RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 47 – DEPRESSION

MEMORY VERSE: “And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said unto Jacob, give me children, or else I die” Genesis 30:1.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Kings 19:1-4..

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a word from the latin verb “deprimere’, meaning to press down. It is an emotional response triggered by circumstances beyond one’s mental stability. It is a mental health illness or mood disorder where one experiences unusual persistent sadness. As the saying goes, there is no health without mental health. This shows that other aspects of health such as physical, financial, spiritual, social can also take a downward spiral due to a depressive illness. Hence, it is important to educate ourselves on the causes, symptoms, and the way out of depression.

OUTLINE

1.DEPRESSION FROM BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

2. PREVENTING DEPRESSION

1.DEPRESSION FROM BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Depression is often viewed as a persistent feeling of sadness Romans 8:20-22. There are many examples of men of god who struggled with sadness, even to the point of depression. David, a “man after God’s own heart” Acts 13:22, did not gloss over his sadness; he expressed it to God Psalm 56:8. Both Moses Numbers 11:15 and Elijah 1 Kings 19:3-5, two heroes of the faith, confessed to God that they preferred to die than live in their current reality.

Depression can be triggered by negative events such as loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a relationship, loss of a pet, economic crises, financial instability, unpleasant circumstances, etc 1 Samuel 1:6-7; 30:7a; Nehemiah 2:12. Biologically, depression manifests when some chemical changes occur in the human brain due to persistent uncontrollable sad feelings. This causes changes in levels of some hormones in the brain which include cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine. These changes affect multiple organs in the body including the brain leading to gross reduction in human productivity and health.

Consequently, symptoms of depression include a depressed mood or feeling of sadness, constant tiredness, reduced or lost interest in previously enjoyable activities, forgetfulness, hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, attempts at suicide, being overly suspicious of people or events. Excessive complaints of body pains, loss of appetite, loss of interest in sexual intimacy with your spouse, loss of sleep, and poor attention span can also be a signal of this depressive illness.

2. PREVENTING DEPRESSION

Some people use inadequate coping mechanism for this mood disorder, they may engage in the abuse of alcohol, smoking, spouse abuse, excessive socialisation, etc. These maladaptive coping mechanisms give short term relief but only worsen the symptoms and eventually lead to a severe mental illness 2 Corinthians 4:18.

To prevent depression believers should note the following, in addition to seeking medical or professional interventions:

1. A christian should always be filled with joy of salvation, Romans 15:13. Joy is part of the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6.
2. God will never leave his own Deuteronomy 31:8.
3. God will strengthen and uphold his children irrespective of their prevailing situation Isaiah 41:10.
4. God hears our cry Psalms 40:1-3.
5. God is near to the broken – hearted Psalms 34:18-19; Matthew 11:28-30.

We should also develop positive attitudes; understand our mental limit; build problem solving skills, resilience skills and good communication skills.

CONCLUSION

Depression contributes to poor personal, family, community, and economic growth. It can be difficult to recognise but once any of the symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek care immediately

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Isaiah 41:10
MON: Psalms 34:18-19.
TUE: Romans 15:13.
WED: Psalms 40:1-3.
THUR: 1 Kings 19:3-5.
FRI: Romans 8:20-22.
SAT: 1 Samuel 1:6-7