it" doesn't work in these cases.

 

[cuja1]

I must disagree. It's not "simply" a state of mind. It can be chemicals that have messed things up, and sometimes the only way to compensate is with other chemicals (e.g., SSRIs). "Fake it until you make it" doesn't work in these cases.

Nothing drove me more crazy than when people would tell me to grab myself up by the bootstraps, basically, just stop being depressed. My parents would tell me this. It made me just stop talking to them.

 

[zippy2]

I must disagree. It's not "simply" a state of mind. It can be chemicals that have messed things up, and sometimes the only way to compensate is with other chemicals (e.g., SSRIs). "Fake it until you make it" doesn't work in these cases.

That is the truth. People who do not have real clinical depression think we are talking about 'the blues'. No. This is something very different. I have dealt with it on and off all my life. And most of my friends and family never understood it. I used to say it was like a black cloud that moves in on your life and you cannot no matter what see anything good. My doc at the time said that was a most accurate description of clinical depression. And like someone else said, until they find the right 'cocktail' for you it won't go away. Then you can feel the blessings of the Lord and the wonders of His universe. Until then it is all a fog. My 2 cents anyway.

 

[cuja1]

I must disagree. It's not "simply" a state of mind. It can be chemicals that have messed things up, and sometimes the only way to compensate is with other chemicals (e.g., SSRIs). "Fake it until you make it" doesn't work in these cases.

I will say one thing in opposition to what you have said, and I say this as a person who knows depression quite well. I believe depression can be overcome without medication. That said, I don't feel that there is anything wrong with those who choose to take medication, I myself have done it. I think it is especially helpful and necessary for those who are contemplating suicide. I believe that God can show us ways to overcome depression though and that God may be using depression for some good reason.

 

[zippy2]

I will say one thing in opposition to what you have said, and I say this as a person who knows depression quite well. I believe depression can be overcome without medication. That said, I don't feel that there is anything wrong with those who choose to take medication, I myself have done it. I think it is especially helpful and necessary for those who are contemplating suicide. I believe that God can show us ways to overcome depression though and that God may be using depression for some good reason.

I wouldn't disagree with you on that. God uses everything and all situations to bring about good. I take my meds though cause I never want to be in that black cloud again! I think it is chemical with me. If a person can get well without the meds then praise God!
I was mainly trying to show the diff between the blues and deep depression. When I was in such a deep depression I couldn't even ask God for help. I couldn't listen to anyone, take any advice, or 'talk it away'. People don't understand you can't talk someone out of depression of that kind. It won't happen. Best thing is to call a trusted doctor and pray for them.

 

[cuja1]

I wouldn't disagree with you on that. God uses everything and all situations to bring about good. I take my meds though cause I never want to be in that black cloud again! I think it is chemical with me. If a person can get well without the meds then praise God!
I was mainly trying to show the diff between the blues and deep depression. When I was in such a deep depression I couldn't even ask God for help. I couldn't listen to anyone, take any advice, or 'talk it away'. People don't understand you can't talk someone out of depression of that kind. It won't happen. Best thing is to call a trusted doctor and pray for them.

True, people that are depressed need to be shown much compassion, or they could at least just not say anything. Telling them to just get over it is like telling them to move a mountain. Not helpful advice.

 

[dysert]

True, people that are depressed need to be shown much compassion, or they could at least just not say anything. Telling them to just get over it is like telling them to move a mountain. Not helpful advice.

Imagine trying to move a mountain when it takes all your strength and willpower just to roll out of bed.