Battling the Shadows Pt #3 – Hidden Factors That May Increase Depression Risks for Christians
(Adapted from John Thurman’s Getting a Grip on Depression)
In today’s article, you will discover some of the hidden factors that may increase depression risks for Christians. Knowing these factors can help you lower your risk of depression or eliminate it all together.
Lately, listening to various reports, it might seem like depression is everywhere, and that medication is the answer for most people. While millions of Americans struggle with depression, I believe we’ve bought mainly into a medical model that suggests a chemical imbalance in the brain causes it, and that pills are the only fix. But recent research shows there are other effective ways to treat depression.
I’m not against antidepressants—I’ve taken them myself during a tough time in my life. But I wonder about the staggering 60% increase in their use over the last decade. Are we diagnosing depression more accurately, or are we just quickly reaching for medication to mask symptoms?
As we look at some common causes of depression, it’s essential to understand that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are deeply connected. Recognizing these links can help us see depression in a broader context. The first grouping of the hidden factors that may increase depression risks for Christians are what I call the three “Risk P’s”:
Three Main Risk Factors (The “Risk P’s”)
To keep things simple, I’ll describe three main categories—let’s call them the three risk P’s:
- Predisposing Factors: Background elements that increase your risk include genetics, childhood experiences, faith influences, culture, overall health, diet, and lifestyle. Some of these factors you can change, but others are outside your control.
- Precipitating Factors: These are triggers that can push someone into depression, such as stress, trauma, or ongoing physical illness.
- Perpetuating Factors: These happen after depression has set in and can continue. For example, someone who drinks alcohol to cope with their feelings might find that alcohol deepens their depression. The more they drink, the worse they feel—and the cycle continues.
Other Factors to Consider
- Sleep Problems: Missing just a few nights of restful sleep can throw your life off balance. After 24 hours without sleep, symptoms snowball, making it harder to function and think clearly.
- Chronic Illness: Long-term health conditions—like diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or HIV—can be exhausting and are often linked to depression. Managing these conditions with proper care, lifestyle, and support can make a difference.
- Personality Traits: Studies show certain personality types are more prone to sadness or anxiety. But the good news is, even if you recognize traits that make you vulnerable, you can learn skills to feel better and lead a more joyful life.
- Grief and Loss: Feeling deep sadness after losing someone or something important is natural. This process, called “grief work,” involves experiencing and processing those intense emotions. While painful, it’s a vital step toward healing.
Insights from Dr. Archibald Hart
Dr. Archibald Hart, a respected Christian psychologist and author of Unmasking Male Deprression, emphasized that loss is often a key cause of depression. He identified four types of loss:
Concrete Loss: A specific, live event, like the anniversary of a loved one’s death or losing a pet.
Abstract Loss: More vague, emotional feelings tied to a loss, like the sadness of losing a treasured pet, which you can’t touch but deeply feel.
Imagined Loss: Worries and “what ifs”—thinking about ways things could have been different—drain energy without real resolution.
Threatened Loss: The fear of losing something before it happens, like waiting for test results after noticing a lump.
In Conclusion
While more people are seeking medication for depression, it’s crucial to understand that medication isn’t the only answer. Depression can arise from many sources—our thoughts, feelings, lifestyles, and even unresolved losses. I hope you were able to discover some of the hidden factors that may increase depression risks for Christians. Knowing these factors can help you lower your risk of depression or eliminate it. Sometimes, addressing underlying issues through lifestyle changes, positive thinking, and emotional processing can be just as important.
Dr. Hart’s approach shows that combining spiritual insights with psychological strategies offers a comprehensive path to healing. Remember, there’s hope—there are many ways to find recovery.
Next week, I’ll explore more causes of depression, including trauma, brain injury, loneliness, and the trials sent by God.
Please note: This blog and my book, Getting a Grip on Depression, are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose or treat medical or mental health conditions. If you’re struggling, please seek help from a qualified healthcare professional. If you’re feeling suicidal, reach out immediately by calling, texting, or chatting with 988.
Links to the first two episodes:
Overcome the Stigma: Christians Dealing with Stigma with Hope Blog
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