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Depression From A Biblical Perspective

Perhaps the first recorded episode of depression is in the Bible. Consider Cain, who was envious of his brother Abel, and perhaps felt inferior to him. I'm sure we don't know the whole story. Cain may have also had anger management issues, but for sure he exhibited signs of depression, bitterness, etc., (I.e., "Am I my brother's keeper?").

Certainly, anytime we have these types of feelings, at least some of us would seek help. How many of us would first seek that help through prayer or scripture study?

Job was also a case of depression, but surely he was "sorely vexed" and tried.

There are plenty of examples, and also many examples of the Lord comforting those who needed comfort. Perhaps if we turned to the Lord more in these times of need, we would find the comfort we require, and the help to heal.

Gen. 24: 67 ...Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.
Ps. 23: 4 ...rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Isa. 25: 4 ...thou hast been a . . . refuge from the storm.
Isa. 49: 13 ...Lord hath comforted his people.
Isa. 51: 3 (2 Ne. 8: 3) ...Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all.
Isa. 61: 2 (Luke 4: 17-18)... to comfort all that mourn.
Isa. 66: 13 ...As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.
Zech. 1: 17 ...Lord shall yet comfort Zion.
Matt. 5: 4 (3 Ne. 12: 4; D&C 101: 14)... Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Matt. 9: 22 (Luke 8: 48) ...Daughter, be of good comfort.
Matt. 11: 29 ...ye shall find rest unto your souls.
John 14: 18 ... will not leave you comfortless.
Acts 9: 31 ...in the comfort of the Holy Ghost.
Rom. 15: 4 ...through patience and comfort of the scriptures.
2 Cor. 1: 3 (2 Cor. 1: 3-6)... the God of all comfort.

Perspective Biblical From Depression

Great points and references when viewing depression from a Biblical perspective. But often times depression isn't just a matter of being comforted. Some times depression is about chemical and hormonal imbalances. I have to think that they existed but where obviously not known in biblical times.

Depression From A Biblical Perspective Revealed Bible The

I'm sure that chemical and hormonal imbalances existed in biblical times -- there are plenty of "fallen countenances" throughout the scriptures, and incidences of mental illness (although it seems many of these were possession by demons). However, I believe the majority of these were helped by prayer, fasting, and faith in the healing power of God. In some cases, priesthood blessings were instrumental in healing. Unfortunately, we don't have the full accounts, beginning to end, of each account, except maybe for Job, and his depression was situational; once the trials stopped and he began to prosper again, he was no longer depressed. That is the case for many people, in my opinion.

Offtopic but, While I agree that there are some instances of mental conditions that are caused by hormonal imbalances, in fact depression is one that *causes* the hormonal imbalance. Even Prozac's makers will tell you that, once you have achieved normal levels of serotonin, you need to seek psychiatric or therapeutic counseling to overcome the underlying cause of your depression. The depression is not caused by chemical or hormonal imbalance. This is why Prozac is supposed to be a temporary help in overcoming depression, not a life-long medication.

Roz