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You are here: Home / Hope & Recovery for Pastors / Preaching and Depressed?

Preaching and Depressed?

May 21, 2007 By dwolery 7 Comments

The darkness of depression drains light and life from a soul and damages its close relationships. This is especially true for clergy who become depressed. Ministers share the good news of the Gospel implying this good news will alleviate unwanted sadness, bring joy and provide hope. But, like every other depressed human, these emotionally positive blessings are diverted from his soul too. When a pastor’s shoulders are bent by depression the problem is compounded by shame. Embarrassed, he thinks, “I’m a pastor, I shouldn’t be depressed.” The longer a pastor is depressed the more he feels like a hypocrite. The more hypocritical he feels the more shame he feels and the more depressed he becomes.

About the time life becomes pitch black Sunday rolls around again and he has to proclaim the Good News. Without anyone but his wife knowing his struggle he courageously, valiantly picks up his Bible, ascends to the platform and preaches happiness from the pit of despair. Even though he forces his feet to move in a normal manner and requires his lips to dispense hope he is spent. He is depressed. When he makes it through he closes his Bible and descends into depression’s black hole.

Clergy depression is common. It is also quite common for clergymen to try to ignore it and to misdiagnose themselves. Sure they feel badly, wonder what is wrong, sometimes glimpse their own frozen rage, occasionally try to rest or relax more, take a weekend off, complain about how they feel to their spouses, wrestle instead of sleep, assume things will improve when . . . and too often the darkness lingers and intensifies. Depression can be a long standing familiar undiagnosed part of an otherwise normal life. It can creep slowly in like a fog when never before present. It can take the energy from life while the depressed person just keeps trying to do better, be better and keep on going. It may completely debilitate.

Clergy members are prone to assume they feel so depressed because there is something wrong with them spiritually, they are not trusting the Lord like they should or they are not as disciplined as they need to be. These are seldom the reasons for depression. Depression may be largely physical, mostly psychospiritual or a combination of both. It is often complicated to treat but it is never hopeless. The barrier of personal shame keeps too many pastors from finding the help they need.

Depression is diagnosable and is treatable. Its symptoms include down moods, changes in weight or appetite, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, self hatred, loss of interest in things which previously were interesting, inability to enjoy or find pleasure and physical aches and pains. If any of these symptoms are overly familiar to you or you wish to take an on-line assessment from a reputable site, you are invited to go to Mayo Clinic’s on-line assessment to help your evaluation process.

Whether or not you are clergy, you need not stay depressed.

If you are suicidal call 911 now. There is hope and help waiting.

If you are depressed you need help. The journey may take time, be overwhelming, confusing and difficult but you are worth it. There is no shame in this as many pastors have found relief and treatment for their nagging depression. If you are willing to pursue getting help you will find it.

Some depression is effectively treated with medication. Often quality counseling is more desirable and necessary. Both are required at times. Quality care will efficiently and effectively treat your depression. Being as informed as possible as you begin consulting with others on this issue is important. If you know the questions to ask, have a basic understanding of the medications and even have understanding about what is generating the depression it is helpful. For some assessment, information and confidential interaction go to the I Need Help page of this web site.

Of course you may wish to consult with your personal physician or a quality Christian counselor in your area to seek a diagnosis and treatment. Some physicians and counselors take this very seriously and you will find them amazingly wonderful to engage. Other physicians quickly dispense anti depressants without much thought. There is a lot to know as you consult the medical community about your depression. If you wish to interact regarding this issue so you can be prepared as you make your doctor appointment do not hesitate to go to the Finding Help page on this web site and follow its guidance.

If your spouse is depressed and you wonder where to turn you may surely consult the Finding Help page of this web site as well.

The impact of depression on close relationships is often significant and as the depressed person deals with the depression these relationship issues will need addressing. You can find a way out of the darkness and heal the damage done to your relationships. You are worth it. When a pastor stands to preach about joy it is wonderful if he is moving away from his depression.

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Filed Under: Hope & Recovery for Pastors

Comments

  1. dwolery says

    July 11, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    Thanks for the encouragement!

  2. how to be happy says

    May 25, 2013 at 10:01 am

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  3. geloschte daten wiederherstellen says

    October 18, 2011 at 3:24 am

    I believe this is among the most vital information for me. And i’m glad studying your article. However should remark on few general things, The website taste is wonderful, the articles is in reality great : D. Excellent process, cheers

  4. Rev.Samuel Aidoo Appiah says

    September 14, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Praise God,
    God bless you for the godly work you are for our Lord and Saviour Jesus.
    I’m a minister involved in rural evangelism.I have left my wife and children in the capital into the rural areas to win souls for Christ since their(rural people) knowledge of Christ is very limited (most are idol worshippers) and they also need Christ.
    At times a fill depress because of financial challenges which is seriously affecting the work of God since the rural people are peasant farmers so their poor.I have planned to take my family with me when things improve.
    I’m interested in using film shows to evangelise which is very effective.
    To feed,school(my first daughter is at High school) my family is a big challenge to me so at times I decide to quit but for the love of their souls I can’t.
    I can not say ALL in written so I will end here.
    Please,am telling the truth in Christ am not lieing you and your team can pray about it.
    I’m ever ready to do what I can to win them to Christ.
    Sir,my humble appeal to you is,if you know any individual,group ect.who can help please do so because precious souls are perishing.
    How can we go,unles we are sent;How can they hear,unless someone preach to them.
    Romans 10;12-14
    I say again,you can pray over it.
    Bye,I strongly believe I will hear from you soon.

  5. Arden Hummer says

    January 28, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    This is a excellent summary, I found your web site doing research aol for a related content and arrived to this. I couldnt come across to much alternative material on this post, so it was good to find this one. I definitely will be returning to look at some other posts that you have another time.

  6. Dale W says

    December 10, 2010 at 9:37 pm

    Thanks Lynn.

  7. Lynn Masterson says

    July 17, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    Very helpful article and a great site. Been looking for good informational websites like mine with relevant info to share with others and this is definitely going to be one of them! Thanks!

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