Depression is a nasty presence in many leaders lives today. It can be caused by situations. Situations like prolonged criticism, physical decay, or extreme financial stress for too long can all cause depression. Most depression is genetic in make up. Certain people are predisposed to serious bouts of depression.
Church leaders do appear to be more susceptible than the general population to depression. We need to talk about the symptoms and outcomes of depression more. One of my psychiatrist friends believes much of the moral failing we see today is the acting out of the destructive tendencies of depression. I think he is right.
So what are some of the key symptoms we ought to look for in order to help depressed leaders? Here’s a helpful list:
1. Insomnia
2. Sleeping too much
3. Hiding emotionally
4. Extended blues
5. Weight gain
6. Weight loss
7. Lack of libido
8. Short term memory loss
9. Relational conflict
10. Inability to focus
11. Paranoia
12. Loss of life enjoyment
13. Alcoholism in your family background
14. Loss of interest in hobbies
15. Anger
16. Agitation
17. Diabetes
18. Feelings of hopelessness
If you see a friend or leader exhibiting some of these traits avoid being punitive, but be aggressive with them about getting help. It won’t just disappear. It will come back and it will cause harm.
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I agree with your psychiatrist. However, in the evangelical church, we are quick to scorn or ostracize those who exhibit such moral failure. This failure (including a high rate of alcoholism or drug addiction) is most likely only symptomatic of the disease of depression or anxiety disorders. The clinically depressed leader often finds himself self-medicating for a secret problem they think is untreatable. Your challenge to gently confront the leader is appropriate but must not stop there. Beyond the exposure of the problem, appropriate, quality treatment for the diagnosis and treatment is critical for restoration. The depressed leader is not a “bad” person, but a sick person needing understanding, patience, treatment and restoration to health - and ultimately his ministry.
I suppose that it won’t do to just say, “Duh!” I mean, hello there… aren’t you a little prone to depression too Doug?
I think there is a reverse relationship to depression, rather than the ministry being the cause I believe that the very traits that lead people to consider ministry, the same ones that lead people down artistic tracks, play a root roll in depression… of course in my case it is simply the gray weather of Washington… or at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Great blogs, Doug! I recommend them to all my friends!
Kevin B.