How Can I Be Joyful When I’m Depressed?
Today, I am veering away from humor in recognition of World Mental Health Day. Inherently, as Christians, we often have the mindset that we should be continually joyful regardless of our circumstances. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV). But in reality, we live in a fallen world, and Christians are as vulnerable to depression and other mental disorders as everyone else. The link below lists some sobering statistics regarding mental health in Christians:
http://anthemofhope.org/blog/2019/9/5/christian-mental-health-statistics
Christians are afflicted with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other physical disorders just like the rest of the world. Should our brains be exempt from illness simply because we are Christians? Chemical imbalances, trauma, stress, accidents, genetic influences, and other physical disorders all factor into our mental well-being. Studies have linked changes in the brain’s structure and function with chronic stress.
Stigmas Still Surround Christians With Mental Illness
Sadly, a stigma still surrounds many Christians battling mental illness, which is why some Christians are reluctant to share their struggles with other Christians. They are often regarded as weak, having personal flaws, lacking faith, or lacking willpower. Christians with mental disorders are often told to pray their problems away, think positively, or, worse, that they are being tested or punished for sin. Sounds a bit like the story of Job, in which his so-called friends sought to encourage him by insisting he harbored secret sin responsible for his misfortunes.
What well-meaning people may forget is that many faithful Biblical figures experienced sorrow and grief, including Jesus, Himself. Jesus was also accused of being crazy. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:21, NIV). Jeremiah, Jonah, Moses, David, and Elijah also wrestled with depression at times in their lives.
Removing the Shame of Mental Illness
Fortunately, several Christians have stepped out to share their struggles with depression and other debilitating mental disorders. Emmy-nominated, best-selling comedian, Chondra Pierce, courageously shared her journey with depression and loneliness. In Chondra’s case, coping with mental illness started with getting help in the form of prescribed medication from a qualified physician. There is no shame in taking medication you need to feel better. Although God can cure any disorder, He also blessed us with gifted doctors. There is no difference between seeing a doctor for a broken bone and seeking medical help for mental illness.
Prayer Causes Positive Changes in The Brain
Now for some good news. Even though Christians can and do suffer from mental disabilities, studies have linked spirituality with mental wellness. https://skylight.org/blog/posts/mental-health. Skylight’s research found that spiritual practice is tied to lower anxiety, sleep problems, stress, and cortisol levels. This doesn’t mean people dealing with mental illness should be told to simply “pray their disease away.” However, scientific studies have demonstrated the power of prayer. Dr. Andrew Newberg of Thomas Jefferson Hospital, who has studied the effect of prayer on the human brain for over twenty years, has demonstrated the changes in brain activity during prayer. Changes in brain chemicals, as well as heart rate, blood pressure, and changes in the immune system, can be measured in individuals while they pray. All of these changes can positively affect both the mind and the body, which can aid in healing. Bringing our struggles and fears to God in prayer can be a source of strength and comfort to people dealing with any problems, including mental illness.
1 Peter 5:7 invites us to Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV).
Meditation Can Benefit Those Suffering From Mental Illness
Meditation, a practice in which a person focuses their attention and calms their busy mind to attain a more relaxed physical and emotional state, has been shown to positively affect mental health. It can help people manage depression and anxiety, neutralize stress, deal with addictions, reduce ADHD, decrease worry, reduce feelings of loneliness, help with sleep disorders, manage fears, and decrease negative self-image. Meditating on the Scriptures redirects our thoughts to God, which helps fight off anxiety, negativity, and depression. Memorizing comforting verses can help take our negative thoughts captive to God and encourage us when we are struggling.
- Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
- Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV
- Isaiah 40:31: but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV) - Psalm 34:17-18: The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
Reading the Bible Can Decrease the Effects of Mental Illness
A recent study reported in Christianity Today showed that trauma-informed Bible reading decreased depression, anxiety, and anger by combining Biblical truths with other forms of mental health practices. Reading the Bible gives people increased hope and a foundation for making healthy choices. While dealing with human struggles common to all people, the Bible points us to redemption through Jesus Christ. It shows us how much God loves and cares for us, giving our lives meaning and purpose.
As a person who has suffered from life-long depression, I have personally experienced these benefits in my own life. When I am focused on God, I step outside myself and my feelings. It is difficult to continue in a negative mindset when my heart is filled with gratitude for all that God has done for me, and I know how much I matter to Him as His child. He created me for a purpose, and I find joy in living out that purpose. I still take my anti-depressant medication, but my faith gives me peace through the storms of life.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
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