A low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities can characterize depression
for long periods. The symptoms of depression can range from feelings of sadness and hopelessness to difficulty concentrating, up to thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts. As a Christian, I believe in Jesus and the truth that Jesus offers salvation, love, and hope for all who are willing to believe. But it is possible to battle depression while also being a Christian. Evidence of depression does not mean that one does not have enough faith. Nor does it mean that you have necessarily done anything wrong. Depression is not something to be ashamed or embarrassed of, but it is something that can be overcome with support and guidance. A few ways to overcome depression as a Christian are:
Change your perspective about asking for help.
Help with depression can look like encouragement from the Bible, such as,
Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV)
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.
Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Seeking God for assistance does not imply weakness; instead, it shows wisdom in realizing that you are incapable of overcoming depression on your own. Understanding that depression is a mental health condition and seeking professional assistance is a prudent decision. Combining hope from the Bible along with journeying with a mental health professional can help to overcome depression. It can assist in bearing the weight that depression often places on us.
Give up the Messiah Complex
The Messiah Complex is a psychological state where someone has an exaggerated sense of
their importance, power, or identity and believes they are responsible for saving or helping
others. Overcoming depression looks like us not only realizing we need help, but it also entails shedding our facades and pride in exchange for a journey to wellness. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Therefore, Jesus is the one who saves. Overcoming depression means that we realize that we are not called to sacrifice ourselves on the altar to save someone else. Struggling with depression is an invitation to journey towards faith and wholeness. But to embrace wholeness, we need to be needed, and our need to save others must cease.
Realize your wellness journey is unique and essential.
Overcoming depression takes time. This journey is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Some days, weeks, and months will be better than others. There will be some highs and lows, but you must give yourself grace in this journey. As you discover different things about yourself, do your best not to villainize yourself or others. Working with a mental health professional while continuing to walk with Jesus can assist in setting up the proper boundaries needed for your journey. Don’t be mad if your journey doesn’t look like others. You are one-of-a-kind, you deserve to be well, and your journey is yours. May God shower you with all the help you need to overcome any obstacle in your life.
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