Too often, Christians suggest to individuals suffering from depression that God is the answer. While some people of faith may believe this kind of advice comes from a good place, not only are these sentiments less than helpful, they can also communicate judgment, prejudice, and even hatred.
The complexities of faith and mental health require a more compassionate approach. Though a profound source of strength, faith cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges of depression.
If We Are the Body
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, sponsored by the National Mental Health Association (MHA). The goal is to raise awareness and encourage free or low-cost screenings for depression and other mental health conditions nationwide.
Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable insights from churchgoers, the unchurched, believers, and non-believers who all have grappled with depression and faced substantial stigmatization from members of the Christian community. For most of my life, I have battled major depressive disorder, and can personally affirm that, yes, a severe stigma against depression and mental illness exists within the church at large.
Equally troubling, researchers have found that Christians have a higher than average likelihood of clinical depression, and describe it as a “pandemic.”
Miracle Cure
Many Christians firmly believe in the transformative power of God, and their faith is a profound source of strength. While studies have shown complementary therapy including elements of faith can be effective treatment, it is essential not to oversimplify depression and other mental illnesses.
Faith should never be reduced as a magical cure for anything.
God’s healing power is expressed through relational love. Too many minimize real problems with a specious accusation along the lines of “don’t limit God!” Believing God can really actually heal through relational love takes a whole lot more faith than using prayer like a fabled wish from a magic lamp.
I saw a post on social media which said:
“When Elijah said
‘Lord, I want to die,’
God gave him the strength to live.
Depression is real. But so is God.
Anxiety is real. But so is hope.”
Unfortunately, it has become normalized within American Christianity to diminish the pandemic of mental illness that has plagued our culture as nothing more than a difference in perspective. This is no more productive than to tell Stevie Wonder “Blindness is real, but so is sight…because God.”
People struggling with depression don’t need anyone to tell them that God is the answer to everything. God doesn’t cheat the natural world he created. If someone is diabetic, faith in Jesus will not miraculously produce insulin, and people who are depressed certainly don’t need Christians implying their illness is caused by a lack of faith.
Fault Lines
Unfortunately, studies show many Christians actually do believe mental illness is a spiritual problem, and assume that such struggles result from sin in the lives of the afflicted.
This isn’t very surprising, because even within the church, some have observed Christianity is responsible for the growing polarization of American culture.
In a word, it’s called judgment.
This results in a lack of empathy when dealing with mental health issues. Depression in particular is widely misunderstood, and people tend to fear what they don’t comprehend.
Unlike those whose various illnesses are perceived to have some tangible physical element, individuals dealing with depression in some churches are often overlooked or unfairly judged, intensifying feelings of shame, hopelessness, and guilt.
The gospel of John presents Jesus healing a man who was born with blindness, and he directly addresses such biased judgments. When his disciples ask whether it was the man or his parents who had sinned to cause the blindness, Jesus responds that neither is the case. In fact, when Jesus is later questioned by the Pharisees about the blind man, he tells them, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see and those who do see may become blind.” (John 9:39, NRSVUE)
How Deep Is Your Love
The intersection of faith and mental health requires compassion and understanding, and above all love. Rather than judging or blaming individuals for their mental health struggles, we are created to support and uplift those who suffer.
Love doesn’t give clichéd advice, like “let go and let God,” or “everything happens for a reason.” Love doesn’t make unqualified recommendations such as “get counseling,” “take meds,” or “just move on.” Love doesn’t say, “you should pray more,” or “cheer up—you have life in Christ!”
In the life of someone suffering from depression, love must be demonstrated by actions more than words. Maybe you can bring them a meal you know they like, or clean their house. Sometimes sitting with someone without even speaking a word can communicate volumes. If your friend is comfortable with physical contact, give them a hug.
Love also means it isn’t your job to try and fix anyone.
Depression doesn’t have simple answers. While faith can be a source of strength for some, issues surrounding faith may very well contribute to the suffering of others.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In