Depression
 

I was able to take part of the last day of BOTT 2020. I enjoyed the messages I heard, and it looked like from point of view that it was a great conference. One thing I was really looking forward to viewing was the discussion panel, the conferences I’ve been to never had them. So, I was interested in seeing one in action in a church setting. The topic was being made whole, and they discussed that ministering to a church, to families can at times be overwhelming. Problems within Pastors homes are often hidden for the fact that “fellowships” might judge them. The participants all agreed that even though that they had faith to see God work in other people lives, it seemed that the problems they were going through were not being solved. It was a very good discussion, not being critical in any way. The reason for this thread is what the wife of the moderator for the discussion said. This Sister (I’m sorry I don’t remember her name) said that I believe for several years she battled depression, and she prayed, had elders pray for her! She said nothing was working, she was in a dark depression. She then went on to say that she went to a doctor to take medication, and I believe she talked with a therapist (that may have been the other gentleman). Anyway, not being critical, nor am I trying to embarrass this Sister. How does anyone here view depression? Do you believe we go to the doctors, take medication and problem solved? Is it spiritual? What say anyone of you...

Re: Depression
 

I believe that pharmaceuticals are a trap. I would rather see pastoral counseling and support along with the spiritual warfare of reading the psalms and focusing prayer time on praise, worshipping and thanksgivings. This battle is won through worshipping and praising God. Others should be enlisted for prayer, fasting and intercession.

Re: Depression
 

When I heard the discussion panel talk about this, it put a thought wondering how many church goers actually deal with this. Now mind I wasn’t just interested in non-denominational, Lutheran, Baptist’s etc. I was interested in Pentecostal/Apostolic ranks. In my search I found an article from 1993, that stated in North Carolina Pentecostals ranked the highest that suffered from Depression! I was shocked, hence why I ask the question. What do you do with Depression?

Re: Depression
 

Nothing a good prayer meeting won’t cure.

Re: Depression
 

Yeah...maybe Paul should have told Timothy to have himself a good ole prayer meeting for his frequent infirmities and stomach issues...


Come on man...

Re: Depression
 

Depression means a lot of different things. Are we talking about melancholy? Sadness? Feeling down? Feeling unsatisfied? Or are we talking clinical emotional flatline, neither sad nor happy? Boredom? Suppression of appetite and interests?

Some depressions are caused by circumstances. Working a job you hate can be depressing, for example. Some are caused by dietary or general health issues. Some can be caused by too much social media. Some are spiritual attacks with no apparent "cause".

Each case is different, requires unique approaches.

One thing we seem to be prone to forget is that as Christians we are called to participate not only in Christ's glory and triumphs, but in His rejection, sorrows, and sufferings as well.

I think though that a lot of Pentecostal women are depressed because they have gotten caught up in a non Biblical but religious lifestyle that does not actually promote Biblical femininity and Biblical masculinity (for their husbands). This is just a symptom of the larger societal failures creeping into the church world. In my opinion, of course.

Re: Depression
 

:thumbsup

Re: Depression
 

YES!!!!!!! My wife and I have been having to discover what works for us and yes counseling has been pretty great unpacking some things about ourselves as individuals and as a couple.



The masculine/feminine roles...yeah thats a major thing we found that caused so many problems and so much friction and I had to step out of that beta passive mentality.


My wife has been on all kinds of psych meds but what we found actually works is a low dose blood pressure medication.



It basically represses the extreme fight or flight response triggered by the complex PTSD and has stopped the anxiety attacks on their tracks.


We are fearfully and wonderfully made and we need to study how we are put together and what makes us tick!


With each discovery we can become better and be in even more awe at Gods handiwork!

Re: Depression
 

More than that, he told him to suck it up "2 Timothy 2:3"

But Paul also in the previous letter greeted Timothy with Christ as the one who gives strength 1 Timothy 1:12. He then makes sure in the second chapter to exhort Timothy to pray for all men including all who are in leadership positions. Therefore by the second letter to Timothy the prayer meeting is what brings Paul JOY. Paul then reminds Timothy, of the two prayer warriors of faith who raised Timothy, his moms and his meemaw. Paul reminds Timothy again to fan the flame that was given through his ordination that the Holy Ghost isn't a spirit of cowardice, but self control, power, and of mature love.

His stomach issue was one of digestion, due to a water issue. Therefore wine is the alternative for the local water issues on the gut.

Re: Depression
 

I’m sorry about that Brother, she wasn’t too revealing in the discussion. She just mentioned that it was a dark time (went on for several years) in her life, she became isolated, lonely, out of touch etc.. When she revealed that she went to a doctor and began to take medication for the depression. She was received with a standing ovation, understanding it took courage to confess that to so many people. She also confessed with great strength that she prayed, fasted and believed for God to take her out of that situation. She proclaimed it didn’t work, her miracle didn’t come, thats when she said she went to the doctor and took medication, after some time the feelings of depression went away.

The Discussion was about being made whole, all of them confessed to suffering burnout. Does burnout lead to depression, I just cant help but feel there is a lot of this going on in the church. And because of the fear of backlash you might receive from the church people hold it in, and the problems branches into other areas of our life.

Re: Depression
 

How long have you and your wife dealt with the issues your overcoming? Are there people in your church that deal with some form of what you guys have dealt with?

Re: Depression
 

She had dealt with it before we had even met.

Re: Depression
 

Let me see if I get this right. At a big time Pentecostal conference, a woman said she prayed and sought God but got nothing out of that, then went to the physicians and got her some results from their medications, and she got a standing ovation for that testimony?

No wonder she couldn't get an answer from God, and no wonder so many are depressed and suffering. Sounds like the conference should have been called Because We Ain't Got It Anymore 2020.

Re: Depression
 

Maybe that's why Mickey sung.... "I believe I can fly...", maybe she was talking about drugs!!!

Re: Depression
 

Crudely put, yes thats correct. This was a discussion forum and this was one of the main reasons why I wanted to view BOTT 2020. I missed the first discussion forum on Wednesday morning moderated by Gentry Mangun. In this discussion forum there was a Moderator, 2 Pastors (J.H. Osborn, and a Pastor from Canada) a Pastors wife, and the other lady (one with the issue of depression) was the wife of the moderator. The only participant that didn’t state a problem he personally dealt with was Bro. J.H. Osborn. The Pastor from Canada had a daughter born with Down syndrome and struggled with that issue for years, had to go to therapy, had a dark time because he desired God to heal his daughter and that healing never came. The Pastors wife talked about burn out, and how they need to have vacations, and get aways to cope with the overloading responsibilities of the church. Then the Moderators wife spoke on her condition, she was more blunt about her issue of depression.

Ill be honest, when I saw “Discussion Forum” as part of the schedule I wasn't thinking that type of forum. I was thinking more along the lines of biblical study on a subject. Yet, when I saw the topic being discussed, I felt there is a lot more of these situations going on in the church.

Re: Depression
 

Re: Depression
 

Meds have a legitimate place in dealing with depression. Some of it is biochemical. But not all of it.

It takes a helping hand to bring a person out of the fog of depression.

Re: Depression
 

When you mention helping hand, are you referring to having someone to talk to, or someone to help you pray? So, reading what you posted your thought on depression is a chemical imbalance thus medication will allow the imbalance to become balanced again, and all should be fine. Then some of it will be in your opinion?

Re: Depression
 

Scott what in the world are you talking about?

Re: Depression
 

I've noticed a trend the last few years of people, known ministers and others, who have began to encourage the use of therapists or medication to treat mental illness and depression.

The grandson and wife of a late minister who had been one of the Assistant GS for a long time have given their testimony on a few occasions about his struggles with mental illness and how they used medications and therapists to deal with it. He had been prayed for by many, including some of the most well known Minister's in the UPCI and was not healed.

I agree with your earlier post, stating that we fellowship with the suffering of Christ.

Not everything is sunshine and roses, mountain tops and rainbows. There are some tough trials to endure, and to do so with joy knowing that God is with us and working through those situations and will always give strength and encouragement when we need it most.

Re: Depression
 

Helping hand is the medicine cabinet.

Where you find Valium.

Here is an old hymnal about it.

What a drag it is getting old
"Kids are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Mother needs something today to calm her down
And though she's not really ill
There's a little yellow pill
She goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day
"Things are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Cooking fresh food for a husband's just a drag
So she buys an instant cake and she burns her frozen steak
And goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And two help her on her way, get her through her busy day
Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old
"Men just aren't the same today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
They just don't appreciate that you get tired
They're so hard to satisfy, You can tranquilize your mind
So go running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And four help you through the night, help to minimize your plight
Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old
"Life's just much too hard today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
The pursuit of happiness just seems a bore
And if you take more of those, you will get an overdose
No more running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
They just helped you on your way, through your busy dying day

Re: Depression
 

Re: Depression
 

So people dealing with this non stop for decades... have no joy of the Lord, correct?

Re: Depression
 

This has always worked for me

Leave it there, oh leave it there
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
If you will trust Him and never doubt, He will surely bring you out
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
Now if the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold
And you'll have to get along with meagers fare
Just remember in God's words, how he fed those little birds
Take your burden to the Lord, leave it there
Now if your body suffers pain and your health you can't regain
And your soul is almost sinking in despair
Jesus knew the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
Oh leave it there, oh leave it there
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
If you'll trust Him and never doubt, He will surely bring you out
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
If your enemy assails and your heart begin to fail
Don't you forget that God in Heaven will answer prayer
He will make a way for you, He will guide you safely through
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
Now if your youthful days are gone, and old age is stealing on
And your body sinks beneath the weight of care
Jesus will never leave you then, He'll go with you to the end
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
Leave it there, oh leave it there
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
If you trust Him, never doubt, He will surely bring you out
Take your burden to the Lord, leave it there
Now if your mother leaves you here, grief and sorrow you must bear
And you feel that all the friend you have is gone
But whenever you feel alone, Jesus will take you in His arms
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
Oh leave it there, oh leave it there
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there
If you trust Him, never doubt, He will surely bring you out
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there

Re: Depression
 

And wine

Re: Depression
 

I hope there will be videos posted of the conference so you can see the entire panel at work. I understand what your saying, yet what do you tell this Pastor/Moderators wife that she already stated she has prayed, been prayed for, fasted and my trouble was not answered? I guess I wouldn’t of been shocked (if I can use that term) if this was a new soul to the faith, yet, this is a Pastors wife, who has been in truth for many years. In my opinion, why have a discussion like this unless there are many dealing with it, maybe in some parts more than others. Or maybe there doing damage control to help when the need arises?

Re: Depression
 

Pharmaceuticals are a temporary fix with side effects, and dealing with withdrawal when you realize that you need to get off something you are addicted to because you are suffering from memory lapses and other problems is going to be even more depressing.

You need to be transformed by the renewing of your mind through the word, praising and worshipping God.

Re: Depression
 

Love that song.

He truly is a Wonderful Counselor.

Re: Depression
 

Good morning. This is a topic I feel I can talk openly about myself. I had battled seriuous depression over the past year, a heart crushing, soul obliterating depression that caused me to hate myself, to sink deep into darkness, and almost take my own life. My causes were both environmental as well as my own past. I have said this many times myself that I wish the church had more discernment in dealing with the masks of depression, that those suffering depression wear masks, and do wear them well. I was one of them, and instead of people seeing through my mask to help me, everyone though everything was OK.

Since November 2018, I had walked away from ministry, endured a heart wrenching breakup, lost my position due to health, and broke my back in a work related accident. I was in such a place I actually told my Mom, whom I stay with, to remove the gun from my room, so as not to go through with the notion of ending it all. I felt alone, worthless, broken, and dead on the inside. I felt no one could help me. Then, one day, as if a brekaing of storm clouds, Jesus reached down and started the healing process, one moment at a time. I began to like the broken guy in the mirror, to see myself as worth something, even when some did not. I found His strength to allow me to get out of bed, and even while still in pain of my body, go to work in the limited capacity I can now, and even with my other health issues, see myself as someone of worth, even in seeing myself as someone of worth in God's eyes.

From losing everything to starting back. I am back at my original church, and am also back at my job as an Asst. Supervisor over a high school (no physical work, but overseeing the morning work). I am at peace hoping and believing for healing, and have found strength in family. Depression is very real folks, and it can lead to suicide. It sometimes needs meds to get through it. But, for me, I needed something much deeper and stronger to come out of mine.

Thanks to the OP for opening up this discussion. I have not fully shared my story, and I actually felt a lifting as I did. Thanks to all and God bless.

Re: Depression
 

There is more than one approach to dealing with depression. Part of it is medicine. Part of it is counsel. Part of it is prayer.

Re: Depression
 

Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness........

At least that is what the Bible says about depression.

Re: Depression
 

Amen.

Re: Depression
 

Who is getting prescriptions for Valium for depression???? Do I need to come to Florida to get the good stuff? 😂

Re: Depression
 

Where?





Sent from my iPhone

Re: Depression
 

Folks opinions are like noses...everybody has at least one...unless you dont and then that just makes this even more awkward.


But there is no one size fits all and what I mean by that is outside the realm of God miraculously moving in someones life.


Thing is that it doesnt always happen.


Yeah I said it...God doesnt heal everyone and fix everyones problems.


Its just the truth.


It doesnt mean that God doesnt love us or care for us and neither does it mean that He isnt all powerful or all knowing.


If He moves and heals, GREAT! AWESOME!



If He doesnt, Im going to fulfill my instinct to survive and scrape and claw my way the best I can until they pat me in the face with a shovel.


The way some of you talk its like any avenue outside of Divine Intervention is reason to be derided and looked down upon.


If it worked the reason some of you talked like it does there should be no more hospitals or psych wards and everybody would be beating down your doors for their miracle cure that is 100% guaranteed but the problem is when it doesnt work and someone mentions it all these excuses are made about how its somehow that persons fault or failure why God just didnt seem to be able to make it happen.


Im not blaming God.


Far from it.


I just understand that there are things way above my pay grade that I dont understand so I read scripture and take my petitions to Him believing He can and to the best of my ability I try and try to wait on Him...meanwhile I have to function and take care of a wife, child and disabled mother none of which I can fully put the weight of MY struggles on because they cant carry that and neither do I expect them to.


So do I sit there and wait it out or do I take my pill and go about my day loving people and taking care of my family thanking God all the while?


How does me sitting in misery talking about how good God is while not trying to work out the problem the best I can on my end bring glory to Him?


IT DOESNT!


That doesnt make Him look good at all!


So I take my meds and thank God that He in His wisdom gives man the knowledge and understanding to create things to help ourselves!


If I was some monk in a cave somewhere maybe it'd be different.

Re: Depression
 

Thank you for sharing your testimony.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10 | NIV

Re: Depression
 

Well, Brother I’m glad your not a monk. :thumbsup

This is why I started this thread, as I saw this women confessing to a conference of at least 1500+ that she prayed, fasted had her Pastor (Husband) pray and fast, had Elders in their life pray and Fast for an answer with her depression. I’ve said it several times already, and Ill say it again, it struck my heart when she said I didn’t receive my healing or maybe some may say deliverance. So as time went on she grew weary with her situation and finally the day came where she went to the doctor, and from there medication was her answer as she has claimed.

I want to get your thought on how we approach our problems. Do you think that we may be misdiagnosing our problem?

I’m not trying to offend, I understand that these situations are very tender. And I’m probably not going to say anything you haven’t heard or have knowledge of. For the sake of the discussion, tell me your thoughts on this.

The Bible says in

James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

You and I both understand what James is talking about, yet could some of our issues be because were asking God amiss? Our dear Brother from Detroit, mentioned putting on the garment of praise, for the spirit of heaviness. If we come to the throne of God wanting him to heal our sickness of depression. What if its not a sickness, what if it is a spirit? Can we take a spiritual problem and solve it with physical means? I confess to you, I’ve wondered in my own life, I’m I asking God correctly? For example, while Jesus was on this earth many souls cried to him for answer for their need. Not every situation was the same, some cried because they were blind, and desired to see, some where lame and desired to walk, others had family members that have passed away, and they desired of him to make them alive! I’m not trying to be smart here, its just a thought, would’ve the blind been made to see if he asked to be healed from his lameness? Or those that enquired of the Lord on behalf of their deceased relatives would’ve they had been raised to life if they asked God to make them see?

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Brother how are we destroyed? What type of knowledge do we need so that were not destroyed? Is it just the knowledge of Acts 2:38? I bring this up, because its just a thought that has been on my heart, are we suffering because we don’t have knowledge of what were facing in sickness, life, church etc? Let me know what you think.

Re: Depression
 

Yeah the scripture in James definitely doesn't apply to just people struggling with depression...the verses before the one you posted seem to point to some other pretty serious issues dealing with the church and sin/behavior in the church.


I dont have the answers man Im just over here trying to mind my own business putting out my own grassfires best I can.


Everybody isnt created with the same temperament and mental and emotional resources, diet is a HUGE downfall I think as well. When I go total carnivore its a huge mood boost and I feel great physically, mentally and emotionally.


Ive been through enough that Ill never again Monday morning quarterback someones struggles with depression.

Re: Depression
 

:thumbsup

Re: Depression
 

Taking prescribed medicine for depression is no different than taking aspirin for a headache.

Go to the doctor and do what he says.