Is depression sin?

First, will you clarify whether you're speaking of clinical depression caused by chemical imbalance or depression caused by life circumstances yet not medically induced?

 

No depression is not a sin. It may be the result of sin, but is a condition not an action. Of course depression is not always the result of sin.

I would run from any preacher who tells you that all Christians are happy or are supposed to be happy. Even Jesus wept.

Ps 30:5 (b) says

As Christians we can have joy in our lives, but there will also be seasons of sorrow.

 

To wallow in depression is sin. To look for a drug to "make it go away" is sin. We are to trust God in all things.

That being said depression is real and does have a biochemical basis. Taking medication to help the condition is not sin as long as the person has placed the problem in God's hands and is dealing with it in an appropriate Christian manner.

There will be some (probably) who will post here saying that all depression is sinful and that anyone who is right with God will be happy. There responses will be WRONG and will be spoken by individuals who have no actual knowledge about depression.

 

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.


John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

Some of us are on medication for depression. I know I have been, and am not ashamed to admit it. Being disabled, having to deal with every day ups and downs of living with chronic illness is not a sin. Even depending on God, because of physical changes, many do need medications to deal with the stresses and constant illness. Some people have chemical imbalances that require medications for depression for them to function. This isn't a sin. To wallow in the depression and make it the primary focus of ones life IS a sin, though. So, that was my rant for today!

 

Diagnosed depression is in no way a sin. It's a disease just as cancer is. You wouldn't say someone with cancer is sinning? Like someone said earlier, wallowing in it is a sin. If diagnosed depression is a sin, then I'm in big trouble!
*just one more thing to add* I think some people who don't understand it, see it as a weakness. They think you are upset and worried and you shouldn't be if you are giving it all up to the Lord. Well, if I could control it I would. It's hard to agree that a medically proven chemical imbalance in the brain is a sin.

 

Depression is a symptom, not a sin.

It needs to be addressed along with the problem(s) that cause it and not ignored.

Rob

 

Charles, to say that taking medicines for chemicle imballances that result in depression is like telling someone with a heart condition, or diabettic, or high blood pressure, or anyother disease beyond your control that it is sin to take those meds required. Chemical imballance is not sin, it is a medical condition.
What do you consider to be approorate christian manner for high blood pressure, heart disease, and chemicle imballances in the brain?
People tend to confuse depression the result of chemical imballances in the brain with the depression that is simply a mood, a result of day to day life(same as happiness).
These are two different conditions.

 

Donna,

Did you decide not to read my post?

Read it again and you'll se that I am NOT against taking medicine for depression - just the opposite.

And I think I would know.

It IS sin to wallow in depression. It is NOT a sin to take medication as part of coping with this real illness.

 

Does anyone know of a website that has a test someone could take to see if they might be suffering more than just the blues or prolonged moodiness but not interferring with daily activities? I think I might be just a little more than curious.

 

You can try the "Goldberg Depression Questionnaire"

Another great site for information about Depression from a Christian perspective can be found here:

http://www.gospelcom.net/cdp/

 

I agree with you 100%

 

Show me in the Bible first where it is Sin?

I am not aware of depression being specifically named as a sin, it is a medical condition.

 

Depression certainly can be sin and in most cases likely is sin. It is a failure to trust in teh sovereign goodness of God as Psalm 42 and 43 (among myriads of other places) attest. Depression comes most often because the circumstances of life overwhelm us to the point of despair. Depression comes when reality doesn't meet expectations. At that point, we must figure out which is skewed ... reality or our expectations of what reality should be. Many people are depressed because of suffering, not understanding that suffering is a part of God's plan for life. We are not guaranteed a life free from suffering.We must address it biblically, by renewing our heart and trust in God.

There are medical causes for depression to be sure. But when someone says they have a chemical imbalance, ask them what chemical it is and what tests the doctor ran to figure that out. You will probably find the answers are "I don't know" and "none."

I think we need to take the issue of depression much more seriously than modern medical culture has. We are putting people on drugs with no idea what the long term affects are. It is a dangerous dangerous deal.

 

SOMETIMES depression is a medical condition but I would venture to say that most depression is brought on by poor life choices, failure to give our cares to the Lord and sin. Even depression caused by poor health can be followed back to the bad decisions that may have caused health problems.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

 

I'm glad you used that word "Sometimes", Diane. I thought I was going to have to go on another rant...LOL

Now, that WOULD be depressing!

 

I agree with you Diane that SOMETIMES it is a sin. But then there are people who can't help it becuase of certain predispotions (I think that's the word I'm looking for). God can cure anything though! I have faith.

 

Sometimes it can be casued by sin.
But a chemical imballance is not sin, nor the result of sin. It is a disease, and needs to be treated as such.

 

donnA...some preachers won't believe that, especially most IFB preachers I know. They say it is ALWAYS related to sin in one's life, and they believe illness is also. Go figure! They seem to have it all licked until they get sick themselves!