Religious Organisations

Can religious organisations help people who are suffering from depression?

The answer is "yes".

You can go to a church service or spend time in the tranquillity and quietness of a mosque or a temple.

You can also talk to the pastor, priest or religious leader. Most religious organisations have someone who you can contact and talk to. Even hospitals have hospital chaplain service you can call on.

If you are seeing a religious counsellor regularly as well as another counsellor or therapist, it would be sensible to tell both parties about this. In some situations, it can be confusing to counselled by a psychotherapist and a religious counsellor at the same time. You can talk to the counsellor and your psychotherapist about this problem.

Discussions with a religious counsellor

Depression colours your relationship with God just like your relationship with other people:

 • Dark thoughts may be prevalent
 • You begin to doubt your beliefs
 • You doubt that you are "good enough"
 • You may feel that you are being rejected or abandoned

If you have contemplated suicide you may even feel condemned.

Questions such as:

 • What have I done wrong?
 • Is it a punishment?
 • Does God want me to be depressed?
 • If not, why has God made me so unwell?

These may all be questions that your spiritual advisor can help you work through.

Some religions frown upon suicide and teach eternal condemnation as a consequence. It is important to know that suicidal thoughts are a symptom of your illness and you must talk to your doctor if you feel you cannot talk to your spiritual advisor about this issue.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.