The need for Christians to be aware of and consider Clinical Depression and Anxiety is very great. The rising tide of depression sufferers in our community and churches cannot be ignored. A useful 10 week Bible Study Series entitled Down But Not Defeated, written by Dr Helen Rienits, contributes good insight from a Biblical perspective set within a well-explained basic medical background.
The series is designed for use by competent small group leaders for men and women suffering with clinical depression / anxiety and those who live with them or care for them. The Leader’s Manual is very comprehensive and the pack comes with group member worksheet masters.
Simone Waters of Holy Trinity, Mowbray Chapel, Chatswood writes:
We had noticed that some people in our church who suffered with depression and those who care for them were feeling isolated. It wasn’t that people didn’t care, they just didn’t know how to care for those struggling with mental health issues. The aim was to look at the Biblical perspective of human suffering, to equip women with some practical ideas on how to encourage others and to better understand depression.
After completing the studies, most felt it opened their minds to the needs of others, both inside and outside of the group; provided a safe environment for women to share their experiences, and strengthened relationships within the group. People said it was very helpful to look at this often taboo subject, have a better understanding of needs, and feel more confident to care for others who are struggling.
It was great to use Bible-based material and the extra information for leaders was invaluable.
Nagging questions such as "Can I be a Christian if I am depressed? Is it a sin?" and "What happens if I can't cope anymore? Will God forgive me?" are sensitively explored and addressed from scripture. Dr Rienits summarises:
" the idea that Christians should not suffer depression is based on a wrong understanding of what the victory is that we have in Christ. In Christ, and because he died for us, we have victory over death and hell. Many people in the Bible were depressed at times and yet were God’s People, used by God and faithfully serving him even in their depression. We too, can be depressed and yet still be victorious Christians. We too, can be depressed and yet still serve God.
Dr Helen Rienits is a General Medical Practitioner and a Licensed Lay Reader in the Sydney Diocese. She is regularly speaking to women’s groups, with her talks on Depression and Stress being often requested.
