Seven million the US experience major depression each year. While attendance at religious services might be protective, it is not protective enough. The number of depressed Christians in America is not something you can just look up in a medical journal or public health website. This is because all people who identify as Christians are not the same. There are different denominations, different rates of church attendance, and various levels of adherence to orthodoxy. While it could be argued that the prevalence of Christians with depression should be measured as a part of a regularly followed metric in public health, it is not. Research also has not proven whether going to church decreases the likelihood of depression or if less depressed people are more likely to go to church. There also could be a reporting bias in some studies. Being a Christian does not guarantee a lower risk of depression. It may be that Christians who attend church have less depression because of other factors associated with church attendance, including:
- Decreased substance abuse
- Higher social support
- Reduced “perceived stressfulness” of negative life events.
- Better coping with stress
There are several reasons why Christian faith may not substantially reduce the risk of depression. Faith is only one factor among many that influences the risk of depression. Biology is another factor. Following the Christian faith does not change risk factors such as a family history of depression, past episodes of depression, substance use, trauma, or medical illness. Being a Christian also does not change the biology of depression, which recent research has shown involves changes in activation levels and communication between specific brain regions. One of the most substantial reasons Christians do not have less depression than the general population is due to stigma. Stigma results in fear, shame, hiding problems, and not accessing treatments that alleviate depression. Addressing stigma in the church will help Christians more effectively deal with depression, which could dramatically lower the number of Christians suffering from depression. Pastors may not be aware that members of their congregation might be waiting for them to proactively permit them to seek effective mental health care. Being silent on the topic of depression intensifies stigma, so at least a portion of each congregation needs the clergy to actively address the topic of depression and encourage professional treatment.
How do we address depression in the church?
Many factors may reduce mental health stigma in churches. Having openly addressed mental health issues and actively supported mental health organizations in our community, our church members feel more comfortable sharing struggles with depression with no more stigma than discussing having diabetes or asthma. There are approaches that churches can use to address mental health stigma, including
- Small group studies on depression and faith
- Clear communication from the pastor and leadership that depression and emotional pain are real.
- Eliminating the unhelpful and incorrect message that undiscovered or undisclosed sins cause most depression. Yes, it is always important to pray. However, it also is important to get a depressed person to a highly competent professional. Secular depression treatments work effectively for Christians with depression.
- Direct encouragement by ministry leaders and counselors that having depression is not someone’s fault, but it is their responsibility to take real steps to deal with it.
- Sharing books for the layperson with depression that meet the definition of bibliotherapy (shown by research to decrease depression or suicide)
- Decreasing the expectation that a Christian can work only with a self-identified Christian counselor or psychiatrist.
What have we learned?
The pandemic has been harmful in so many ways. One problem that is top in our minds is the dramatic increase in anxiety, depression, and associated suicide. It is alarming that the depression rate tripled in the US at the start of the 2020 pandemic. America often looks to religion in times of national stress. The pandemic has been a catastrophic event for our nation. At this time, churches can offer greater support to their members who are likely also struggling with higher rates of depression and send the message to our communities that we can support them in their faith and other life struggles.
How it gets better for Christians
While it is true that many Christians have depression, they can see improvement and full freedom from depression with the right support and interventions. The help and encouragement that they need can start with their church communities. All churches can take simple steps to reduce stigma and help their congregations. Acknowledging that depression is real, that help is available, and that church members are permitted and encouraged to seek effective treatments might be all the support that some people need to get help. However, many other Christians need much more help to address their shame and guilt over experiencing depression in the first place. The church can be the first place that depressed Christians lean on for support and can become the most effective means to help Christians achieve full freedom from depression.
What does the bible say about depression?
Proverbs 12:25 mentions depression directly, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (NKJV). That’s a good place to begin. In this little couplet, God, via the wisdom of Solomon, provides both a diagnosis and prescription that can help people grow beyond depression. A heart full of anxiety is the culprit. Jesus said: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light”. Matthew 11:28-30. In extensive strokes, many Christians suffering from depression can find hope in biblical foundations. You can also find stories in the Bible where certain people experienced depression: Moses (Numbers 11: 10-16), David (Psalm 51; Psalm 32: 1-5), Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18), Job, Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11), Psalmist (Psalm 73)
Additional Strategies for dealing with depression
Some practical strategies for helping others facing depression. Note: However, never assume any medical issues need attention. Describe the experience. Ask people to describe their experience of depression in vivid detail. Remember that people are different, and depression comes in many shapes and sizes. Identify the causes. Depression often is not just something we have; it is something we do. Invite people to examine their hearts with this question: If your depression could speak, what would it say? What does it say about you? To others? To God? Depression is an active experience and can result from many sources other than the physiological: guilt due to unconfessed sin, false guilt, misplaced shame, ungodly fears, suppressed bitterness or hatred, hopeless grieving, and unbiblical expectations. Read and observe Scripture. Ask people with whom you work to study Psalms 42-43. How does the psalmist address God? What does he preach to himself? Act on the truth. Those who seek help first must accept the challenge of faithful obedience; even though they do not feel like it and are skeptical that anything will make a difference, it’s important to have faith. Also, explain to them that progress out of the pit is step-by-step, bit by bit. mall, practical, consistent faith-based change occurs in the details. Look at lifestyle. Evaluate and provide recommendations for lifestyle problems, such as overworking, lack of exercise, sleep difficulties, procrastination, unresolved stressors, and absence of spiritual disciplines. Resolve conflicts. Deal with troubled relationships, past or present. Get to work. Assign active, loving tasks performed for the benefit of others. Helping others can provide a new perspective on life. See a doctor. Refer depressed persons to a Christian physician to rule out physical causes if a physician has not been contacted already. Persons who are already taking multiple medications may need a physician’s care to avoid further complications. We will continue to give those with depression hope that they will be more useful after this than before. As we give them hope, it is the prayer that they can use to glorify God in the darkness. We give them hope of the new heavens and earth in which God’s people will enjoy a new body, a new mind, a new heart, and new emotions
