2. Caveats The Bible does not directly deal with clinical depression. The Bible does not directly deal with clinical depression. I have no experience with clinical depression. I have no experience with clinical depression. I’m not an expert on the subject matter. I’m not an expert on the subject matter. Why give a sermon then?

4. Robin Williams’ suicide brought attention to the subject of depression Robin Williams Death Inspires 'Coming Out' About Depression (8/14, NBC News) Robin Williams Death Inspires 'Coming Out' About Depression (8/14, NBC News) Robin Williams' death has sparked wider debate (8/15, BBC) Robin Williams' death has sparked wider debate (8/15, BBC)

5. “Sadness” vs. Clinical Depression?* Mayo Clinic – “ ” Mayo Clinic – “Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.” Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.

6. For clinical depression, you must have five or more of the following symptoms over a two-week period, most of the day, nearly every day. At least one of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure. Signs and symptoms may include: Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty or tearful Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty or tearful Significantly reduced interest or feeling no pleasure in all or most activities Significantly reduced interest or feeling no pleasure in all or most activities Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite Insomnia/increased desire to sleep Insomnia/increased desire to sleep Restlessness or slowed behavior that can be observed by others Restlessness or slowed behavior that can be observed by others Fatigue or loss of energy Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt Trouble making decisions, or trouble thinking or concentrating Trouble making decisions, or trouble thinking or concentrating Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

7. Not all clinically depressed, but… All have experienced some level of depression at some point in their life: All have experienced some level of depression at some point in their life: Job. Job 3:11; Job 17:1 Job. Job 3:11; Job 17:1 David. Psa. 6:2-3, 6 David. Psa. 6:2-3, 6 Elijah. 1 Ki. 19:5-10 Elijah. 1 Ki. 19:5-10 But, what do we do about it?

8. Easier said than done… Please seek help: professionally and from Christians you can confide in. Please seek help: professionally and from Christians you can confide in. NOTE: Know that Christians love you but may not know the extent of your pain nor how to adequately help you. NOTE: Know that Christians love you but may not know the extent of your pain nor how to adequately help you.

9. Sharing one another’s burdens Don’t “encourage” like Job’s friends. Don’t “encourage” like Job’s friends. “Just snap out of it.” They would if they could. “Just snap out of it.” They would if they could. “Go and serve others…” They are emotionally paralyzed. “Go and serve others…” They are emotionally paralyzed. Encourage like Jesus. Gal. 6:1-2 Encourage like Jesus. Gal. 6:1-2 Be with them. Be with them. Pray with them. Pray with them. Serve with them. Serve with them.

10. It’s not cliché to say… “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”” Matthew 11:28–30

11. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18