Mental health, Psychology and the Bible (Part B)

Following on from Part A, I want to pick up on some on the themes briefly mentioned, from a mental health and psychology perspective.

Firstly, with depression come dark thoughts, and it can be hard to see the glass, never mind seeing it half full! And God understands this, because we cannot fully see him and especially in those times.

“For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face: now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am fully known” 1 Corinthians 13.12 (New King James translation.)

Depression can be triggered by adverse life experiences, and in animals, (whose brain structures and chemistry are similar to ours) after periods of prolonged stress, and according to the research described Archaeology of the Mind by Panksepp and Biven (Publisher: Norton 2012) “If the animals are subject to such stressors for too long, they begin to exhibit depressive symptoms” (page 179).

This is because the brain chemistry is affected, with typically high levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Changing the chemistry alleviates the feelings and depression. Here medication can be helpful, especially SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), as these increase the level of serotonin in the brain and thereby also reduce the cortisol and adrenaline.

From a therapy perspective, clients suffering with depression also have high stress levels and this can be addressed not just by talking therapy but with Somatic Experiencing (the work of Peter Levine) coupled with the lifting of dark thoughts, through coming into a deeper relationship with our loving Lord Jesus, with his gentle encouragements found his word and by prayer.

In Psychodynamic therapy ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) can be recognised and addressed through trauma work. (Please see my video for more details.) So, in this way the roots of the depression can be pulled up!

In essence, what we think about changes our brain chemistry, which is why God instructs us what to think about to have his peace.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praise worthy-think about such things……..And the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4.8-9.  



All Bible quotations are from the NIV, unless otherwise stated.
Copyright © 2024 Susie Scott Kydd.