Depression has spiritual ramifications, often steeping sufferers into a despair that threatens faith. Unfortunately, while as Christians we rush to support neighbors through hospitalizations for other medical conditions, with depression we often fall short.
My most recent article on TGC explores how to love our neighbor in depression:
Why Christian Love Matters in Depression
On a different topic, I had the opportunity again to chat with Bill Feltner on Pilgrim Radio. This time, we discuss the transition from medicine to homeschooling. It airs today at 12:30 PM and 9:30 PM PST:
Blessings to all!
Kathryn Butler 
I read your article on Why Christian Love Matters in Depression. It was very helpful to me as I have experienced the symptoms listed in your article for many years. I am an Electrical Engineer and work in supporting researchers and scientists in their early stages of research & development. One of those researchers, a neuroscientist, is working on TDCS, a non-invasive way to stimulate the brain for sufferers of various neurological disorders. I’ve learned a bit about the brain through my association with this gentleman and there is much to be learned about the brain for sure. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to write that article, it helps me better understand myself.
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James, I’m so glad it was helpful, and I pray for support for you.
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Thank you for the article on depression. As someone who once suffered from depression and suicidal ideations (until I was 40 something), I can tell you’ve written from experience, rather from the vapid platitudes we so often hear from others. Thank you for the encouragement.
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I’m glad it was helpful, David. Thank you for this feedback. May the Lord bless and keep you.
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Katie,
My mom suffered from depression most of her life. This is helpful for understanding what it was like for her. It is one of those areas where I don’t know how it is but I am willing to walk alongside the best I can. Blessings on your day.
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Walking alongside is what matters most, Jan! I’m thankful for you.
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See http://www.freedfromshame.co.uk for the book I wrote for churches to help them support and stand alongside people. I’m based in the UK but the book is Ava ilable from Amazon as a Kindle version or I will post to the USA. Katie I’d love to hear what you think of it x
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Thank you for this work, Dawn! I just downloaded it to Kindle, and look forward to reading it.
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I have struggled with anxiety and depression for over a decade, withdrawing from medicines many times. I just wrote a Christian post on withdrawal https://www.simplysatisfied.me/blog/2018/7/26/withdrawal-sucks
Hope it’s encpuraging to you to know your not alone. Oh and I was at tgc women’s conference too and also felt very torn about the homeless.
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Thank you Amanda. May God be with you.
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I read your article posted by the Gospel Coalition. I am so glad you wrote it! I couldn’t comment there so I looked you up! I have struggled for over 3 decades. Unfortunately, I have not had the same response from the church you had. I am wanting to write about my experiences also, but my health and circumstances have precluded me from that so far. My experience has been that for the most part people do not know what to do so they suggest medication. If that healed then I would not be struggling decades later. I believe if we had people willing to listen and pray and help, many resolutions could come. Most people can not even stand another to shed a tear. Meds can save your life for a moment, sure, but over time, if you are neglected, shamed, turned away, all the meds in the world can not overcome decades of abandonment. Therapy is great but who can afford weekly sessions indefinitely? I have a lot more to say, but will stop there. Thanks again and blessings!
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