Depression - Triggers and Solutions
Possible Triggers for Depression
Unresolved guilt or unconfessed sin.
Psalm 32:1-5
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up[b] as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Tasks and responsibilities seem overwhelming
Self Pity
Mistreatment by other people
Psalm 42:10
As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
Unrealized or Unrealistic expectations
Loss of loved one
I Thessalonians 4:13
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
John 11:35
Jesus wept.
Loneliness
Fear – The world is out of control (God is not Father/King)
Anger – Coveting, I need, I want, I demand (God is my errand boy; He is not holy)
Shame, Guilt – I am worthless (God is not gracious)
Hopelessness – This will never change (Jesus is not returning)
Marriage, children, family, or relationship problems
Financial strain – Unemployment or underemployment
Alcohol or drug abuse
Health problems or chronic pain – medical bills
Psalm 103:14
For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
Self-indulgence is dissatisfying – Study Ecclesiastes
Self-reliance, self-focus, and failure to trust in God 2 Kings 17-19
Response to a trigger
Situation gets worse
Increased hardship
Increased sadness
Responsibilities not done
WHAT CAN WE DO?
The treatment for all depression is a greater knowledge of God. Read the Bible every day. Start with Joshua 1:9; I John 4; Luke 12:32; I Peter 5:7; Psalm 23; John 10.
We need to acknowledge our sin, guilt, unbelief, fear, false expectations of life. If we are fearful because we have been victimized, God says He is the God of victims and that you still need to trust and not be fearful.
Next Steps
Stay tuned for our next article on depression, Practical Steps to Deal with Depression.
Oxford Valley Chapel Counseling Center
Dr. Dan Skogen, and Robin Skogen, are Biblical Counselors.
To schedule an appointment, ask a question, or just find out more information about our counseling program, call our church office at (215) 946-3946 or send us an email.