Depression

Depression

If you are experiencing chronic depression and have suicidal thoughts and live in the Puget Sound, Washington area, we would encourage you to contact:
The Center, Inc.-A Place of Hope 1-888-771-5166.
They are a Christ-Centered Clinic that offers Intensive Counseling. They also offer on their website FREE Reports covering a variety of issues, including depression. They also have a web site specifically for depression-Hope for Depression.

Many times people experience depression because of suffering. Be sure and check out our Suffering Section.

Some may ask why a Christian website has a page on Depression. It is because I have gone through depression myself (you can read my testimony). I know the pain and heartache that comes from depression and I know there is a way out.

Some have a false belief that committed Christians will never get depression. Or if you have depression, you should just pray more, have more faith, trust God more-only sinners or weak Christians get depressed. I guess these people forget about men of God like Job, King David, Jeremiah, and many more Bible characters who experienced depression at times in their life.

Other Christians believe depression is caused by demonic oppression or possession. We do not deny that their at times may be demonic influences in regards to depression. However, too many Christians give the devil too much power. No where is scripture does it state that Job, King David, or Jeremiah were oppressed or possessed. There is not a demon behind every corner.

Another false concept is that depression or mental illnesses are only symptoms of spiritual problems. This also is a lie from the enemy of our souls. Yes, mental illness and depression can be a spiritual issue, but most of the time it is caused by chemical/hormonal imbalances in the body. Counseling alone is not always effective in helping a person come to emotional health. There are times for medication which helps bring the chemical/hormonal levels to the proper level. Christians will take medication for diabetes, heart disease, headaches, migraines, arthritis, ulcers, etc. but if you suggest medication for depression, they suddenly think you do not have enough faith. What is silly is that many of the physical sicknesses mentioned can be caused by bitterness, unforgiveness, perfectionism, malice-which are spiritual, mental, and emotional issues. But guess what? If you have migraines, I would suggest you take medication until you work out the root cause of getting migraines. And the same for depression or mental illness-take medication until you work out the root causes. I speak from experience. I was on Prozac for a year to work through my depression. For literally years before then I struggled as a Christian with depression. Maybe I should have had more faith-but the reality I didn't, and medication got me back to health.

One final point about depression and medication. Don't think that taking medication will remove all your problems, remove emotional pain, make life "wonderful", bring total peace, give you false hope. The proper administration of medication will not do any of these things. What it does do is help bring balance and a proper perspective to life. You will still experience the 'bumps in life'. It just removes The Edge.

| The Edge by Michael Card |
| Lay 'em Down and Let 'em Go by David Irish |
| Serenity by Geri |

The Edge by Michael Card

I can relate to the song above. I have been there. When I was starting to get out of my cycle of depression, the Lord gave me the Psalm listed below. I claim it whenever depression starts to come my way. I have learned to listen to the deep meaning behind the song of darker days.
Richard D'Andrea Dover

Psalm 116:1-19 NASB

                    1I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications

2Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.

3The cords of death encompassed me, And the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow.

4Then I called upon the name of the Lord: "O Lord, I beseech Thee, save my life!"

5Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.

6The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

7Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8For Thou hast rescued my soul from death, My eyes from tears, My feet from stumbling.

9I shall walk before the Lord In the land of the living.

10I believed when I said, "I am greatly afflicted."

11I said in my alarm, "All men are liars."

12What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me?

13I shall lift up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord.

14I shall pay my vows to the Lord, Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.

15Precious in the sight of the Lord  Is the death of His godly ones.

16O Lord, surely I am Thy servant, I am Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid, Thou hast loosed my bonds.

17To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the Lord.

18I shall pay my vows to the Lord, Oh may it be in the presence of all His people,

19In the courts of the Lord's house, In the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!

This can be your story too. let us pray for you.

Lay 'em Down and Let 'em Go by David Irish-
click on link to hear Real Audio
Be sure and check out David Irish's Web Site,
You can order his CD's. He is a Great Musician

Click on image if you need to download RealPlayer G2

Lay 'em Down and Let 'em Go By David Irish If you're on a desert road, carrying a heavy load, Troubles got a hold of your heart.. If you're feeling down and blue, Your bad sides got the best of you, The joy you once held unto is gone. Pre Chorus: Like a whisper He keeps calling, Can you hear that sweet voice say… CHORUS: I am the freedom your heart longs to find, My yoke is easy and my burden is light… Those chains that bound you were broken a long time ago, Lay 'em down and let 'em go. Life is hard enough 'round here, without anymore needless fear, Hanging on and weighing us down. Lets throw it off and cast away, that old rusty ball and chain, Listen close and you'll hear that sound. Pre Chorus: Like a whisper He keeps calling, Can you hear that sweet voice say… CHORUS: CHORUS:

Serenity by Geri
click on link to hear audio

Geri is someone who has struggled with Eating Disorders and I am sure has had to deal with depression in her life. She has recorded a CD that has some great music and lyrics. Listed below is the lyrics to Serenity. You can click on the link above to hear the song and read the lyrics here. Geri has some links to other songs on her CD. I would encourage you to read Geri's story at her website.

Be sure and check out Geri's Web Site, you can order her CD.