Introduction

This world
This world is cold
But you don't
You don't have to go
...
Hold on if you feel like letting go
Hold on it gets better than you know¹

Depression Today

As I write this, the number one video on MTV’s Total Request Live (TRL) is Good’s Charlotte’s “Hold On” from their multi-platinum sophomore release The Young and the Hopeless.² The video depicts men and women of all ages who have lost friends, lovers, and almost themselves to depression induced suicide.

The subject of depression has moved from a taboo subject to being readily acknowledged as the “common cold” of metal illnesses.³ New stories of those suffering from depression, of companies creating the new drugs, and of counselors pushing new 10-step programs are continually found in popular media.

Unfortunately as the awareness and research on depression has increased, there has not been a corresponding level of understanding and clarity in regards to the causes and treatment of depression. Much noise has been generated through endless articles, books and opinions of our neighbors. For those seeking to help themselves or others suffering from depression, the overwhelming amount of material and opinions can be daunting and lead to further frustration. Many of the voices are either wholly incorrect or are one-sided in their approach.

Every Christian man, woman, or worker will undoubtedly encounter depression in their lives or careers. “It is very sad to contemplate the fact that there are Christian people who live the greater part of their lives in this world in such a condition.”⁴ Nevertheless, although Christians recognize depression as a problem, their approach often errs on one-sided “spiritual” explanations and treatments, without taking into account biological and psychological research.

Depression is a multifaceted problem that cannot be dealt with in a simple summary fashion. This paper will introduce some of the complexities in approaching the causes and treatments of depression. Hopefully, by presenting a variety of possible causes and treatments from both Christian and secular resources and by encouraging a holistic approach, the reader will be equipped with greater information about depression and grow more compassionate toward those suffering through depression. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has correctly said, “There is nothing more futile, when dealing with this condition, than to act on the assumption that all Christians are identical in every respect. They are not, and they are not even meant to be.”⁵