When Christians don't Understand Depression

Was that your experience?

Kinda? Only once, though. Ever since then, I never had that experience again, which is good.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a Christian myself, but I have to say that just shouting "Read the Bible and your depression will be gone!" isn't going to cut it.

OK. How would you go about helping one with depression?

Well, I've never met another depressed individual in person. I remember helping one such individual online with empathy, and he/she thanked me.

May I ask, are you suffering from a clinical depression, or depressed momentarily?

I have no idea if it's actually clinical depression, but I know that it already became a noticeable problem since almost exactly 2 years ago...

Currently, I'm in a better state right now, although sudden outbreaks do happen sometimes.

OK. First, I'm sorry that you've experienced a time of depression; it seemed, based on your answer, that you do have a clinical depression if you do not know why you're feeling that way.

Second, who told you to just read the Bible and what is their position in church?

No need to feel sorry, but thank you anyway.

I decided not to tell the identity of this person, not only because I respect him/her, but also because he/she also realized the mistake (at least I think so) and became pretty supportive as well in the end.

Anyway, if you don't mind, I would like this comment chain to terminate. I don't want others to think that I'm seeking attention or something like that...

OK. Let me tell you this before you terminate. It is a mistake to think your experience will be the experience of all other people. We have congregations* of differing levels of training and spirituality.

What you've experienced is something no one should have a congregation. I will say that in a perfect Church world, you will have Pastors and Elders, as well as group leaders who not only knows the Bible and the doctrines God teaches from it, but also take time to listen and mentor those under their care or authority.

Moreover, are also aware of the reality of mental illness. Unfortunately, some congregations believed so much in miraculous gifts, or so ignorant of mental illness, that they believe that faith should be sufficient to "Heal", or think that mental illnesses are really demonic spirits, rather than a empirical scientific fact.

Lastly. I don't know if you're saved but if you're willing, please read Ephesians 2:8-9, & 2 Corinthians 5:17.

I wish you the best; God bless you, and keep you.

I've used the word "Congregation" instead of "Church" because the Church are composed of only believers (1 Timothy 3:15), while a congregation is a people that gathers together. We mistakenly call that "Church"

For the sake of simplicity, not all in what we call "Church" are saved. So whenever you hear someone say "There are too many hypocrites in churches today", you already know the difference (1 John 3:6-9).