Dealing with Depression: A Christian Perspective

憂鬱症之基督教靈性關顧

10.29478/TJP.201112.0002

林信男(Hsin-Nan Lin)

Christian ； spiritual care ； meaning ； hope

台灣精神醫學

25卷4期（2011 / 12 / 01）

224 - 232

英文

Objective: Depression is a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual disorder. Depression inevitably forces people to face experiences of meaninglessness and hopelessness. In this overview, I intended to review Christian's aspect of spiritual care on depression, restoring meaning, purpose and hope for the depressed person. Method: Based on my practice of Christianity and psychiatry, I searched the literature on the topic area. Results: I first describe depressive feeling in those with Christian faith, and explained the importance of restoring the meaning in Christianity. Then, I deal with depression with eight aspects: (A) Jesus: a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief, (B) prayer: God as therapist, (C) Christian fellowship: a strong social support, (D) suffering: a blessing in disguise, (E) hope: enabling courage to live, (F) forgiveness: healing of trauma, (G) letting go: overcoming loss, and (H) love: overcoming learned helplessness. Conclusion: By adding Christian spiritual care to ordinary psychiatric treatments, Christians suffering with depression can get a holistic treatment for their depression.

1. (1995).Holy Bible.Hong Kong:United Bible Societies.
2. Anderson, N. T.,Baumchen, H.(1999).Finding Hope Again: Overcoming Depression.Ontario, California, USA:Gospel Literature International.
3. Barry, M. S.(2011).The Forgiveness Project: The Startling Discovery of How to Overcome Cancer, Find Health and Achieve Peace.Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA:Kregel Publication.
4. Bernardin, J. L.(1997).The Gift of Peace: Personal Reflection.Chicago:Loyola Press.
5. Braam, A. W.,Beekman, A. F. T.,Deeg, D. H. G.,Smit, J. H.,Tilburg, W.(1997).Religiosity as a protective or prognostic factor of depression in later life: results from a community study in Netherlands.Acta Psychiatr Scand,96,199-205.
6. Dein, S.(2006).Religion, Spirituality and depression: Implication for research and treatment.Prim Care Comm Psychiatry,11,67-72.
7. Frankl, V. E.(2006).Man's Search for Meaning: An Introduction to Logotherapy.Boston:Beacon Press.
8. Frankl, V. E.(1962).Man's Search for Meaning: From Death Camp to Existentialism.Boston:Beacon Press.
9. Hall, D. P.(2009).Breaking through depression: Biblical and Medical Approach to Wholeness.Eugene, Oregon:Harvest House Publishers.
10. Hermes, K. J.(2003).Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach.Boston:Pauline Books & Media.
11. Koenig, H. G.(2007).Religion and remission of depression in medical inpatients with heart failure/pulmonary disease.J Nerv Mental Dis,193,389-95.
12. Koenig, H. G.(ed.),McConnell, C.(ed.),McConnell, M.(ed.)(1999).The Healing Power of Faith: Science Explores Medicine's Last Great Frontier.New York:Simon & Schuster.
13. Koenig, H. G.,McCullough, M. E.,Larson, D. B.(2001).Handbook of Religion and Health.Oxford:Oxford University Press.
14. Kolodiejchuk, B.(ed.)(2007).Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the "Saint Of Calcutta".New York:Doubleday.
15. Larson, D. B.,Larson, S. S.(2003).Patient spirituality and mental health: a new focus in clinical care and research.Australian 10th Annual Suicide Prevention National Conference,Brisbane:
16. McCullough, M. E.(ed.),Pargament, K. I.(ed.),Thoresen, C. E.(ed.)(2000).Forgiveness: Theory, Research, and Practice.New York:The Guilford Press.
17. McCullough, M. E.,Larson, D. B.(1999).Religion and depression: a review of the literature.Twin Research,2,126-36.
18. Mohline, D.,Mohline, J.(1997).Emotional Wholeness: Connecting with the Emotions of Jesus.Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, USA:Treasure House.
19. Moltmann, J.(1967).Theology of Hope: On The Ground and The Implications of a Christian Eschatology.London:SCM Press.
20. Rabior, W. E.(2005).Emerging from Depression.Liguori, MO:Liguori Publications.
21. Seligman, M. E. P.(1975).Helplessness: On Depression, Development and Death.San Francisco:W. H. Freeman.
22. Strawbridge, W.,Cohen, R.,Shema, S.,Kaplan, G.(1997).Frequent attendance at religious services and mortality over 28 years.Am J Pub Health,87,957-61.
23. Swinton, J.(2001).Spirituality and Mental Health Care: Rediscovering a "Forgotten" Dimension.London:Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
24. Thoresen, C. E.,Luskin, F.,Harris, A. H. S.(1998).Science and forgiveness interventions: refl ections and recommendations.Dimensions of Forgiveness: Psychological Research and Theological Perspectives,Philadelphia:
25. van Lieburg, M. J.(1988).Famous Depressives: Ten Historical Sketches.Rotterdam:Organon International.
26. Vande Creek, L.(ed.)(1998).Scientific and Pastoal Perspectives on Intercessory Prayer: An Exchange between Larry Dossey, M.D. and Health Care Chaplains.New York:Harrington Park Press.

1. Tsai, Jui-Feng(2012).Buddhistic Perspectives in Dealing with Depression.台灣精神醫學,26(1),63-64.