Hope in the Mourning

You can also watch Jon’s interview on Youtube or listen on any podcast platform. I’m writing this account of my experience with depression because I know there are countless people who feel totally alone in their suffering. My prayer is my story will offer hope and encouragement to those who are suffering with depression, and for those who love someone who is depressed. You are not alone! It’s difficult to know where to begin when writing about this painful season in my life. And it’s especially difficult to tell a story involving depression. Because unlike other serious illnesses (such as cancer) most people have little (or no) understanding of what clinical depression actually is. And I’m sad to say one of the main things I came to realize during my years of suffering with Major Depressive Disorder is that Christians seem to have the least knowledge and understanding of all. The most common assumptions among Christians is that depression is a spiritual problem, or the result of sin in a person’s life; or a reflection of laziness (or even self-pity). Out of desperation I sought counsel from several pastors, and not a single one was equipped to help me. I was met with responses that made it obvious they had no idea what I was dealing with. I can’t begin to describe the despair of walking into a pastor’s office longing for relief and comfort, only to walk out feeling worse than when I arrived. I’m very happy to say I eventually received the best of care from a Christian mental health clinic (more about that later). This is not a story that’s easy to read. And to be honest it’s painful for me to look back on this time in my life. But I feel it’s important to be