Page 133 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

Causes
“There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role:
Physical changes. After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your
body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also
may drop sharply — which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed.
Emotional issues. When you're sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even
minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. You may feel less
attractive, struggle with your sense of identity or feel that you've lost control over your life. Any of these
issues can contribute to postpartum depression” (“Postpartum,” p. 1, 2020).

“Treatment There are effective treatments for depression. Mild to moderate depression can be
effectively treated with talking therapies (talking to a counselor). Medication in the form of
antidepressants can be an effective form of treatment for moderate to severe depression but are not
the first line of treatment for cases of mild depression. They should not be used for treating depression
in children and are not the first line of treatment in adolescents, among whom they should be used with
caution” (“Postpartum,” p. 1, 2020).

“Management of depression should include psychosocial aspects, including identifying stress factors,
such as financial problems, difficulties at work or physical or mental abuse, and sources of support, such
as family members and friends” (“Postpartum,” p. 1, 2020) Helping someone struggling with depression
to maintain social networks and social activities is important.

Pastor Bryan Lowe writes of descriptions of depression in the Bible. He states, “David knew what it was
like to be a hostage of depression. In Psalm 32:3-4 he wrote:

‘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;
[b]
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.’
Many readers will relate. It carries with it an authenticity of a man that is a dear struggler. His
experience, and his willingness to write openly provides us with comfort and understanding.

“
Paul knew all about depression. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 7:6: But God, who comforts
the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (Lowe, 2014). As you continue reading this
section, think about other passages in the Bible that show mental illness. Reflect on passages that show
how God comforts.

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