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30th May, 2007

RUSSELL STUBBINGS

This really is one of life’s tough questions. Depression is one of the major health issues of the day, and despite the increasing publicity, many still suffer in relative silence without any formal diagnosis. Interestingly, depression is prevalent within Christian circles, a fact which some find surprising. But, is it really that surprising? Should Christians be in some sense immune from depression? Is it a reflection of one’s faith (or lack of), a sinful lifestyle, or a testing from God? Or, are there other reasons Christians suffer with depression?

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?: Russell Stubbings argues that Christians are not immune to depression but 'that it should be seen as 'one of life’s struggles that can be dealt with and overcome'. PICTURE: Andrew Keller (www.sxc.hu) "Struggling with depression does not make one in some way an 'inferior Christian'."

Prior to proceeding a disclaimer is warranted. What follows are my thoughts, based not on any expert status or psychological training, but rather from pastoral and workplace experience, research, and interactions with people struggling with depression. In no way is this attempt at exploring depression amongst the Christian population meant to offend.

But, if these thoughts add to the debate and provide a sense of understanding of some of the issues involved, and hopefully, even alleviate some of the guilt depressed Christians may feel simply because they are depressed (the “surely Christians shouldn’t be depressed” attitude can induce guilt and even worsen the problem), then a positive purpose has been achieved. If this discussion provides help, clarity or direction to any who may struggle with depression then a positive outcome has been achieved. Hopefully these thoughts, albeit of a non-expert nature, may bring encouragement to seek help for a treatable problem and offer hope in the midst of a situation that can seem hopeless.

Firstly, let’s dispel some myths regarding Christians with depression. Depression is not a sign of spiritual weakness or immaturity, nor does it reveal a lack of faith. Depression is not directly attributable (in every case) to a specific personal sin, although our sin nature is the context in which we live, and sin may play a role in depression as we shall see shortly. Depression is also not necessarily a sign of God’s testing or character-building process, although God may use our illnesses to increase our reliance on Him. Struggling with depression does not make one in some way an 'inferior Christian'.

It would appear to be reasonable to suggest that Christians are in no way immune to depression, any more than they are immune to other illnesses, disorders, or daily struggles. It would appear that King David suffered bouts of depression, and the Bible warns us that we will have trouble in this life. The reformer Martin Luther was also prone to depression to name another well known Christian. The Bible also speaks of God’s healing and mercy, which suggests some sort of tension between health and suffering.

From the basis that Christians are not immune to depression simply because they are Christian, why do people in general struggle with depression? What are the recognised causes? There is general agreement on a number of the causes of depression such as prolonged physical illness, grief and bereavement, work and family related stress, inability to cope with necessary life issues, traumas and circumstances, a major life change, financial issues, learned hopelessness, pessimism, lack of sleep, guilt borne from wrong behaviours (whether Christian or not), dietary deficiencies, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, or a combination of any of these factors, many of which can be linked.

An area of ambiguity relates to the concept that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the body. However, this would appear to be a “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” type issue. Does depression as caused by other factors trigger a chemical imbalance, or does a chemical imbalance lead to depression with its raft of symptoms? Research conducted by Duncan, Miller and Sparks (2000) suggests the former may be the case making it difficult to categorically attribute depression to biochemical causes.

Christians can be depressed due to any of the above factors, or a combination of. But, to me there seems to be a further consideration which may shed light on the issue. Is there a specific factor, pertinent to Christians, that can cause depression? I would suggest that there is, and yes, it has to do with the concept of sin. But, please read this carefully as misunderstanding can be damaging and offensive. I would argue that personal sin in general does not cause depression. What, you say? Surely one’s sin can bring on depression?

My argument is that sin itself does not cause depression, but one’s reaction or response to personal sin can trigger depression. As Christians we are very aware of the Biblical requirement to lead holy lives. When we sin we can feel guilty, which can in turn lead to self-condemnation, and ultimately shame in a way that those outside the Christian faith, without an understanding of sin, don’t experience. This guilt, self-condemnation and shame, if long lasting and profound enough, can trigger episodes of depression, which can become long term when coupled with other factors. It would seem that depression can be self perpetuating, difficult to escape from once it surfaces. In a way, depression seems to cause depression, as people become depressed about being depressed. It is a dangerous and viciously debilitating cycle which can greatly reduce quality of life and functioning.

For Christians struggling with depression there is hope. It is important to understand that depression has a functional purpose; that it is an indicator of an underlying problem. Depression can be understood as either an attempted solution to a problem, or as a meaningful expression of an underlying hurt or emotional distress. From either of these perspectives depression is a messenger, a sign that there is an issue which needs attention. While medication is often prescribed for depression, studies have shown that medication alone does not cure depression. Medication stabilises and brings short term stability, but is most effective when used in conjunction with a therapeutic approach.

In fact, a study conducted in 1989 by the National Institute of Mental Health yielded some surprising results. The most effective form of treatment for depression was cognitive therapy. In the long term medication was no more effective than no treatment at all in facilitating recovery from depression. Therapy would appear to be far more successful than medication in bringing long term improvement, possibly because it requires people to gain new skills and coping mechanisms which they can use to deal with subsequent life problems.

A final comment is pertinent for those struggling with depression, or those who have Christian friends or family experiencing this condition. By all means try medication, but do not neglect therapy. Find a competent, trained, skilled Christian counsellor who can combine cognitive therapy, solution focused therapy, and prayer to facilitate recovery from depression. This may take some research. Be prepared to ask pointed questions regarding training, experience, and the counsellor’s understanding of, and approach toward dealing with depression. And remember, as Christians there is no immunity from depression, it is not a sign of spiritual weakness or lack of faith, but rather one of life’s struggles that can be dealt with and overcome.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature only. With regard to your specific situation, please seek professional advice.

UPDATE - SOUNDBITE: RUSSELL STUBBINGS responds to some of the issues raised in discussion following his article looking at why so many Christians suffer with depression. Click on the link to hear what he has to say...  | more...|

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