Are you normal?
This was the title of the e-mail I received today. HA! Normal isn’t even a word I’ve considered in regards to myself. However, this was something I’d subscribed to because I find the information contained in this helpful and relevant for helping Christians cope with depression, and other mental health issues.
Dr. Grant Mullen is a Christian physician who talks about mental health issues, especially as they relate to the Christian. One of the first things you’ll see on his website is a download talking about why depression is more painful for a Christian, than a non-Christian. He speaks about treating the whole person…Spiritually, Physically and Emotionally. He also provides checklists for people to use to see if they need to talk with their doctor.
The best part of Dr. Mullen’s website (besides the relief of someone understanding that Christians can struggle in these areas), in my opinion, is the resource section. There are lots of books and teachings you can purchase (one of which is on shame) that are very good. If you sign up for the newsletter you’ll get updated reports on new products as well as free videos and articles that you can look at.
Anyway, if you or someone you know is struggling with depression, and especially if that person is a Christian, this is just one resource you can use to help them. And if you would like to learn more about mental health issues and treatments relating to Christians, check it out here.
***note*** Before you freak out on me (I know many Christians don’t believe that any Christians should have mental health issues, and especially regarding the use of medication as a treatment option) there are a LOT of non-medical resources on this site also! But I don’t happen to agree with an absolute non-medical approach… there are times when medication can help, and we need to be treating the whole person. If you’ve never lived through the torment of depression, and a lot of well-meaning people telling you that you should ‘buck up, pray a lot, and whatever you do don’t take medication!’ and whatever you do it just gets worse, then you can’t know.
