These questions and more are addressed in the book Chosen in the Furnace. Also, we would be glad to respond to your emails and phone calls. If your church or small group would be interested in having us, we would love to hear from you!
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND CLINICAL DEPRESSION
Many believe that "real Christians" should never suffer from mental disorders. To them, such problems must be a result of sin, spiritual ignorance, doubt, or insufficient faith.
Christians who exhibit the symptoms of depression may try to ignore them, or "refuse to accept them." When they do seek help from family or friends, they are often told to "snap out of it," "pray about it," or "have more faith." People often look at the condition as a spiritual problem, rather than as a biological disorder/illness.
Sufferers tend to grasp at straws--looking for someone, somewhere who has a "secret," "steps," or "keys" that will free them from the awful darkness and hopelessness they are experiencing.
If they do seek medical help, they may have a resistance to taking prescription medication. They may believe that antidepressants are habit-forming and are in the same category as tranquilizers. Sometimes, they feel guilty about taking medication for a mental disorder. Those who come from a background that emphasizes divine healing often feel that they are turning their back on God, and that healing is impossible as long as "they trust to medication."
NOTES ABOUT MEDICATION
Some Christians have made a firm commitment to exclude all medical help and solely depend on God for health and healing. Those who have chosen that course should certainly be respected.
Others, however, have not been consistent. They would not think about withholding medical help for physical illness or injury; yet, they quickly pass judgment against those who seek help for mental illness. In principle, there is no difference between depression and diabetes, or any other medical condition. In principle, there is no difference between antidepressant medication and insulin, or any other medication used to promote healing.
NOTES ON COUNSELING
No counseling can be effective if there is a conflict between philosophies/perspectives. We must remember that regardless of our personal beliefs, we cannot always "have faith" for others. As ministers, we can only minister to the extent that we are able. If the person will not seek medical help, we must offer whatever help we can give.
There are several counseling models that can be integrated into a biblical approach. In most cases (of depression), the goal of counseling is not to find a cause (though the counselee will invariably try to find one). The primary purpose of counseling is to give comfort, support, and encouragement. Perhaps the greatest gift is to offer affirmation and assurance that healing will come.