Will severe depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm go away if you take your thoughts captive and think positively, be thankful, read your Bible, and pray?
Will severe depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm go away if you take your thoughts captive and think positively, be thankful, read your Bible, and pray?
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5
I've been in chronic pain for thirteen years, and have longed for death often, but look at this, my testimony:
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me” (Psalm 119:50).
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (Psalm 119:67).
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (Psalm 119:71).
though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. - Hebrews 5:8
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - II Corinthians 12:9
It's not about completing a checklist, it is all about your heart.
This used to be me exactly, I wanted to die, and full of hate, and anger, and confusion, and depression, and anxiety, but it is all a trick of the enemy!! I shouldn't be alive, but in my darkest hour He called out to me, and this time I finally listened. I said He could have my life because I didn't want it anymore. I surrendered to Him, and took that final scary leap, that is faith, and He caught me. It is the best decision I've ever made.
Now darkness, guilt, shame, fear, doubt, none of these things exist in me anymore, but I received His peace that surpasses all understanding and His love that goes beyond all human comprehension. Even in trials and tribulations, I walk in the clouds and everywhere I go a trail of flowers follows me. I look back and cannot believe how dark and warped my heart and mind used to be, but God will set you free.
Jeremiah 29:13 and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.
Cry out to the Lord, and He will come to you, that is His promise. And it'll be the best decision you've ever made, for you were made in His image, fearfully and wonderfully made, and He will save you and uphold you.
NO. You need to make lifestyle changes. You cannot "think positively" and pray it away.
Think of depression like a broken leg. Will positive thoughts and prayer fix your leg?
They can help, sure, but you also need to set the bone, get a cast, and let it heal.
Depression can be rooted in the people you spend time with your physical surroundings, how much time you spend outside, how sedentary vs. physically active you are, how much positivity vs. negativity you consume through media and people interactions, and diet can directly affect you. In summary, depression stems from people and environment.
Suicidal ideation is complicated. You need to peel your onion back and back until you dig deep down to the original root cause and then deal with that. I used to be suicidal. The root cause: being alone. I solved the problem by becoming an extrovert. I'm at my best when I'm with people. When I'm home alone, I'm still not alone, I have my dog. When I'm alone in my car, I'm still not alone, I have Christ. So, in reality, I'm never truly alone, and the "suicidal ideation" is now gone.
I've been a non-fundamentalist, unchurched Christian for about 15 years now and I would like to share my perspective.
1- Please know that having faith in God does NOT mean that God will magically take away hardships from your life.
Having faith in God means that God is with you through the hardships.
"The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us.” - Hebrews 13:5
Jesus said, “I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” - Matthew 28:20
“Be brave and strong! Don’t be afraid… . The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
2- Of course when we focus on God, we are able to be confident in knowing God is with us, we can share our worries with Him, and we are meant to keep our minds on what's right.
"And when I was burdened with worries, you (God) comforted me and made me feel secure.” - Psalm 94:19
"I tell You (God) all my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, You are there to guide me.” - Psalm 142:2-3
“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” - 1 Peter 5:7
"Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.“ - Philippians 4:8
3- But God knows we aren't perfect. That's why He wants us to strive to get back up after each time we fall while trusting His grace.
"My enemies, don't be glad because of my troubles! I may have fallen, but I will get up; I may be sitting in the dark, but the Lord is my light.” - Micah 7:8
“We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“If we are not faithful, he (Jesus) will still be faithful.” - 2 Timothy 2:13
“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” - Hebrews 4:16
-I pray for your healing, I pray you will focus on God for strength, I pray you will be comforted by God's love, I pray you will reach out to others for support, and I pray you will never give up! In Jesus' Name. Amen. 🙏🏾
Yes, doing the things you listed saved my life along with the help and support of therapy and medication. Advocate for yourself and go all in on Jesus!
I had severe depression for years and had a lot of suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and just generally so much darkness. A few months ago I had an encounter with God in my room and what I later learned to be a born-again experience. After that I had absolutely no more thoughts about suicide and my severe depression was taken from me. I feel little flashes of depression here and there but it's nowhere near the pit of darkness I was in and nothing that can't be curbed by some sunlight and exercise. Be thankful always. Gratitude does wonders for mental health. Of course, speaking from personal experience, when you're in a deep pit of depression, it can seem very hopeless and like you'll never improve, but once you know that God is with you through every minute of the day, you start to see the light in little things.
If you don't know where to go in the Bible, Psalms is always good. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Psalm 51:12). I remember a little while ago, I was having one of those flashes of depression where for a few days I was just low energy and felt spiritually dead. So one night I remembered that verse and just asked God to restore to me the joy of my salvation. Inexplicably the next morning I felt like I had no idea what depression even was, it was just so much energy and joy and life and nothing could've upset me. I remember walking in my backyard and I felt so free, and by free I mean I felt like a kindergartener on the playground again and I had all the energy in the world. The Holy Spirit really is our comforter and He will draw near to you if you draw near to Him. I hope this helps.
That is a complex one. God has the power to heal. Not everyone who follows Him will just be supernaturally healed from depression though. Sometimes learning his way has a natural tendency to help though, when we are able to renew our mind it casts out the deceptions that can lead us to feel badly about ourselves. But some people have circumstantial or physical reasons for mental illness as well, so for some it’s something they may still struggle with as a Christian. I battle with it as well and I used to cut myself as a teen, I have marked up arms from the cutting. I tried to commit suicide before and had to be hospitalized. That was years ago though. One exercise I learned was you take a piece of paper and one side says lies and other says truth. When you feel a thought about yourself or anything like I would feel like I wasn’t good enough. And opposite is where the bible says otherwise like my identity in Christ says I am loved and valued and you’d write the bibles truths in there. Knowing the bible helps. Eventually you’ll know the arrows coming and can use scripture against it. I do believe some of mental health is a spiritual battle.
Well, this has already been said in the comments, but I'll reinforce it: yes, connecting more with God is a great help! But remember, God gave us knowledge and very special people to help us! So don't be ashamed to ask a doctor for help!!! Unfortunately, many Christians in my country see doctors as people who distance us from God, but that's not true. Take care, I will pray for you and may God bless you abundantly! ❤️
Yes, but not in the way that you think. This is not the "power of positive thinking" mantra. If you're constantly living in a state of negative thoughts (which was me for a very long time), then just telling yourself to stop thinking those things or to try and take those thoughts captive will fail. I don't actually think that's what that verse is getting at either.
Suicidal thoughts and depression is usually unresolved grief. Many people who suffer from depression developed core beliefs that act like the driving force behind all those other thoughts. Trying to take the surface level thoughts captive won't work. You need to get to the root of the issue, which likely developed early on.
This can be difficult to do since a lot of times, especially if it's trauma related, those memories where you developed those core beliefs can be blacked out or like they're behind a thick fog. This is why the bible encourages community.
If you can find a Christian counselor who is skilled in these situations, that would be ideal, but even if you can't (and honestly even if you do), ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unresolved grief or wounds that you have that may be driving those bad thoughts. It could've been neglect, abuse, or just a bad situation (a parent got sick, a car accident, etc.). That's not always the cause, but many times it is.
If you can't find a licensed counselor, do a lot of research and ask around town for pastors that people trust, and/or pastors who have had experience in the past helping people work through issues and provide good counsel.
Speaking from experience, I was abused by my mom and I didn't even realize it happened to me until months ago. I struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for a long time. While doing some research, I encountered the reality that she was maliciously abusing me, and I had buried those memories so I could barely access them. When I encountered the truth, I was able to revisit those memories and grieve my childhood. My depression evaporated overnight, with some slight relapses over the course of several months, but it became clear that I was using things in my life to distract me from my painful past.
After accepting the full extent of what was done to me, I was able to forgive her, and I felt a huge sense of pressure lift from me. I understood on a deeper level what it meant to give Jesus my burdens, and what it meant to "take my thoughts captive"
It wasn't the suicidal thoughts or depression itself that I needed to take captive, it was the fuel of those thoughts, which were coming from being stuck in grief and not allowing myself to heal.
One caveat here is that, even though I recommend counseling (if it's a good counselor), counseling did not help me. I came to these conclusions on my own and I had friends and pastors to talk to about it to help me process what had happened to me.
❤️🙏🏻That is very helpful. But there may be some physical neural imbalances that need attention. But also, it’s helpful to know what’s going on and the reality of spirit force dynamics.
Here are some keys. There is a dimension of the Christ walk that is not standard to the cultural Christianity we now have. It’s best to look at the framework of spirit forces and how they work. Although I graduated with honors from an Ivy League seminary (Theology major with Bible emphasis) nevertheless, it was not actually helpful to the Christ walk and dealing with the baseline of reality which are spiritual forces.
Of course you know Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” But that is a generalized statement. It is the specifics that are not normally known. To zero in on the main spiritual battle zone, is best.
Three points, there are times that seem like valleys so we don’t feel the Sonlight. That’s because the walk of faith is a focus on Truth. Like a pilot flying in the dark through a storm, he has the truth instrument panel to present the reality of his total flying information package. Many pilots have decided to go with their feelings and have crashed. We live by the facts of Truth. *When we see accurately the facts of spirit force realities, we see that the best choice in a storm at sea is to stay by the captains side at the wheel, not, to get out of the ship. ***Also there is the struggle of Paul in Romans 7 that points to how weary he was and actually had a crisis point that became a Segway to more truth about how these deviant spirit forces were fighting to drag him down. And it is this third point that the following outline addresses.
I. Here’s The Thing; One main force battle
A. ., Not known or taught or recognized in many Christian groups (it doesn’t matter what denomination you are) is the fact of …the sin nature or flesh. Romans 7:17 and restated in verse 20 V 17 “in that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” V 20 “if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” [ the same thing is repeated twice for importance]
B..,,This sin nature is a real implant in the human body. It is the internal urge/impulse drive and voice influence sending thoughts and images to the mind. Everyone is influenced to some level. It is not the same as the devil, but the devil works with the sin nature to lead, urge and drive us deeper into wrong, because, it gains more power if it is successful. The habits/addictions/disorders are not the same for everyone but Satan and the sin nature tailor their efforts at the takeover approach to each individual.
C…You notice he even says, “ there is this thing/force in me, but it’s not the real me. The real me is my connection with Christ Who helps me want to do good.”
D. We know that all strength and goodness is going to come through the work of Christ on the cross AND His resurrection life that lives in us.
..1. His cross work. (We know that Christ died for our sins and we are forgiven) But His work on the cross also made provision to stop the activities of the flesh/sin 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our “sins” and “sin nature” (ἁμαρτία, Greek word: see Winer’s Grammar) in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.
*** His cross work dealt with the sin nature so it has no rights of control. [BUT WE NEED TO DEPEND ON CHRIST TO APPLY HIS WORK]
***Scripture calls this application “ being crucified with Christ”. Galatians 2:20
….2. When we count on His Work, and use His Name as our power source, that plugs us in; even if that sin nature, squawks and pretends it has power, and tries to control us.
II Summary seen in key verses Galatians 5
A. Key verses V. 24. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sin nature/ flesh with its passions and desires.
V. 25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit…”.
…. 1. Notice this phrase in v 25. “Live by the Spirit” Also . Ref Ephesians 1:13 “sealed by the Spirit.”
……..2. Notice =“walk in step with the Spirit “ =this is the same instruction as other verses; walk in the Spirit; be filled with the Spirit; be clothed with Christ; abide in the vine, etc.
B. Don’t be discouraged when all is not perfect; it is called “ growing in grace strength “ 2 Peter 3:18
(Note that Grace, is often confused with the word mercy. Grace, most often, means; energy, ability, power from God)
C. Remember; the key cornerstone of the sin nature’s work is to get us to depend on ourselves; in fact, it is the automatic default mode that we wake up in every day. But the more we can ask help and depend , the more grace strength we have. All blessings to you 🙏🏻🙏🏻 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.”
D. To repeat the truth about depending on Christ; this process of looking away from ourselves to Christ is vital. We cannot look within ourselves for strength anymore than we can look within ourselves to produce forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 2:6
“Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him”.
…. We did not receive Christ by looking within our own ability. Also, this vital truth is stated another way by Jesus in John 15:5 “ ……. apart from Me, you can do nothing……”. This truth is forged in depth of understanding through failure. God is not far from us in our failures; we are transitioning in our understanding and learning.
Extra :-) 1 Peter 5:8. “Be alert. our adversary the Devil (with his tool the flesh/sin nature.) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” Devour means to take over one’s life and use us for Satan’s energy tool, like we use food for energy to do things we want .
2 Corinthians 2:11 “so that no [advantage] would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” (Most people are ignorant) But the word advantage in Greek is “pleonektéō”. defraud”) shows inordinate desire, especially lusting for what belongs to someone else. (You belong to Christ) To abuse from Strongs Greek; used of “a greedy, covetous, ……… rapacious, (reference to rape a person.) a defrauder, to take over.
But we are not ignorant; we have the cross of Christ and the Life of Christ present with His leading, power and Truth 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻….
These practices could reduce the intensity. But I hope(if this is you) that medical treatment is also considered. There are testimonials of people who stopped being depressed after becoming born-again. But that experience is not necessarily representative of depressed Christians. Dramatic testimonies like this can lead some Christians in doubt whether their faith is strong enough.
Fellowship with other Christians help!
I myself struggled with severe depression. I was able to gradually wane off my medication. But due to hard times and stress some of my symptoms reappeared. I was in denial that it was happening, partly because I thought that I was doing all the right things in my spiritual life.
Death and suffering entered the world due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience(Genesis 3). Depression is one of many things that entered the world from the Fall. But there’s good news. Jesus will return to Earth to restore and renew all things(Acts 3:20-21, Ephesians 1:8-10). Only Jesus could have paid the ransom for our sins(Psalm 49:7, 1 Timothy 2:6). After this, there will come a time when there will be no more crying, mourning or pain, as the old order has passed away(Revelation 21:4).
There are two kinds of depression. There is general clinical depression where there is really nothing wrong and the person is depressed for no reason they can describe that would warrant being depressed to others.
Then there is depression from circumstances like poverty, divorce, addiction and the like. As a follower of Christ a person can overcome either type of depression but the second type I mentioned, from circumstances, can be lifted from biblical knowledge alone, provided the person truly believes the Bible.
They can, but I have hormonal imbalances and issues due to multiple major traumas, head injuries, a genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder and menopause, so I require medication to stay stable, otherwise I go extreme high or low and end up in a psychotic delusional, catatonic state. On the plus side while I’m locked up in the loony bin for the mandatory 3 day hospitalization (it has taken up to 9 days, but usually 3 is enough) to get my brain back under control, I get to read a Bible to other patients, talk to them, pray with them, answer questions, and reassure them that Jesus loves them and He died for them and He won’t forget about them or disown them for their imperfections. And, with their permission, hug them even though the staff say no, some rules are worth breaking.
Reading the Bible daily, reading commentaries and historical information regularly, praying, praising, singing, dancing, admiring the beauty in the world God created, spending time with people I love, doing hobbies that bring me joy, helping people, being the best wife and mother and grandmother and daughter and sister and aunt and niece and friend that I can be all helps to keep me optimistic and happy in general so I can endure the hard, dark, scary times when they come.
I’m 49 years old. I have believed in Jesus since I was 3 years old. I have never stopped seeking after Him, learning, growing and loving Him and thank God for that because I’ve needed Him a lot and He has never let me down. Yep, some things really suck, but oh boy the blessings of being secure in your faith are so worth it! If my life leads even one person to saving faith in Jesus it will be worth it. I’m kinda spoiled though and pray everyone I have ever come in contact with will find their way to Jesus and that the light and love in me, the Holy Spirit, will guide their steps to Him, just like my dad did for me.
It also helps to try to eat well and rest well. (Although depression will make that really difficult to do, not eating or sleeping well makes it worse)
The prophet Elijah was quite suicidal while running away from Jezebel, and the first things God did was to make sure Elijah was well fed, hydrated and had enough rest.
Look, I’m going to tell you when I tell everyone else. God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle and if you do need a little help, all you have to do is ask. “Ask and it shall be given.” The depression won’t go away necessarily. What I found though is that having Christ with me gives me all the tools I need to combat it.
We live in an imperfect world with imperfect things and imperfect people. Everyone gets depressed now and again. The one thing that is perfect though is God. He’ll give you the tools you need to succeed even when it’s hard.
Psalm 1:3
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.”
Maybe, but very probably not.
Do those things and seek medical help.
How about you do them and then see :)
I'm with you in prayer.
Why won't you turn to Christ and be healed?
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5
I've been in chronic pain for thirteen years, and have longed for death often, but look at this, my testimony:
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me” (Psalm 119:50).
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (Psalm 119:67).
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (Psalm 119:71).
Count it all joy if it brings you to our Lord
Amen!
though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. - Hebrews 5:8
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - II Corinthians 12:9
It's not about completing a checklist, it is all about your heart.
This used to be me exactly, I wanted to die, and full of hate, and anger, and confusion, and depression, and anxiety, but it is all a trick of the enemy!! I shouldn't be alive, but in my darkest hour He called out to me, and this time I finally listened. I said He could have my life because I didn't want it anymore. I surrendered to Him, and took that final scary leap, that is faith, and He caught me. It is the best decision I've ever made.
Now darkness, guilt, shame, fear, doubt, none of these things exist in me anymore, but I received His peace that surpasses all understanding and His love that goes beyond all human comprehension. Even in trials and tribulations, I walk in the clouds and everywhere I go a trail of flowers follows me. I look back and cannot believe how dark and warped my heart and mind used to be, but God will set you free.
Jeremiah 29:13 and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.
Cry out to the Lord, and He will come to you, that is His promise. And it'll be the best decision you've ever made, for you were made in His image, fearfully and wonderfully made, and He will save you and uphold you.
Im not orthodox but I saw a video of this guy saying doing these 4 things would help.
1) excersise vigorously for 30 minutes 2) do something that cleans, repairs, builds 3) pray for half an hour 4) an act of service for someone else
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrxKHpTV/
NO. You need to make lifestyle changes. You cannot "think positively" and pray it away.
Think of depression like a broken leg. Will positive thoughts and prayer fix your leg?
They can help, sure, but you also need to set the bone, get a cast, and let it heal.
Depression can be rooted in the people you spend time with your physical surroundings, how much time you spend outside, how sedentary vs. physically active you are, how much positivity vs. negativity you consume through media and people interactions, and diet can directly affect you. In summary, depression stems from people and environment.
Suicidal ideation is complicated. You need to peel your onion back and back until you dig deep down to the original root cause and then deal with that. I used to be suicidal. The root cause: being alone. I solved the problem by becoming an extrovert. I'm at my best when I'm with people. When I'm home alone, I'm still not alone, I have my dog. When I'm alone in my car, I'm still not alone, I have Christ. So, in reality, I'm never truly alone, and the "suicidal ideation" is now gone.
Have I provided any help here?
Prayer heals the soul.
Medicine heals the body.
Afflictions of the mind are more often than not afflictions of the body and it is worth it to pursue both medicine and prayer.
We can't tell you for sure. All you can do is try and see what happens.
It's possible, but not guaranteed, so don't lose your faith if it doesn't.
We also have treatments for these things now, which may be caused by physical issues. It's worth doing both medical treatment and prayer.
Ask Jesus for mercy. Also realise that sometimes these things are permitted to help develop the fruit of the spirit
God bless you.
If this is your struggle, I'm sorry.
I've been a non-fundamentalist, unchurched Christian for about 15 years now and I would like to share my perspective.
1- Please know that having faith in God does NOT mean that God will magically take away hardships from your life.
Having faith in God means that God is with you through the hardships.
"The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us.” - Hebrews 13:5
Jesus said, “I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” - Matthew 28:20
“Be brave and strong! Don’t be afraid… . The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
2- Of course when we focus on God, we are able to be confident in knowing God is with us, we can share our worries with Him, and we are meant to keep our minds on what's right.
"And when I was burdened with worries, you (God) comforted me and made me feel secure.” - Psalm 94:19
"I tell You (God) all my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, You are there to guide me.” - Psalm 142:2-3
“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” - 1 Peter 5:7
"Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.“ - Philippians 4:8
3- But God knows we aren't perfect. That's why He wants us to strive to get back up after each time we fall while trusting His grace.
"My enemies, don't be glad because of my troubles! I may have fallen, but I will get up; I may be sitting in the dark, but the Lord is my light.” - Micah 7:8
“We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“If we are not faithful, he (Jesus) will still be faithful.” - 2 Timothy 2:13
“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” - Hebrews 4:16
4- Also, God wants us to reach out to mental health professionals or anyone who is able to help us through our struggle.
If you need to talk to someone at anytime, here is a Christian hotline: https://www.thehopeline.com/
-I pray for your healing, I pray you will focus on God for strength, I pray you will be comforted by God's love, I pray you will reach out to others for support, and I pray you will never give up! In Jesus' Name. Amen. 🙏🏾
Yes, doing the things you listed saved my life along with the help and support of therapy and medication. Advocate for yourself and go all in on Jesus!
You’re supposed to take them captive and subject them to Christ. Not just “think positively”. But yeah other than that the thoughts should go away.
I had severe depression for years and had a lot of suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and just generally so much darkness. A few months ago I had an encounter with God in my room and what I later learned to be a born-again experience. After that I had absolutely no more thoughts about suicide and my severe depression was taken from me. I feel little flashes of depression here and there but it's nowhere near the pit of darkness I was in and nothing that can't be curbed by some sunlight and exercise. Be thankful always. Gratitude does wonders for mental health. Of course, speaking from personal experience, when you're in a deep pit of depression, it can seem very hopeless and like you'll never improve, but once you know that God is with you through every minute of the day, you start to see the light in little things.
If you don't know where to go in the Bible, Psalms is always good. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Psalm 51:12). I remember a little while ago, I was having one of those flashes of depression where for a few days I was just low energy and felt spiritually dead. So one night I remembered that verse and just asked God to restore to me the joy of my salvation. Inexplicably the next morning I felt like I had no idea what depression even was, it was just so much energy and joy and life and nothing could've upset me. I remember walking in my backyard and I felt so free, and by free I mean I felt like a kindergartener on the playground again and I had all the energy in the world. The Holy Spirit really is our comforter and He will draw near to you if you draw near to Him. I hope this helps.
That is a complex one. God has the power to heal. Not everyone who follows Him will just be supernaturally healed from depression though. Sometimes learning his way has a natural tendency to help though, when we are able to renew our mind it casts out the deceptions that can lead us to feel badly about ourselves. But some people have circumstantial or physical reasons for mental illness as well, so for some it’s something they may still struggle with as a Christian. I battle with it as well and I used to cut myself as a teen, I have marked up arms from the cutting. I tried to commit suicide before and had to be hospitalized. That was years ago though. One exercise I learned was you take a piece of paper and one side says lies and other says truth. When you feel a thought about yourself or anything like I would feel like I wasn’t good enough. And opposite is where the bible says otherwise like my identity in Christ says I am loved and valued and you’d write the bibles truths in there. Knowing the bible helps. Eventually you’ll know the arrows coming and can use scripture against it. I do believe some of mental health is a spiritual battle.
Well, this has already been said in the comments, but I'll reinforce it: yes, connecting more with God is a great help! But remember, God gave us knowledge and very special people to help us! So don't be ashamed to ask a doctor for help!!! Unfortunately, many Christians in my country see doctors as people who distance us from God, but that's not true. Take care, I will pray for you and may God bless you abundantly! ❤️
You should plead the blood of Jesus over your mind, body, and soul.
Yes, but not in the way that you think. This is not the "power of positive thinking" mantra. If you're constantly living in a state of negative thoughts (which was me for a very long time), then just telling yourself to stop thinking those things or to try and take those thoughts captive will fail. I don't actually think that's what that verse is getting at either.
Suicidal thoughts and depression is usually unresolved grief. Many people who suffer from depression developed core beliefs that act like the driving force behind all those other thoughts. Trying to take the surface level thoughts captive won't work. You need to get to the root of the issue, which likely developed early on.
This can be difficult to do since a lot of times, especially if it's trauma related, those memories where you developed those core beliefs can be blacked out or like they're behind a thick fog. This is why the bible encourages community.
If you can find a Christian counselor who is skilled in these situations, that would be ideal, but even if you can't (and honestly even if you do), ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unresolved grief or wounds that you have that may be driving those bad thoughts. It could've been neglect, abuse, or just a bad situation (a parent got sick, a car accident, etc.). That's not always the cause, but many times it is.
If you can't find a licensed counselor, do a lot of research and ask around town for pastors that people trust, and/or pastors who have had experience in the past helping people work through issues and provide good counsel.
Speaking from experience, I was abused by my mom and I didn't even realize it happened to me until months ago. I struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for a long time. While doing some research, I encountered the reality that she was maliciously abusing me, and I had buried those memories so I could barely access them. When I encountered the truth, I was able to revisit those memories and grieve my childhood. My depression evaporated overnight, with some slight relapses over the course of several months, but it became clear that I was using things in my life to distract me from my painful past.
After accepting the full extent of what was done to me, I was able to forgive her, and I felt a huge sense of pressure lift from me. I understood on a deeper level what it meant to give Jesus my burdens, and what it meant to "take my thoughts captive"
It wasn't the suicidal thoughts or depression itself that I needed to take captive, it was the fuel of those thoughts, which were coming from being stuck in grief and not allowing myself to heal.
One caveat here is that, even though I recommend counseling (if it's a good counselor), counseling did not help me. I came to these conclusions on my own and I had friends and pastors to talk to about it to help me process what had happened to me.
❤️🙏🏻That is very helpful. But there may be some physical neural imbalances that need attention. But also, it’s helpful to know what’s going on and the reality of spirit force dynamics. Here are some keys. There is a dimension of the Christ walk that is not standard to the cultural Christianity we now have. It’s best to look at the framework of spirit forces and how they work. Although I graduated with honors from an Ivy League seminary (Theology major with Bible emphasis) nevertheless, it was not actually helpful to the Christ walk and dealing with the baseline of reality which are spiritual forces. Of course you know Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” But that is a generalized statement. It is the specifics that are not normally known. To zero in on the main spiritual battle zone, is best.
Three points, there are times that seem like valleys so we don’t feel the Sonlight. That’s because the walk of faith is a focus on Truth. Like a pilot flying in the dark through a storm, he has the truth instrument panel to present the reality of his total flying information package. Many pilots have decided to go with their feelings and have crashed. We live by the facts of Truth. *When we see accurately the facts of spirit force realities, we see that the best choice in a storm at sea is to stay by the captains side at the wheel, not, to get out of the ship. ***Also there is the struggle of Paul in Romans 7 that points to how weary he was and actually had a crisis point that became a Segway to more truth about how these deviant spirit forces were fighting to drag him down. And it is this third point that the following outline addresses.
I. Here’s The Thing; One main force battle
A. ., Not known or taught or recognized in many Christian groups (it doesn’t matter what denomination you are) is the fact of …the sin nature or flesh. Romans 7:17 and restated in verse 20 V 17 “in that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” V 20 “if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” [ the same thing is repeated twice for importance]
B..,,This sin nature is a real implant in the human body. It is the internal urge/impulse drive and voice influence sending thoughts and images to the mind. Everyone is influenced to some level. It is not the same as the devil, but the devil works with the sin nature to lead, urge and drive us deeper into wrong, because, it gains more power if it is successful. The habits/addictions/disorders are not the same for everyone but Satan and the sin nature tailor their efforts at the takeover approach to each individual.
C…You notice he even says, “ there is this thing/force in me, but it’s not the real me. The real me is my connection with Christ Who helps me want to do good.”
D. We know that all strength and goodness is going to come through the work of Christ on the cross AND His resurrection life that lives in us.
….2. When we count on His Work, and use His Name as our power source, that plugs us in; even if that sin nature, squawks and pretends it has power, and tries to control us.
II Summary seen in key verses Galatians 5
A. Key verses V. 24. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sin nature/ flesh with its passions and desires. V. 25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit…”.
…. 1. Notice this phrase in v 25. “Live by the Spirit” Also . Ref Ephesians 1:13 “sealed by the Spirit.” ……..2. Notice =“walk in step with the Spirit “ =this is the same instruction as other verses; walk in the Spirit; be filled with the Spirit; be clothed with Christ; abide in the vine, etc.
B. Don’t be discouraged when all is not perfect; it is called “ growing in grace strength “ 2 Peter 3:18 (Note that Grace, is often confused with the word mercy. Grace, most often, means; energy, ability, power from God)
C. Remember; the key cornerstone of the sin nature’s work is to get us to depend on ourselves; in fact, it is the automatic default mode that we wake up in every day. But the more we can ask help and depend , the more grace strength we have. All blessings to you 🙏🏻🙏🏻 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.”
D. To repeat the truth about depending on Christ; this process of looking away from ourselves to Christ is vital. We cannot look within ourselves for strength anymore than we can look within ourselves to produce forgiveness of sins. Colossians 2:6 “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him”.
…. We did not receive Christ by looking within our own ability. Also, this vital truth is stated another way by Jesus in John 15:5 “ ……. apart from Me, you can do nothing……”. This truth is forged in depth of understanding through failure. God is not far from us in our failures; we are transitioning in our understanding and learning.
Extra :-) 1 Peter 5:8. “Be alert. our adversary the Devil (with his tool the flesh/sin nature.) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” Devour means to take over one’s life and use us for Satan’s energy tool, like we use food for energy to do things we want .
2 Corinthians 2:11 “so that no [advantage] would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” (Most people are ignorant) But the word advantage in Greek is “pleonektéō”. defraud”) shows inordinate desire, especially lusting for what belongs to someone else. (You belong to Christ) To abuse from Strongs Greek; used of “a greedy, covetous, ……… rapacious, (reference to rape a person.) a defrauder, to take over.
But we are not ignorant; we have the cross of Christ and the Life of Christ present with His leading, power and Truth 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻….
These practices could reduce the intensity. But I hope(if this is you) that medical treatment is also considered. There are testimonials of people who stopped being depressed after becoming born-again. But that experience is not necessarily representative of depressed Christians. Dramatic testimonies like this can lead some Christians in doubt whether their faith is strong enough.
Fellowship with other Christians help!
I myself struggled with severe depression. I was able to gradually wane off my medication. But due to hard times and stress some of my symptoms reappeared. I was in denial that it was happening, partly because I thought that I was doing all the right things in my spiritual life.
Death and suffering entered the world due to Adam and Eve’s disobedience(Genesis 3). Depression is one of many things that entered the world from the Fall. But there’s good news. Jesus will return to Earth to restore and renew all things(Acts 3:20-21, Ephesians 1:8-10). Only Jesus could have paid the ransom for our sins(Psalm 49:7, 1 Timothy 2:6). After this, there will come a time when there will be no more crying, mourning or pain, as the old order has passed away(Revelation 21:4).
There are two kinds of depression. There is general clinical depression where there is really nothing wrong and the person is depressed for no reason they can describe that would warrant being depressed to others.
Then there is depression from circumstances like poverty, divorce, addiction and the like. As a follower of Christ a person can overcome either type of depression but the second type I mentioned, from circumstances, can be lifted from biblical knowledge alone, provided the person truly believes the Bible.
They can, but I have hormonal imbalances and issues due to multiple major traumas, head injuries, a genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder and menopause, so I require medication to stay stable, otherwise I go extreme high or low and end up in a psychotic delusional, catatonic state. On the plus side while I’m locked up in the loony bin for the mandatory 3 day hospitalization (it has taken up to 9 days, but usually 3 is enough) to get my brain back under control, I get to read a Bible to other patients, talk to them, pray with them, answer questions, and reassure them that Jesus loves them and He died for them and He won’t forget about them or disown them for their imperfections. And, with their permission, hug them even though the staff say no, some rules are worth breaking.
Reading the Bible daily, reading commentaries and historical information regularly, praying, praising, singing, dancing, admiring the beauty in the world God created, spending time with people I love, doing hobbies that bring me joy, helping people, being the best wife and mother and grandmother and daughter and sister and aunt and niece and friend that I can be all helps to keep me optimistic and happy in general so I can endure the hard, dark, scary times when they come.
I’m 49 years old. I have believed in Jesus since I was 3 years old. I have never stopped seeking after Him, learning, growing and loving Him and thank God for that because I’ve needed Him a lot and He has never let me down. Yep, some things really suck, but oh boy the blessings of being secure in your faith are so worth it! If my life leads even one person to saving faith in Jesus it will be worth it. I’m kinda spoiled though and pray everyone I have ever come in contact with will find their way to Jesus and that the light and love in me, the Holy Spirit, will guide their steps to Him, just like my dad did for me.
It also helps to try to eat well and rest well. (Although depression will make that really difficult to do, not eating or sleeping well makes it worse)
The prophet Elijah was quite suicidal while running away from Jezebel, and the first things God did was to make sure Elijah was well fed, hydrated and had enough rest.
Look, I’m going to tell you when I tell everyone else. God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle and if you do need a little help, all you have to do is ask. “Ask and it shall be given.” The depression won’t go away necessarily. What I found though is that having Christ with me gives me all the tools I need to combat it.
We live in an imperfect world with imperfect things and imperfect people. Everyone gets depressed now and again. The one thing that is perfect though is God. He’ll give you the tools you need to succeed even when it’s hard.
Psalm 1:3
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Drawing closer to God invites his healing. These things help, but ultimately, going to God should be the goal.
Reading the Bible, investing time to God will definitely help. 🙏
Yes. But remember Rome wasn't built in a day.
As you grow within the faith these issues would "go away".
Depression is anger without enthusiasm.
So what has you upset?