04/10/2026
SUNDAY SCHOOL TOPIC: DEPRESSION
TEXT: 1 KINGS 19:1-4
MEMORY VERSE: “And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die” - Genesis 30:1.
INTRODUCTION: Depression is an emotional response triggered by circumstances beyond one’s mental stability. It is a mental health illness or mood disorder where one experiences unusual persistent sadness. As the saying goes, there is no health without mental health. This shows that other aspects of health such as physical, financial, spiritual, and social can also take a download spiral due to a depressive illness. Hence, it is important to educate ourselves on the causes, symptoms, and the way out of depression.
BIBLICAL INSTANCES AND CAUSES
Depression is often viewed as a persistent feeling of sadness – Romans 8: 20
There are many biblical examples of men of God who struggled with sadness, even to the point of depression.
David a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22) did not gloss over his sadness; He expressed it to God Psalm 56:8, Moses Numbers 11:15, Elijah 1 Kings 19:3-5
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
Depression can be triggered by negative events such as
i. The loss of loved one
ii. Loss of job
iii. Loss of a relationship
iv. Loss of a pet
v. Economic crises.
vi. Financial instability
vii. Unpleasant circumstances etc - 1 Samuel 1:6-7, Nehemiah 2:2.
Symptoms of Depression
i. A depressed mood feeling of sadness
ii. Constant tiredness,
iii. Reduced or lost interest in previously enjoyable activities,
iv. Forgetfulness, hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, thoughts of su***de, su***de attempt, and being overly suspicious of people or events. Excessive complaints of body pains, loss of appetite, loss of interest in s*x, loss of sleep and poor attention can also signal depressiveness.
What are some inadequate coping mechanisms some people use for this mood disorder.
i. Abused of alcohol,
ii. Smoking
iii. Absenteeism
iv. Over spirituality
v. Over socialization
What can believers do to prevent depression?
i. Be filled with joy –Romans 15:13
ii. God will never leave His own- Deuteronomy 31:8
iii. God will strengthen and uphold His Children regardless of the situation - Isaiah 41:10
iv. God hears our cry Psalm 40:1-3
v. God is near to the broken hearted Psalm 34:18-19. Matthew 11:28-30. vi. Develop positive attitudes
vii. Understand our mental limits.
viii. Build problem-solving skills, resilience skills, and good communication skills.
CONCLUSION: Depression contributes to poor personal, family, community, and economic growth. It can be difficult to recognize but once any of the symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek care immediately.
