How To Deal With Anxiety And Depression [Christian Viewpoint]

I know depression is real, I have experienced the utter loneliness and hopelessness of depression.

Thank God that he pulled me through the few times I sank deep, yes God healed me it was an amazing experience.

I hope to share what I have learned to help you know how to deal with anxiety and depression. I pray that through this blog I might be able to help anyone who is either dealing with depression or trying to live with someone who struggles with depression.

My Story

I will never forget the time in my life when I went through a deep dark depression. Looking back I believe it was brought on by a change in my employment from working at something I loved to do to working a job just to stay afloat financially. I lost my old job because the company lost the contract and many were out of work. I had to find a job and I should be thankful that I did find someone who would put me to work. But the new job had such a different environment that most days I worked but my mind was somewhere else. I felt lost, hopeless, and settled into living from day to day just going through the motions and trying not to break down and cry.

For my wife it had to be a terrible experience, she fixed my meals, did the usual care of the home but communications between us was very limited at best. She would try to get me to talk but I just didn’t know how to express my feelings. Day after day I went to work, came home, ate, and slept as if I was a zombie.

I did try seeking help from my primary care doctor but the medicine I was on did not do anything to help reduce the episodes of severe depression.

After many months with several severe episodes I was outside just sitting and thinking when finally I cried out to God to lift this cloud that hung over me every day. I confessed, I couldn’t take any more. I felt like I was responsible for screwing up my life because of bad decisions. So I asked God to please lift this depression, I begged him, I couldn’t take it anymore.

And you know what, it did lift, almost instantaneously – what a relief, I could think clearly again, I had hope

Is All Anxiety Or Depression Alike

Since that time in my life I have dealt with episodes of depression but none like the first time. In some cases the depression was mild, and I did continue trying various prescriptions for help but it seemed in my case no medicine I tried seemed to do anything more than dull my senses. My only hope came from God. Now let’s just talk about what depression is and what can cause depression.

One thing I have learned in the time that I have dealt with depression and talked with others about depression is that no two people go through depression alike. There are common symptoms, which occur with varying degrees; most common is an unexplained sadness/anxiety, trouble focusing or concentrating, unhappiness, irritability and frustration.

But there are so many more symptoms and reactions that looking for help with anxiety and depression takes a lot of research to understand.

If you are interested in researching this Mayo Clinic has an excellent article on depression. As far as I am concerned they are one of the top centers that treat a variety of medical disorders. “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest… it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems… and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living” (Mayo Clinic).

For the purpose of this article I want to spend most of my time looking at the proper response from the faith community. I have met some people who think that a Christian or God-fearing person should never suffer from depression. In my mind that is wrong thinking. That viewpoint denies the fact that many Christians have dealt with depression in their life and found a way through both Medical and God’s help.

That kind of attitude also prevents those who suffer from depression from seeking help. And, it lacks the compassion that we are called to show to all others. The statistics on those who are suffering with depression makes it a very common condition for Christians and all faiths.

The Proper Christian Response To Depression

Can a person who believes and trust in God suffer from depression? How can a believer help others who suffer with this malady? How can a wife or husband react in a way that will help their mate through times of depression?

In what way can a believer who suffers with depression get help? These are all questions I hope to address to aid the faith community in dealing with depression.

Can God heal a person suffering from depression? I know that answer is yes, but I also know that God doesn’t always heal the same way. All the medical advances in today’s world can be attributed to the creative ability that God gave all mankind. So please if you or someone you know is suffering with depression do not treat it as something that only God can help, get help from the medical community as well. It is not a sin to go to the doctor to be treated for a medical problem and depression is linked to certain medical conditions.

There are things you can do to help yourself or someone who is suffering with depression in addition to getting medical assistance. Here is a great article from Medical News Today that lists 12 tips that can help people dealing with a depressive episode. Check it out, there are ways that we can help ourselves or help others who deal with depression in their life.

Do We Find Instances Of Depression In The Bible

Numbers 11:10 – Moses the great man of God became overwhelmed when the people became contentious, complaining and God became angry. Moses God so down; feeling as if he was carrying the burden of the world on his shoulders. Moses got to the point of asking God to take his life now, rather than bear this great burden.

“Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now–if I have found favor in your eyes–do not let me face my own ruin.” (Numbers 11:11-15 NIV)

Do you hear the desperation in Moses’ words, the utter loss of hope, Moses was depressed. Did God then call Moses out as sinning? No–if you read on in verse 16 God showed Moses a way to get help for his burden. In this instance God helped, not by an instant healing but by leading Moses to others who could help him bear the burden.

1 Kings 19:3-5 – Elijah, another great man of God, became afraid. He had done so much, performed miracles through God’s help, yet when faced with the death threat from Jezebel he became overwhelmed. Elijah sunk so low he prayed that “he might die”. Moses told the Lord, “I have had enough Lord… Take my life I am no better than my ancestors”. He finally collapsed and slept too weary to keep going.

Did God call out Moses? Did he say “repent you sinner”? No – God sent angels to minister to Elijah. God performed a miracle for Elijah. He sent heavenly help.

Yes, we find instances of people suffering with depressive episodes in the bible, and in each case we see God helping those who are depressed. Not always in the same way but always a way that fits the situation!

How Can We Find Help With Depression

There are a multitude of ways that we can help those suffering with depression.

*First is obviously through praying for others to find a way to encourage them in their situation. They may not want to talk but we can surely pray for God’s guidance and help. And the God who has helped so many in the past will find a way.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

*Next – Be there for them. Do what you can when you can. Smile when they cannot, show them kindness, respect, and consideration. Remember that God knows what is going on so trust him to help when you cannot. Support them in their time of need. They may not be ready to talk, but do whatever you can to show them that you love them and will be there for them…

*Find a support group or someone to talk to, seek out the help of your pastor or other believers, ask for prayer.

If You are the one suffering with depression. Don’t give up. Seek God, ask him to help. Pray. If are at a loss for words just lift your thoughts to heaven, look up to God and wait. Seek help from your doctor. There are a multitude of medical causes for depression so look for help from the professionals. Keep asking. Keep trying. Keep hoping.