1. Depression: How can we help? Session 1
Helen Thorne, Biblical Counselling UK

2. Depression: statistics
Depression is the predominant mental health problem worldwide, followed by anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
In 2013, depression was the second leading cause of years lived with a disability worldwide, behind lower back pain. In 26 countries, depression was the primary driver of disability.
Approximately 1 in 5 in the UK will struggle with depression at some stage.
We should expect to see depression in our churches

3. Depression: key criteria
Depressive disorders include: disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (>2 years), substance abuse induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition and unspecified depressive disorder
Common features: presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function.
Mild
Moderate
Severe
DSM-V

4. Depression: the experience
Emotional symptoms
Relational symptoms
Physical symptoms
Spiritual symptoms

5. Depression: resonances in Scripture
Elijah (1 Kings 19:4)
David (Psalm 42:11)
Jonah (Jonah 4:3)
Job (Job 10:1)
Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14)

6. Depression: the roots Broken world (Genesis 3)
Broken bodies – and the impact on embodied souls
Broken experiences (Joseph, Ruth, Woman at the Well, Woman who bled for 12 years)
Past
Present
Future
Broken desires (Romans 1)

7. Depression: the hope that Jesus brings
Forgiven past / Covered shame
Transformed present
Glorious future

8. Depression: is the Bible enough?
Psychotherapy
CBT (and allied therapies)
Mindfulness
Medication

9. Depression: our goals in pastoral care
Healing? Tony’s story …
Reduction of symptoms? Ruth’s story …
Forbearance? Ali’s story …
Sanctification? Everyone’s story …