Board index ‹ Assorted Bible Questions

[Hope]

Any Christian perspectives on depression and other mental health disorders?

[jimwalton]

My Christian perspective would probably be much like any professional perspective: life is difficult, some people are raised poorly (verbal, physical, and sexual abuse), people can be mean or downright evil to each other, violence, alcoholism, and drug abuse all take their toll. Our obsessions with possessions and sex are extreme. Parental modeling and discipline are important factors.

As far as what to do about it, it depends what it is. Medication can be useful, as can talk therapy, behavior modification, and other strategies.

Some depressions and mental health issues, depending on what they are, can also be helped by spiritual counseling. There is benefit in seeing life from a biblical perspective and in receiving help from God.

[Liumers]

Are priests trained to deal with depression and mental health issues of their constituency?

[jimwalton]

I'm not Catholic (and therefore not a priest), but as part of my undergrad studies I had to take courses in psychology, counseling, and adolescent development and mental health disorders. On top of that, more in grad school. While working in ministry, I picked up more information at conferences on issues like suicide and drug dependency.

I would assume my education is somewhat typical of ministers/priests, but I guess it's tough to generalize.

Some ministers, along with the biblical training, specialize in counseling training and even become licensed psychologists, but these are probably in the minority.