“Why Are You Cast Down?” “Being depressed is bad enough in itself, but being a depressed Christian is worse. And being a depressed Christian in a church full of people who do not understand depression is like a taste of hell.” -John Lockely, A Practical Workbook for the Depressed Christian, p. 14

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Crisis Defining “depression”. The “blues” This is not it. A mental health issue with a wide range of symptoms having an unhelpful and unhealthy impact on a person’s life.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Crisis Problems experienced. It alters a person’s view of himself. It alters a person’s view of how others see him. It alters a person’s view of how God sees him.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Crisis The stigma associated with it. In the world - lack of personal strength or lack of emotional toughness. In the church - lack of faith or spiritual weakness.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Complexity The four-fold nature of a human being. Mind - intellectual component. Strength - physical component. Soul - spiritual component. Heart - emotional component.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Complexity The four-fold nature of a human being. Because these components are interrelated, when there is a problem in one area, it will have an impact in all the other areas.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Complexity The facet of “NATURE & NURTURE”.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Complexity The facet of “NATURE & NURTURE”.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Complexity The facet of “NATURE & NURTURE”.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Complexity Understanding this complexity, we must avoid extremes: The cause is all physical. The cause is all mental/emotional. The cause is all spiritual.

Depression - Crisis & Complexity “Why Are You Cast Down?” Depression - Crisis & Complexity The Complexity Understanding this complexity should help us see the need for balance in seeking a remedy. “For Christians there will often need to be a balance between medicines for the brain, rest for the body, counsel for the mind, and spiritual encouragement for the soul.” -David Murray, Christians Get Depressed Too, p. 30