Is modern psychology's treatment of depression in line with the Bible?

[Jordache]

Careful people... Depression is real. It is not always an excuse or caused by sin. Do you not remember the son who parents were questioned as to why the son was ailing? It was not he nor his parents fault. It just was. Do not attempt to judge unless you've been depressed. When you do, you run the risk of being judgemental and driving people farther from God. Depression is an illness. While not everyone has a physical reason to be depressed, there is often a very physical component. I was born with a genentic disease which causes low dopamine. There is a genetic predisposition in my family for depression. There is also a physical change in the brain formation of children who are abused. Do not discount the work of Psychologists. What about a Christian Psychologist? There is discernment that we must use, but do not discount it all.

 

[Ramon]

Dear Ramon.
Saint Luke, who wrote the Gospel, was a physician. Which verse in the NT or OT says God does not give anyone medicine? The book I am reading from is Wisdom of Sirach, a book the early Church had in its Bible. Martin Luther removed this book from the Bible, on his own authority, deleting whole books from the Bible, adding the word "alone" to the text of Romans 3:28. and wanting to delete the text of James from the New Testament, but Martin Luther failed to succeed among the Lutherans, who still retain James in their canon of the NT. What did Martin Luther say when questioned why he was deleting whole books from the Bible, and adding words to the text of the NT in his German translation, words which were not in the Greek text of the NT. Why is it so? Is it so? "It is so because I, Herr Doctor Martin Luther, say it is so!" Go figure!
In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington May 2011 AD
PS Are you saying Jesus can't heal through medicine? Are you saying Jesus heals everyone? What about the people who die? Does that mean they weren't true believers? Lazarus died, and he was a true believer, wasn't he? Jesus wept when Lazarus died. Didn't He?

I am not questioning whether people die or not, but it seems you question if people can be raised from the dead, as if Jesus is dead and has no power to do so. If this is the case would you have believed he rose from the dead? Do you?

But as I remember Lazarus came forth? Didn't he? Right out of the grave.

But if anyone is a physician let us look to Jesus as these people had called him this:

Matt 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
Matt 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And:

Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
Luke 4:25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

May Jesus bless you.

 

[seaco711]

It irritates me when people read too far into these things. Depression is not a result of committed sins. Psychologists don't "teach" things that "aren't in line with the scriptures." People - they are doctors. If you have a psychological issue, go to a psychologist. It is that simple.

 

[MaggieMye]

First of: Part of what is considered depression in our society would other places simply be seen as the person retreating into him/herself to "find themself" Being depressed is the condition of retreating INTO oneself to FIND oneself?? In other words, you go IN to yourself, to find yourself? How can one go into one's self to find oneself if they don't know where they are?? What a bunch of hooey! Do you really think other cultures do not recognize mental and emotional DEPRESSION as a NEGATIVE CONDITION?? They DO.
It is important to know that "depression" isn't just about feeling sad, it can also be a lack of feeling, motivation etc. And at the CORE of both is the focus on SELF For short periods this can be good, No, it is NEVER 'good'., it can be used to focus on other things (like God). IF a person is focusing on self, it is NOT focusing on GOD. If there is lack of feeling OR motivation, there is certainly NOT GOD at the forefront of one's thoughts....if there ARE any thoughts. And if there are NOT any thought, how can one focus on God?? But of course, once it interferes with ones social life, or ability to work or study it becomes a problem. It is a problem even if it Does NOT interefere...which is an oxymoron to even think that to be depressed with not, in some way, affect ALL aspects of a person's life.

A therapist dont have to equal drugs. Well, on this planet, especially in the US, it does. That is our culture, sadly. Any sensible therapist should try talking first, before medications. And if the person will NOT talk? What then? What if the 'therapist' does not have the experience with which to converse about a given situation?? What if he/she doesn't HAVE the 'fix-it' answer(s)??

Do you KNOW that psychiatrists and pyschologists get financial kickbacks from the pharmaceutical companies every time they write a prescription that someone gets filled??​

Also, you are the doctors client, as long as you see him of your own free will, you are also free to decline drugs if you feel unsure about them. And do you know how MANY people hold their doctors of All types (dentists, gyno, cardio, pulmonary, whatever) on pedestals so high that they do not have to bend to kiss their feet? Be realistic, please!
Maggie​

 

[seaco711]

Maggie, Can you please be more specific about who you are addressing and what you are actually talking about?

 

[selenah]

Okay, guys, do I have to tell you everything that I feel so you know what depression is? I get up in the morning and think "why am I here." I realize that money, looks, and status don't make someone happy. I look at the world around me and think "how could a loving God do this?" I hate doubting God. I feel like I'm stabbing the one I love most in the heart. God and His Word are confusing. We're never going to completely understand them. Even though I love God, I still doubt Him. That's not fun. Do you know what it's like spending everyday worrying about whether your dad is going to get his face blown off? That hurts. I have no motivation in life because I know the world's just getting worse. Whats the use of getting a good job? After all, money doesn't matter. It's kind of hard to be positive about your future as a Christian when you know that the country is probably going down the drain because of all the debts etc. Wouldn't it just be easier if I died now and went to heaven? Do you know what it's like asking yourself those questions every day and not having an answer? I think about things that I regret and I can't let them go. I feel like an idiot if I don't feel guilt because then it would be like I was a heartless bratt. It hurts to think about the mistakes I've made. I hate this world. I hate all the sin and evil in this world. I wish there was more love and more people who loved God. I hear stories about terrible things that people do, and it makes me so angry at sin. I just hate living in a sinful world. That's what it feels like to be depressed. It's hopelessness. It's not just selfishness (although that is part of it, I will admit). It's a feeling of utter hopeless anger regret and hate for this terrible world. It's not pretty.

 

[selenah]

But, let me add, that God truly has helped me with depression. He is an amazing God. The pain in this world only makes His love shine brighter. I'm sorry, I kind of went off on a rant there a minute ago. I was just trying to show you guys that depression isn't caused by one simple problem. It's a load of things.

 

[selenah]

I don't really know how to handle the hopelessness and depression that I have so I really could use some advice on this. I want to help people and focuse less on me, but it's hard when I don't even know how I view life exactly. Thanks

 

[seaco711]

Careful people... Depression is real. It is not always an excuse or caused by sin. Do you not remember the son who parents were questioned as to why the son was ailing? It was not he nor his parents fault. It just was. Do not attempt to judge unless you've been depressed. When you do, you run the risk of being judgemental and driving people farther from God. Depression is an illness. While not everyone has a physical reason to be depressed, there is often a very physical component. I was born with a genentic disease which causes low dopamine. There is a genetic predisposition in my family for depression. There is also a physical change in the brain formation of children who are abused. Do not discount the work of Psychologists. What about a Christian Psychologist? There is discernment that we must use, but do not discount it all.

I didn't see you post before I posted mine, but exactly. Thank you.

 

[MaggieMye]

Jordache: Careful people... Depression is real. It is not always an excuse or caused by sin. Yes, it is. Check out Proverb 26:2 Do you not remember the son who parents were questioned as to why the son was ailing? He was BLIND not physically ILL. There is a difference. AND that scenario was also a spiritual metaphor showing that he was spiritually blind and in darkness, but with Jesus, he received "eyes to see" and Light. It was not he nor his parents fault. It just was. NO. Scripture says that he was born that way SO the glory of God could be manifested in him for others to see so that the lost would believe. Do not attempt to judge unless you've been depressed. When you do, you run the risk of being judgemental and driving people farther from God. People perish for LACK OF KNOWLEDGE. When given the knowledge, they are given TOOLS with which to FIGHT and become the overcomer and conquerer that He created them to be. Depression is an illness. SPIRITUAL ILLNESS that causes 'stinkin' thinkin'. While these words may SEEM harsh, consider instead that they are revelatory and TEACH the TRUTH about the spiritual condition of depression. With Christ WITHIN US we ALL have the authority to overcome depression. We ALL have authority over the unclean spirits. We ALL have access to Holy Spirit you WILL reveal the truth of WHY we suffer SO that WE can take action and cancel out the assignments against us from the pit of hell. While not everyone has a physical reason to be depressed, there is often a very physical component. I was born with a genentic disease which causes low dopamine. There is a genetic predisposition in my family for depression. This is a GENERATIONAL CURSE. It is found in the Bible in Ex 20. Generational curses are spiritual Laws. While the Cross of Christ is the propitiation, WE have to apply it. Hence, Hos 4:6, Prov 5:23, 7:7, 9:4, 9:16, 10:21. Without knowledge and commons sense and wisdom, people SUFFER!! There is also a physical change in the brain formation of children who are abused. Right. And this comes AFTER birth, but it still brings a curse. FORGIVENESS IS A MUST as well as breaking off curses put upon us through abuse by others. Do not discount the work of Psychologists. By running to a psychologist instead of Jesus and His DELIVERANCE, we fall into idolatry, seeing them as the 'healer' rather than Jesus. God IS our Provider in ALL things. Do not discredit the devil, as he takes EVERY opportunity to kill, steal and destroy. What about a Christian Psychologist? There is no such thing as a real 'Christian psychologist". Why? Because CHRISTIANS go to and trust in Jesus and HIS ways. Psychology is the WORLD"S attempt to fix emotional/spiritual issues; are your eyes always on Jesus? Do you hold EVERY thought captive to the Word of God? Are you diligent to show yourself approved? Are you content in all things?? All of these things are found IN THE BIBLE!There is discernment that we must use, but do not discount it all. If you had KNOWLEDGE and DISCERNMENT, YOU WOULD NOT BE DEPRESSED.​

Seaco 711 It irritates me when people read too far into these things. Depression is not a result of committed sins. You've studied deliverance and spiritual warfare and so can say this intelligently? No you haven't. Psychologists don't "teach" things that "aren't in line with the scriptures." That's right. They CAN'T! Why?? Because their education consists of studing the world's answers to spiritual problems...answers that are never answers, because the world cannot comprehend spiritual matters. People - they are doctors. If you have a psychological issue, go to a psychologist. It is that simple. If you read the BIBLE, you will see that we are told to "cast all our cares upon Jesus". It is THAT simple. "Dr." simply is a person that has studied some science (how chemicals affect the body; antibiotics and anti-psychotics), and the human body so as to know what parts are supposed to do what tasks.​

Can you please be more specific about who you are addressing and what you are actually talking about? It should not be difficult to tell as I copy the post and interject my responses by using a different color font.​

Selenah: Okay, guys, do I have to tell you everything that I feel so you know what depression is? I get up in the morning and think "why am I here." I realize that money, looks, and status don't make someone happy. I look at the world around me and think "how could a loving God do this?" Do what? I hate doubting God. I feel like I'm stabbing the one I love most in the heart. God and His Word are confusing. Do you PRAY...including LISTENING for His voice? Do you pray and ASK for His wisdom and understanding BEFORE you read His word? Do you just skim over it or do you read it as if it were a personal love letter to YOU??? We're never going to completely understand them. Even though I love God, I still doubt Him. That's not fun. No, but it IS normal. Even Moses doubted. So you are in good company. Do you know what it's like spending everyday worrying about whether your dad is going to get his face blown off? That hurts. I have no motivation in life because I know the world's just getting worse. Well....there you go. Focus is on SELF. What about getting out there and telling others about the LOVE of God and how He wants them to be in heaven with Him? THAT is what you were created to do! Whats the use of getting a good job? After all, money doesn't matter. Because a good job means decent money; God gives you the job so that you can earn money and use it to help others get to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. It's kind of hard to be positive about your future as a Christian when you know that the country is probably going down the drain because of all the debts etc. Who IS your Provider?? Are you tithing? Cheerfully? Good idea to read a book on WHY we should still tithe.....tithing is FULL of blessing. Wouldn't it just be easier if I died now and went to heaven?THAT is a thought brought to directly from the pit of hell by your spiritual enemy. ASK HOLY SPIRIT for discernment... so you can KNOW which thoughts are from God and which are from your own soul and which are from the devil. The devil is PERSISTANT AND CONSISTANT, because he wants you dead! Who are you going to listen to?? Do you know what it's like asking yourself those questions every day and not having an answer? Well I just gave you answers, Selenah. Print this off and re read it every day for a week. Read the book of Mark, then Mathew then John, then Luke, then Ephesians and Galations, in that order. Then do it again and also read the others. GET THE WORD WRITTEN UPON YOUR HEART! I think about things that I regret and I can't let them go. OK THAT is the devil stealing your joy by bringing you GUILT. Guilt is from the devil and makes you feel like crap. CONVICTION is from Holy Spirit and is like a lightbulb "OH! Now I see! Even if He is revealing sin to you it is OPPORTUNITY to go to the cross, confess it, repent and be free of it. I feel like an idiot if I don't feel guilt because then it would be like I was a heartless bratt. and THAT is pride. It hurts to think about the mistakes I've made. Really? then confess, ask for forgiveness and ACCEPT IT. I hate this world. I hate all the sin and evil in this world. Yet God LOVES the world and His creation and all that is in it, people, animals, vegetation...when He was done creating, He said it was ALL GOOD. I wish there was more love and more people who loved God. Then start with YOURSELF!! CHOOSE to love the unlovable!...the mentally ill, the mentally handicapped, the addicts. Even at 15, there is a LOT that you can do. Volunteer at a hospital. GET INVOLVED. Ask God to lead you to where He wants you to be. I hear stories about terrible things that people do, and it makes me so angry at sin. Angry enough to PRAY? Angry enough to step in and make a difference? Because if you are only angry enough to complain about it, you are not angry enough!!! I just hate living in a sinful world. Change your perspective. Evil is in the world working through people that are complete oblivious to the FACT that they are being used by the devil. BE JESUS to those lost souls. Choose to NOT take offense at the stupid things people do and say...they do so because, to quote Jesus, "the know not what they do!"That's what it feels like to be depressed. It's hopelessness. It's not just selfishness (although that is part of it, I will admit). It's a feeling of utter hopeless anger regret and hate for this terrible world. It's not pretty. You've got some choices to make, Selenah. You can be proactive which will help you grow spiritually and emotionally or you can sit and wallow. Please, get the book "Pigs in the Parlour" and read it. Ask your mom to order it for you if you can't find it locally. If you or she cannot afford it, email me and if I have your mom's permission, I will send you a copy. Also...if you don't have some praise and worship music, GET SOME and play it in your bedroom 24/7.
Maggie​

 

[giantone]

I don't really know how to handle the hopelessness and depression that I have so I really could use some advice on this. I want to help people and focuse less on me, but it's hard when I don't even know how I view life exactly. Thanks

Hopelessness is likely the worst thing, For a few months I was in a severe storm in my emotions and I had to cling to God for all I was worth to keep it together, I can't say I had hopelessness because I was desperate and I had to put my hope in God I had no choice. and I expected Him to do something. and the answer didn't come right away it took a long time.

I have gone through other times when I just didn't care about anything and had no desires for food or pleasure or any thing, I was just existing and that got old after a time, so I kept asking God to increase my hunger and ability to grasp what God had for me.

While I don't trust psychologists, they do some good as well as bad, but they do have a purpose and can be the only thing that can help some people, or at the very least get them by till they can grab onto God more tightly.

My friend at my church I mentioned in the other post needed them and if it wasn't for them, he might not be here today.

 

[selenah]

Thanks, guys. I think I've just been focusing too much on myself and the negative aspects of life. Thanks for all your help

 

[rainacorn]

Chronic clinical depression is a real thing, however I believe it is much more rare than people seem to imply.

My mother is 'depressed.' She's been taking prozac for most of her adult life.

She tries to be her own therapist.
She doesn't go to church.
She's not strong in her faith.
She eats nothing but junk food.
She never exercises.

All 5 of those things can result in depression-like symptoms. Are they the cause of her depression or the result of it? Well without changing any of those elements in her life, it's pretty much impossible to know! Do doctors tell her to change things in her life and see if there are results? No, they pill her up, get paid and shove her out the door. A little scientific method would serve her well. Not only could she possibly be rid of the imaginary depression that she blames for every problem in her life, but just think of the money she'll save. lol

 

[selenah]

Chronic clinical depression is a real thing, however I believe it is much more rare than people seem to imply.

My mother is 'depressed.' She's been taking prozac for most of her adult life.

She tries to be her own therapist.
She doesn't go to church.
She's not strong in her faith.
She eats nothing but junk food.
She never exercises.

All 5 of those things can result in depression-like symptoms. Are they the cause of her depression or the result of it? Well without changing any of those elements in her life, it's pretty much impossible to know! Do doctors tell her to change things in her life and see if there are results? No, they pill her up, get paid and shove her out the door. A little scientific method would serve her well. Not only could she possibly be rid of the imaginary depression that she blames for every problem in her life, but just think of the money she'll save. lol

Yeah, I think you're kind of right there. I mean, if I just sit around thinking how depressed I am, I'm only going to get more depressed. If I try not to think about it and enjoy life, I feel better. I do think that there are definitely some things that people can't help but feel depressed about. Also, I know chemical imbalances can cause depression. Overall, it's a pretty complicated issue that I'm not really sure the Bible clearly addresses.

 

[rainacorn]

Our chemicals can be imbalanced by our own actions and lifestyles. That was my point. Get your physical life right, get your spiritual life right and I think your problems will look much different.

The Bible really does directly address depression, mostly because life without Him is super depressing.

Psalm 32:10-11 "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."

I've change the verse I put there about 30 times before finally hitting 'post.' There are so many great examples of someone finding hope and pulling out of their depression because of the awesome, merciful power of the Lord.

 

[selenah]

Our chemicals can be imbalanced by our own actions and lifestyles. That was my point. Get your physical life right, get your spiritual life right and I think your problems will look much different.

The Bible really does directly address depression, mostly because life without Him is super depressing.

Psalm 32:10-11 "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart."

I've change the verse I put there about 30 times before finally hitting 'post.' There are so many great examples of someone finding hope and pulling out of their depression because of the awesome, merciful power of the Lord.

I agree that some of those chemical imbalances can be caused by wrong choices we make in our lifestyles, but I also think that there are some instances where the imbalance cannot be helped. For instance, I know of someone who has depression because the Alzheimer's disease he has messes up the chemical balance in his brain. That is something that he could not help.

I think the main reason I tend to get depressed is because of my lack of faith.

 

[seaco711]

Seaco 711 It irritates me when people read too far into these things. Depression is not a result of committed sins. You've studied deliverance and spiritual warfare and so can say this intelligently? No you haven't. Psychologists don't "teach" things that "aren't in line with the scriptures." That's right. They CAN'T! Why?? Because their education consists of studing the world's answers to spiritual problems...answers that are never answers, because the world cannot comprehend spiritual matters. People - they are doctors. If you have a psychological issue, go to a psychologist. It is that simple. If you read the BIBLE, you will see that we are told to "cast all our cares upon Jesus". It is THAT simple. "Dr." simply is a person that has studied some science (how chemicals affect the body; antibiotics and anti-psychotics), and the human body so as to know what parts are supposed to do what tasks.​

Can you please be more specific about who you are addressing and what you are actually talking about? It should not be difficult to tell as I copy the post and interject my responses by using a different color font.
​

As far as making it clear who you are addressing, I just meant that you should put "Seaco711:" before what you say, like you did this time. And as far as making it clear what you're talking about...

Anyway, your argument is ridiculous. If I followed your advice, whenever I got sick, I would sit at home and "trust God to make me better." I'm not saying that we shouldn't trust God with our health, but he gives us physicians for a reason! It is ridiculous to say that psychologists don't know what they're talking about. Believe me, they often do. It is certainly an expanding and growing field, and what they say should be taken with a grain of salt. However, your argument is still, like I said, ridiculous.