Professional counselors learn depression is the underlying source of many personality and behavioral problems.
There are treatments for depression in the tool box of any licensed psychotherapist. Unfortunately, not every therapist has a Bible in their tool box. This is unfortunate because the most penetrating and insightful thoughts about depression are unavailable without a Bible since the Bible is “given by inspiration of God and is profitable” (II Timothy 3:16).
Immaturity in a person is often revealed when a person becomes angry, frustrated, or depressed if their opinions, needs, and pleasantries are rejected. Immature adults have much in common with spoiled children. Things seem outrageously wrong if an unexpected reality stands in the way. These individuals have had their way too long. This usually is related to their inability to accept changes to their expectations or demands.
Such individuals only have left what a spoiled child has once their expectations or demands are rejected: D.D.T (Delay, Deny, Tantrum). These tactics are vigorously used once their demands are rejected. They will make one demand after another until they get their way. Cursing, hitting, and shouting are the common tools used to force others to change their mind and submit.
An immature adult takes their opinion too seriously. Graciousness and prayer for their enemy is impossible. Agreeing to disagree is distasteful. Depression’s dead weight and the aspects of immaturity are relieved by accepting the sovereignty of God.
God’s sovereignty—that He is in control—is one of the most important subjects in the Bible relating to a person’s mental health. Mental health is central to a person’s self-image—how a person views themselves. When James says our lives are vapors that will vanish someday, a person understands they are substantial like a fog. A vapor that is going to blow away should prompt one to prepare for their walk through the Valley of Death. John 3:16 should also be central to the self-image of a prepared person.
Depression’s dead weight will lessen as you accept and proclaim: “My Father is in charge and He knows best.” Don’t let depression’s dead weight hang over you.
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The Rev. Dr. Bob Segress served as a licensed psychological clinician for twenty-five years. Upon retiring, he served for fifteen years as a prison minister. Retiring again, he began writing full-time after a period of boredom. He has written: The Biblical Approach To Psychology while serving as a college educator, The Shelton Series, and, in 2012, Ten Years Inside Shelton Prison. Currently, he writes for several publications such as Halo Magazine.