We generally categorize reasons for depression into these categories:

a) Depression due to a true medical condition (diabetes, hypoglycemia, etc.)

b) Depression due to lifestyle (diet, sleep, exercise)

c) Depression due to sinful rebellion, self-focus, lack of surrender to the Lord, not believing God's promises

d) Depression due to a valley in God's plan, or due to spiritual warfare (i.e. "normal", non-sinful depression from just being an obedient Christian in a fallen world)

We should go through this list mentally to assess why we are feeling the way we are.

In this case, this person could probably be categorized into the fourth area (normal, non-sinful depression). He or she is probably just going through a valley in his or her walk with the Lord. That certainly doesn't mean that person needs antidepressants - that person needs to cling to the promises of God by faith until the next mountaintop, realizing that God has orchestrated the suffering for His good purposes and our maturation as children of God.

This person may also be experiencing spiritual warfare and demonic oppression, especially if he or she is a new Christian, or is an active Christian impacting others’ lives for Christ. The enemy loves to rob our joy and ruin our witness. He will do anything to disrupt our relationship with God and get our eyes back on ourselves. The solution is to resist the devil and draw near to God (James 4:7-8). We don’t need to lie down and let the enemy have his way with us. We can choose to fight using the weapons described in Eph. 6:10-18.

It is also possible that this person is doing all the rights things as a Christian, and is still depressed, because he or she is doing these things in the strength of the flesh, instead of in the power of the Spirit. It is possible to go through the motions, effectively saying to yourself, "I’m doing this, I’m doing that, why am I still depressed?" because we miss the simplicity of a humble and trusting relationship with Christ, out of which all the "right things to do" will come.

Often we hear, "God didn't work, so I looked to psychology." When someone chooses the path of psychology because "The Bible didn’t work for me," or "Prayer didn’t work for me," or "I tried the Christian way, and it didn’t work for me," what that person is really saying is "I don’t believe God when He says in 2 Peter 1:3 that He is sufficient for life and godliness." In this case it truly is an issue of faith. Do we really believe God’s words in the Bible, to the point where we put that belief into action, and depend on Him alone?

Last year we met a pastor who believed he needed antidepressant medication even though he had an obedient walk with the Lord. See our response to him here: http://www.psychologydebunked.com/email0408_Q&A.htm