Page 121 - Biblical Counseling II

“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 the authenticity of a man who is a dear struggler. His experience
and his willingness to write openly provide 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.

Bipolar disorder
“This disorder affects about
45 million people worldwide.
It typically consists of both
manic and depressive
episodes separated by periods
of normal mood. Manic
episodes involve elevated or
irritable mood, overactivity,
rapid speech, inflated self-
esteem, and a decreased
need for sleep. People who
have manic attacks but do not
experience depressive
episodes are also classified as
having bipolar disorder.

Effective treatments are
available for the treatment of
the acute (severe) phase of
bipolar disorder and the
prevention of relapse. These
are medicines that stabilize
mood. Psychosocial support is
an important component of
treatment” (Myers, 2009).

(photo: www.consumerhealthdigest.com)

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