Told by christian friend that my lifelong depression is because I don’t “know Jesus”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My whole life I’ve been surrounded by depressed Christians, including myself. The Book of Job is all about depression.

Your friend is ignorant and I’m sorry they said such an unkind thing. Depression visits the believer and unbeliever alike. This world is so awful and brutal so much of the time, I think many Christians struggle more because they have to grapple with the suffering God allows - at least we atheists can find comfort in the absurdity and randomness of life’s cruelties.

The world is so beautiful and Christians recognize how perfectly it is created by the God. I've never met a depressed Christian in my life, honestly. Even if hard times comes, they carry through it and thank the God in the end. They may struggle, but they don't get depressed. I see that the hard times only make them stronger and more grateful. I am happy that you finding your comfort and it helps you with your depression.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My whole life I’ve been surrounded by depressed Christians, including myself. The Book of Job is all about depression.

Your friend is ignorant and I’m sorry they said such an unkind thing. Depression visits the believer and unbeliever alike. This world is so awful and brutal so much of the time, I think many Christians struggle more because they have to grapple with the suffering God allows - at least we atheists can find comfort in the absurdity and randomness of life’s cruelties.

The world is so beautiful and Christians recognize how perfectly it is created by the God. I've never met a depressed Christian in my life, honestly. Even if hard times comes, they carry through it and thank the God in the end. They may struggle, but they don't get depressed. I see that the hard times only make them stronger and more grateful. I am happy that you finding your comfort and it helps you with your depression.

Wow. Consider yourself one the more fortunate beings on the planet. But I assure you that many of those happy people are quite depressed behind closed doors. There is a big mental health stigma that revolves around your exact phrasing from above. People don't seek treatment because if they pray hard enough, God will cure them. But then they are still feeling bad...and second guess themselves and their faith...which leads to more depression. Easier to just say God is testing you because you are somehow special. But just as you said above, if your naivete helps you find comfort, than I'm happy for you.

[Anonymous]

All kinds of people come to Jesus in all kinds of ways. So many people think their way is what Jesus wants. I think God who became man enjoys the different ways they come to him for salvation. Depression can easily drive a person to Jesus like many other hardships. My personal belief is that anybody who fervently and sincerely seeks truth, ends up at Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Not right but not wrong

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The title pretty much says it all. In many ways, over the past few years, she has said that my depression I’ve suffered with off and on since childhood, is because I haven’t “accepted Jesus into my heart”.

She has said things like “it’s a sin to be depressed with everything god has done for me”
“I will know happiness when I’m saved”
“Psychological counseling is sinful because the Bible alone should be enough”

And other statements like that.

Over the past few months I’ve seen her less and less but we were just texting yesterday and she was saying these things again. I told her I didn’t want to talk about the subject with her anymore and ended the conversation but it has upset me again that other than this topic I am friends with her but i find this topic too hurtful and kind of unbelievable to be honest. In many ways, her pushing this issue has led me to even question my own faith .

This is all in spite of the fact that up untile past year, I’ve been a lifelong christian…just not of the “born again” type .

Tell your friend to shut up. My nephew was a Methodist minister and blew his brains out because he was bipolar and his condition was getting so bad that he simply could not take it any more.

I hope you are getting the help that you need and get the religious crazies out of your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My whole life I’ve been surrounded by depressed Christians, including myself. The Book of Job is all about depression.

Your friend is ignorant and I’m sorry they said such an unkind thing. Depression visits the believer and unbeliever alike. This world is so awful and brutal so much of the time, I think many Christians struggle more because they have to grapple with the suffering God allows - at least we atheists can find comfort in the absurdity and randomness of life’s cruelties.

The world is so beautiful and Christians recognize how perfectly it is created by the God. I've never met a depressed Christian in my life, honestly. Even if hard times comes, they carry through it and thank the God in the end. They may struggle, but they don't get depressed. I see that the hard times only make them stronger and more grateful. I am happy that you finding your comfort and it helps you with your depression.

Lol. You’re so full of it it’s coming out the top of your head.

OP, she’s not your friend. I’m sorry. People’s faith can help them in their mental health journey, but a lack of it does not cause mental health problems and that’s a fully insane thing to say. It’s hateful people like your ex-friend and the fool I’m replying to who help give Christianity a bad name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My whole life I’ve been surrounded by depressed Christians, including myself. The Book of Job is all about depression.

Your friend is ignorant and I’m sorry they said such an unkind thing. Depression visits the believer and unbeliever alike. This world is so awful and brutal so much of the time, I think many Christians struggle more because they have to grapple with the suffering God allows - at least we atheists can find comfort in the absurdity and randomness of life’s cruelties.

The world is so beautiful and Christians recognize how perfectly it is created by the God. I've never met a depressed Christian in my life, honestly. Even if hard times comes, they carry through it and thank the God in the end. They may struggle, but they don't get depressed. I see that the hard times only make them stronger and more grateful. I am happy that you finding your comfort and it helps you with your depression.

Jesus himself was highly depressed in the garden of Gethsemane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The title pretty much says it all. In many ways, over the past few years, she has said that my depression I’ve suffered with off and on since childhood, is because I haven’t “accepted Jesus into my heart”.

She has said things like “it’s a sin to be depressed with everything god has done for me”
“I will know happiness when I’m saved”
“Psychological counseling is sinful because the Bible alone should be enough”

And other statements like that.

Over the past few months I’ve seen her less and less but we were just texting yesterday and she was saying these things again. I told her I didn’t want to talk about the subject with her anymore and ended the conversation but it has upset me again that other than this topic I am friends with her but i find this topic too hurtful and kind of unbelievable to be honest. In many ways, her pushing this issue has led me to even question my own faith .

This is all in spite of the fact that up untile past year, I’ve been a lifelong christian…just not of the “born again” type .

Tell your friend to shut up. My nephew was a Methodist minister and blew his brains out because he was bipolar and his condition was getting so bad that he simply could not take it any more.

I hope you are getting the help that you need and get the religious crazies out of your life.

Wow. So your nephew committed suicide and you call him crazy. You need to reflect on your treatment of your religious family and your poor dead nephew. Unbelievable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The title pretty much says it all. In many ways, over the past few years, she has said that my depression I’ve suffered with off and on since childhood, is because I haven’t “accepted Jesus into my heart”.

She has said things like “it’s a sin to be depressed with everything god has done for me”
“I will know happiness when I’m saved”
“Psychological counseling is sinful because the Bible alone should be enough”

And other statements like that.

Over the past few months I’ve seen her less and less but we were just texting yesterday and she was saying these things again. I told her I didn’t want to talk about the subject with her anymore and ended the conversation but it has upset me again that other than this topic I am friends with her but i find this topic too hurtful and kind of unbelievable to be honest. In many ways, her pushing this issue has led me to even question my own faith .

This is all in spite of the fact that up untile past year, I’ve been a lifelong christian…just not of the “born again” type .

Tell your friend to shut up. My nephew was a Methodist minister and blew his brains out because he was bipolar and his condition was getting so bad that he simply could not take it any more.

I hope you are getting the help that you need and get the religious crazies out of your life.

Wow. So your nephew committed suicide and you call him crazy. You need to reflect on your treatment of your religious family and your poor dead nephew. Unbelievable.

+1. PP's reaction to her nephew is disturbing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The title pretty much says it all. In many ways, over the past few years, she has said that my depression I’ve suffered with off and on since childhood, is because I haven’t “accepted Jesus into my heart”.

She has said things like “it’s a sin to be depressed with everything god has done for me”
“I will know happiness when I’m saved”
“Psychological counseling is sinful because the Bible alone should be enough”

And other statements like that.

Over the past few months I’ve seen her less and less but we were just texting yesterday and she was saying these things again. I told her I didn’t want to talk about the subject with her anymore and ended the conversation but it has upset me again that other than this topic I am friends with her but i find this topic too hurtful and kind of unbelievable to be honest. In many ways, her pushing this issue has led me to even question my own faith .

This is all in spite of the fact that up untile past year, I’ve been a lifelong christian…just not of the “born again” type .

Tell your friend to shut up. My nephew was a Methodist minister and blew his brains out because he was bipolar and his condition was getting so bad that he simply could not take it any more.

I hope you are getting the help that you need and get the religious crazies out of your life.

Wow. So your nephew committed suicide and you call him crazy. You need to reflect on your treatment of your religious family and your poor dead nephew. Unbelievable.

+1. PP's reaction to her nephew is disturbing.

I can’t imagine saying my nephew was crazy and “blew his brains out.” It very sad pp views a relative (and fellow human) in such cold and terrible terms regarding his mental health struggles and suicide. He was not crazy and was definitely in need of help and compassion from his loved ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My whole life I’ve been surrounded by depressed Christians, including myself. The Book of Job is all about depression.

Your friend is ignorant and I’m sorry they said such an unkind thing. Depression visits the believer and unbeliever alike. This world is so awful and brutal so much of the time, I think many Christians struggle more because they have to grapple with the suffering God allows - at least we atheists can find comfort in the absurdity and randomness of life’s cruelties.

The book of Job is not all about depression.

You are a troll. You first say you’ve been surrounded by depressed Christians, including yourself.

Then you say “we atheists.”

Atheist posing as depressed Christian much? You are a depressed atheist who trolls a religion board posing a a depressed Christian.

Why isn’t your atheism bringing you any joy or happiness? You center your life around religion still.

Go do something fun today and maybe you won’t be depressed.

+1

Job not about depression. It's about why bad things happen to good people, and about God rewarding those who remain faithful during real bad times.

If someone is depressed their whole life, I'd assume something they are doing isn't working. Maybe faith, church, and a supportive church community could be helpful. And hearing others testimonies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My whole life I’ve been surrounded by depressed Christians, including myself. The Book of Job is all about depression.

Your friend is ignorant and I’m sorry they said such an unkind thing. Depression visits the believer and unbeliever alike. This world is so awful and brutal so much of the time, I think many Christians struggle more because they have to grapple with the suffering God allows - at least we atheists can find comfort in the absurdity and randomness of life’s cruelties.

The world is so beautiful and Christians recognize how perfectly it is created by the God. I've never met a depressed Christian in my life, honestly. Even if hard times comes, they carry through it and thank the God in the end. They may struggle, but they don't get depressed. I see that the hard times only make them stronger and more grateful. I am happy that you finding your comfort and it helps you with your depression.

Jesus himself was highly depressed in the garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus was in agony in The Garden. He was in deep dread and suffering anxiety about his upcoming betrayal, torture, and death.

Jesus knew He was about to be humiliated and tortured.

Jesus sank to His knees, and cried out to His Father, God. “‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will’” (14:36). This was no casual prayer — Jesus was distraught. Matthew’s Gospel tells us “He fell with His face to the ground” (Matthew 26:39) as He prayed with all His might.

So yes, some Christians do take solace and grow stronger from their religion. Op’s friend may have been suggesting to op what gives her strength and courage to face life. That’s not ignorant, evil, ridiculous, etc. It’s really possible op’s friend was trying to be helpful.

Op has tried various ways to deal with depression over the years; none have worked.

[Anonymous]

There is at least one atheist pretending to be a depressed Christian on this thread.

Please be aware these threads are trolled, and there are atheist trolls pretending to be Christians, posting fake scenarios to inflame and distort these discussions.

Be kind to each other. Be aware that not everyone posting here is trying to actually get advice or have truthful and honest discussions about religion.

If someone generalizes and uses harsh and bigoted words against other people, especially people they don’t know, or never met, they are posting inflammatory and hateful messages to provoke and hurt people.

If you have a legitimate question about religion, speak to a trusted pastor or religious leader. At least google your question and read from reputable and knowledgeable religious information sources. Don’t ask here. You don’t know who is posting!

[Anonymous]

It almost sounds like your friend is pushing a prosperity gospel, or toxic positivity. My belief? You feel what you feel, and Jesus meets you where you are. Period. It’s a journey that looks different for everyone, because the world is vast and diverse and full of varied belief systems.

[Anonymous]

Your friend is not a real friend. And she's delusional. Drop her. She's an idiot.