Christians are not immune from clinical depression. A qualified healthcare professional (preferably one who practices Christian principles) should evaluate, treat and screen for suicidal thoughts. There are “4 P’s” for Christians suffering from depression. These include (1) Prayer, (2) Partners (including healthcare professionals), (3) “Put-ons,” and (4) Planning.

00:00 – Opening

0:30 – DISCLAIMER: INFORMATION IN THIS EPISODE IS INFORMATIONAL ONLY
-IF YOU SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION, SEEK TREATMENT BY A QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL!
-PREFERABLY ONE WHO PRACTICES BY BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

1:32 – THERE ARE TWO FORMS OF DEPRESSION: (1) REACTIVE DEPRESSION (2) CLINICAL DEPRESSION. CLINICAL DEPRESSION IS A MORE SEVERE CONDITION LASTING WEEKS TO MONTHS AND SOMETIMES EVEN YEARS. DEPRESSION IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF SUICIDE.

3:04 – HOW COMMON IS CLINICAL DEPRESSION?
– National Institute of Mental Health: 7% of Americans have had at least one major depressive episode.
– 25 to 45-year-olds are most affected, with teenagers the fastest-growing group.

4:15 – CAUSES OF DEPRESSION INCLUDE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL ISSUES. Physical causes include (1) physical illnesses or (2) physical factors. Emotional causes and triggers for depression. Spiritual causes for depression include Satan or sin (e.g., Psa 32)

7:50 – REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE OF OUR DEPRESSION, GOD STILL EXPECTS CHRISTIANS TO OBEY SCRIPTURE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES REGARDLESS OF HOW WE FEEL. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

8:37 – CLINICAL DEPRESSION IS BEST DIAGNOSED AND TREATED BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN ASSESS THE RISK FOR SUICIDE. LOOK FOR A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL WHO PRACTICES CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES.
-DISCUSS YOUR DEPRESSION WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN.

10:08 – SO WHAT? HOW CAN WE DEAL WITH DEPRESSION BIBLICALLY? FOUR “P’S” FOR DEALING WITH DEPRESSION: (1) PRAYER, (2) PARTNERS, (3) PUT-ONS, (4) PLAN.

10:54 – 1. PRAYER: CULTIVATES INTIMACY WITH GOD (Ps. 34:18)

11:51 – 2. PARTNERS: WE NEED COMMUNITY AND PARTNERS WHEN WE’RE STRUGGLING (Gal. 6:2)

13:05 – 3. “PUT-ON’S” (Eph. 4:21-24)
-A DISCIPLINED MIND
-VIEWING TRIAL AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH (JAS 1:2-4) AND OUR GOOD (ROM. 8:28-29)

14:58 – 4. PLAN: HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN IN PLACE.
-IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. PLEASE SEEK HELP!

16:56 – WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
1. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH DEPRESSION: REACH OUT.
2. IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION: GET A PARTNER.

17:58 – Thank you and wrap up