Hurt and Depression

[Conversationand]

I've noticed since I've been here there are an awful lot of people who are depressed or who have been depressed. And those who have been run the risk of falling back into it. Those two groups together form almost %100 percent of my sample size. The first thing is that nothing I can say will pull you out of that. Fall back on Christ in your weakness. That is the best advice that I can give, but seek professional help as well. I'm not saying that because that's what people say. I'm saying it because I really want you to be healed and strengthened.

The other thing I want you to know is that you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the creator of every galaxy and everything in them. The entire universe in fact. That Creator knitted you in the womb with his own hands. Planned for you to be here since the beginning of time. He loves you so much, and he has great stores of mercy that he pours out on you through Christ. He is patient and kind and he shelters. Isn't that someone you can bring your issues to? His name is Abba. A child cries out "Abba! Abba!" or in other words "Daddy! Daddy!" Don't you want him to hold you and comfort you and take care of your boo-boos? Please, seek to bring your brokenness before God.

 

[mar09]

Hi convers,

I noticed your blog post and want to leave a note... I was there too, but i do not want to focus or dwell on that. Just that to the hurt and depressed, do not believe you cannot get out of it. Someone else had a post abt God being there in the midst of depression, and not leaving us alone while we're there, although it feels that way. Take heart, He never leaves or forsakes... hold on to Him and never let go.

Dont forget Ps. 68.19 and 122.1 (Go to the Lord's house when you can, and be glad with the rest of His family.)

 

[Ugly]

While I give credit to your post for positive intentions, as a 25 years sufferer of depression I can tell you that for many it's a bit frustrating to read.
Firstly there are multiple causes for depression, so blanket statements are ineffective because the root of the issue strongly affects the approach.
Some people have depression from hormones, food allergies, major illness and other physical causes. Visiting a GP could help some if them, or getting referrals to specialists.
Other people have depression just from a need to change some of their habits. Changed in diet, exercise and sleep patterns will greatly reduce or eliminate depression for some.
Some have past tragedies that they are unable to let go of, and yet others have mental conditions that cause depression. OCD, ADD/ADHD, anxiety and more can cause depression. So in these cases treating the trauma or mental disorder may have more impact.
For others it's situational. They are depressed due to recent events or their current situation. When my grandfather died my dad was depressed for a year. Then he started coming out if it.
And lastly there are those whose brain chemicals are imbalanced, which is my condition. While other methods may aid in helping this, usually the most effective way is risky medications.

Sometimes the healing is in our hands, if we take the appropriate measures. Sometimes we have to go to others for help. And for some medications, and that's not a guarantee either.

As a person that's heard a lifetime of speeches that mirror yours I can tell you it's ineffective. Your presumption is that such people must not be clinging to God or they would be healed. And reminding us of being created by God should just magically make things better, but when your body or mind is not functioning properly it's not so easy to phased by such statements.
Everything you said are things I have told others, despite my own depression. In fact, many times people with mental illness can be more committed to God than those that are not inflicted. Because their struggle is so much harder they recognize their need for God more than those having an easier time. So it's a bit insulting to suggest we need to turn to God.

Such posts as yours may be effective for situational depressive, but for people with deeper causes, who Have spent years, or most if their life struggling, it will be one of 1000 similar speeches heard before.

Again, I know your intentions are good, I'm just providing you with some insight and information so you can have a better understanding from someone who's been through it and going through it.
I would encourage you to learn more about it if you are feeling affected by what you see. While for some a change of outlook may help, for many it simply isn't an issue of thinking differently.

 

[Conversationand]

While I give credit to your post for positive intentions, as a 25 years sufferer of depression I can tell you that for many it's a bit frustrating to read.
Firstly there are multiple causes for depression, so blanket statements are ineffective because the root of the issue strongly affects the approach.
Some people have depression from hormones, food allergies, major illness and other physical causes. Visiting a GP could help some if them, or getting referrals to specialists.
Other people have depression just from a need to change some of their habits. Changed in diet, exercise and sleep patterns will greatly reduce or eliminate depression for some.
Some have past tragedies that they are unable to let go of, and yet others have mental conditions that cause depression. OCD, ADD/ADHD, anxiety and more can cause depression. So in these cases treating the trauma or mental disorder may have more impact.
For others it's situational. They are depressed due to recent events or their current situation. When my grandfather died my dad was depressed for a year. Then he started coming out if it.
And lastly there are those whose brain chemicals are imbalanced, which is my condition. While other methods may aid in helping this, usually the most effective way is risky medications.

Sometimes the healing is in our hands, if we take the appropriate measures. Sometimes we have to go to others for help. And for some medications, and that's not a guarantee either.

As a person that's heard a lifetime of speeches that mirror yours I can tell you it's ineffective. Your presumption is that such people must not be clinging to God or they would be healed. And reminding us of being created by God should just magically make things better, but when your body or mind is not functioning properly it's not so easy to phased by such statements.
Everything you said are things I have told others, despite my own depression. In fact, many times people with mental illness can be more committed to God than those that are not inflicted. Because their struggle is so much harder they recognize their need for God more than those having an easier time. So it's a bit insulting to suggest we need to turn to God.

Such posts as yours may be effective for situational depressive, but for people with deeper causes, who Have spent years, or most if their life struggling, it will be one of 1000 similar speeches heard before.

Again, I know your intentions are good, I'm just providing you with some insight and information so you can have a better understanding from someone who's been through it and going through it.
I would encourage you to learn more about it if you are feeling affected by what you see. While for some a change of outlook may help, for many it simply isn't an issue of thinking differently.

I really appreciate you making this comment. If I may, I'd like to say that I never meant to insinuate a "just give it to Jesus and your problems will magically disappear". In fact when I said "take care of you boo-boos" I meant to say that he would work with you in a way that you can know that you're not alone and start to fight from a position of power rather than weakness.

And I stand by my statement, that people should seek help. Sometimes that means a psychiatrist but it could also mean a GP or maybe just a friend to talk to. And the people who's hands it's in need just as much help as all of the other forms. And I know that there are many similar things being said to no avail which is why I said "Nothing I can say will pull you out of that" and "I'm not saying that because it's what people say". Honestly I debated even writing the thing because I knew that for many it would glide right past them as if the words didn't exist and that I stood a chance of saying something that would rub salt in the wound rather than lending encouragement.

And I'm not trying to stand above it all either. I've had my own battles as well and I wanted to try and bring the issue of depression out in the open because I know it's very easy for people to feel alone and like no one else goes through what they're going through.

As for leaning into Christ I will always advocate for that, even for people who are already doing so. Not just in issues of mental health, but in all things. On the other hand God is practical. If you have poor eyesight you don't pray for 20/20 vision, you go to the optometrist. For those who are unaided or undiagnosed God can bring them to a point where they're willing to seek help. Or if they're not he can open doors. I feel like some people assume when you get Christ involved he should move in ways that border on mysticism. Not that he can't or doesn't, but I find the love of Christ in my life to be gentle yet persistent, and that having him there to be my helper, my support, and a backstop is what keeps me moving in the right direction.

Again, I really do appreciate your comment and it's given me a lot to think on. If I can be so bold, what would you say to someone who was depressed, given you had no knowledge of where they were at with it or what their root cause was? I sincerely hope that I have not offended you in my reply and if you know that I am well meaning, please know that I continue in that spirit in this reply. I'd like to keep listening to your prospective on this and you are free to reply here, but if it would be more comfortable, you can always PM me as well.