“Help me, I’m depressed!”

Introduction

Welcome to our new sermon series for July, entitled “Please, Help Me!” This month we want to delve deeper into mental health issues and look at specific problems. Our primary source of inspiration will be the Book of Psalms. Specifically, we want to investigate and address the most common types of mental health issues that people face today. To start off this series, let us focus on depression – one of the most widespread yet misunderstood mental health challenges. We hope that through our sermon series this month, we can gain greater insight into how to better cope with depression in both ourselves and others around us through God’s word. Psychologists refer to depression as a “Mood Disorder”. While everyone feels sad or depressed from time to time, a mood disorder is different. Mood disorders are very intense and persistent, and they significantly affect everyday life. They can last from two weeks to two years or longer. By God’s mercy and grace, we can understand the causes and cures of depression. There are three causes and cures.

Three Causes and Three Cures of Depression

1. *Natural* Causes and Cures – Traumatic life events such as suffering, sickness, or death of a loved one can trigger depression. Being sad or depressed during these times is natural. Usually, this is temporary. It is commonly related to the experience of grief. Psychologists usually identify five stages in this experience: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Grief is a personal and complex process that varies from person to person. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is no fixed timeline for how long it takes. But what is helpful would be emotional support, coping skills, and resources to help a person heal from his or her loss over time.

2. *Biological* and/or *Psychological* Causes and Cures – Chemical imbalances, sicknesses, and even genetics can also trigger depression. A diagnosis may involve a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying physical causes contributing to the mental illness. A psychiatrist or psychologist may also ask about family history and use psychological evaluation tools to determine a diagnosis. For example, a doctor may order bloodwork to rule out anemia or thyroid problems before diagnosing the problem as a mental disorder. Medication may be used to cure people of mental illness if the causes are biological. Psychotherapy can be particularly effective, if the cause is psychological, as it involves tools and techniques for combating unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that can help an individual cope with depression long-term.

3. *Supernatural* Causes and Cures (Psalm 42) – Aside from natural, biological, or psychological causes, sometimes depression has supernatural causes. In other words, the causes are beyond nature. Ultimately, it concerns our relationship with God (vv.1-2). Sometimes we feel the absence of God (v. 3) or the experience of His presence (v. 4). This is very difficult for a person who loves God. Ignatius of Loyola calls this experience desolation. The cure is threefold: a) Remember God’s love in the midst of depression (vv.6-8), b) Ask God in prayer for wisdom and understanding (vv.9-10), and c) Train yourself to be God-focused (vv. 5, 11).

Conclusion

1. Central Idea: “The *cure* for depression depends on its *cause*.”

2. We must understand the causes of depression in both ourselves and others. We must not be quick to offer a solution unless we know and understand what’s causing it.

3. This week, let’s be careful when we try to deal with depression. But let’s put our hope in the Lord that there is a cure.

Discussion

1. When have you encountered depression, whether in yourself or someone you know?

2. Why is it important to understand the cause of depression?

3. How would you apply what you’ve learned in this sermon?

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