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3 Things Robin Williams’ Suicide Should Cause Christians To Think About

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Last Monday my wife and I attended an infant CPR class at our local hospital. While playing with the creepy plastic infant CPR doll they gave us, I glanced down at my iPhone and noticed the “Fox News Alert” push notification: “Actor, comedian Robin Williams dies at 63.” While we know death is unpredictable, I was stunned because his death was in fact just that – unpredictable. At just 63, I hadn’t yet started thinking of the funny and inspirational Robin Williams as being particularly elderly.

My formative years were shaped in part by the characters he played on screen, such as the benevolent Patch Adams, the unorthodox Mr. Keating, and the adventurous Alan Parrish. (Note: I do not recommend his movies without ClearPlay or T.V. Guardian.) Of course I only liked the roles he played in many of his movies; as a person he was notable for his crude humor, sacrilege, and support of abortion and other forms of immorality. Yet in his movies, with his wit and humor, he could so easily highlight the best qualities of humanity. Which is why I was especially surprised when I learned the cause of death was suicide.

Despite his popularity, Robin Williams’ story is a sad one indeed. For years he struggled with deep depression[1]. In the past he suffered from cocaine and alcohol addiction[2], and has long been suspected of being tormented by bipolar disorder[3]. Though I’m not a psychologist, I’m sure his chronic depression was only exacerbated by financial stress and a supposed struggling career[4] [5].

The real tragedy, of course, is not just that Robin Williams has passed, but that to our knowledge he has died outside of Christ by not obeying the gospel (Rev. 14:13; 2 Thess. 1:8). Williams’ death should remind us not only of the brevity of life, but also the urgency of evangelism and the value of the human soul. Not only that, Williams’ suicide should wake us up to the reality of deep depression – even among the family of God.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a word that has been watered down. Not only do we use it to refer to someone grieving the loss of a loved one, but we also use it to describe someone saddened by the outcome of the Super Bowl. Yes, everyone from time to time experiences mood fluctuations or periods of sorrow, frustration, and discouragement. But we shouldn’t confuse being depressed with being sad, which is a reaction God built into the human psyche to slow us down so we can process grief and loss.

What I am talking about is clinical depression, causing one to lose hope and self-respect, lasting for months and sometimes years. This type of depression is on the rise. About 35 million Americans (about 16% of the population) suffer from depression severe enough to warrant treatment at some point in their lives[6]. Additionally, women are twice as likely to experience depression as men[7]. Obviously, depression is far-reaching – it is in our families, in our workplaces, and in our congregations.

Causes & Symptoms

Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, writes the signs of depression are “decreased energy, fluctuating body weight, depleted concentration, irritability, bouts of crying, hopelessness/despair, a disinterest in pleasurable activities, social withdrawal, and thoughts of suicide”[8].

Since people are so different and mental disorders are complex, I am unwilling to say that depression is only caused exclusively physical or spiritual factors. Depression is often the result of a combination of multiple issues.

Depression can be a result of sin. Sometimes it can be the result of unconfessed sin, as can be seen in the words of David (Psa. 35; 51). A guilty conscience can drive anyone to depression (Psa. 6:2-7), and the only remedy is to have one’s sins “blotted out” (Acts 3:19) by obeying the gospel (Acts 2:38). When we deny our sin, we cannot find forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Depression can be a result of medical and biological matters. Thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease, hormone imbalances, and vitamin deficiencies are all known to cause depression. More obviously, prescription drugs, drug addictions, and exposure to mold can also contribute to or cause depression. Even strokes, heart-attacks, and genetic predispositions are known to facilitate depression[9].

Depression can be a result of life issues and social matters. Sometimes we can be depressed because of the sins of others (1 Kings 19) or because of the loss of family members or bodily function (Job 1-3). Divorce, abuse, shame, loneliness, negativity, stress, anxiety, and wrong beliefs can also cause clinical depression.

Depression can be a result of these things, a combination of these things, or other factors. While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I do know that depression is a serious problem, even as it relates to Christians. It is naïve to think that Christianity is a quick, instant cure to depression. With the suicide of Robin Williams’ fresh on our minds, Christians would do well to remember the following three things about depression.

Three Things Christians Need To Remember About Depression:

1. The Most Unlikely Of People Can Struggle With Depression

Robin Williams, case in point. He was the face of comedy, able to bring a smile to anyone. The characters he played called attention to the value of life. Sure, we heard reports that he struggled with depression, but it wasn’t hard to minimize them. After all, he was Robin Williams – the cure to depression personified!

We need to remember that depressed people don’t always fit the stereotype. I have known outstanding people, including elders and gospel preachers – “giants” in the faith – who struggled with bouts of deep depression (some even taking their own life). I don’t know everything about their struggle or the reasons behind their struggle. They probably don’t either. But statistically, there are several at your congregation who suffer from depression, most of whom are probably undiagnosed. They may just be really good at hiding it.

2. Depression Doesn’t Make You A Bad Christian

Of course, we do not need to minimize the fact that sometimes (or maybe more often than some are willing to admit) depression is a result of sin or a lack of faith. Sin, left unconfessed and unexposed, deteriorates our mental and physical health (cf. Psa. 32:3) and keeps us from living an abundant life (John 10:10). The process of death is a result of sin (Rom. 5:21). Additionally, depression can be caused because of a failure to trust in the Lord (Phil. 4:6-7). Jesus has forbidden His children from worrying (Matt. 6:25-32) because God is in control (1 Pet. 5:7; Rom. 8:31). We don’t need to discount these facts.

At the same time, some people have very little control over their depression. Next time you encounter a brother or sister who struggles with depression, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is it possible that they were abused as a child?
  • Is it possible that they experienced some kind of family trauma growing up, such as a divorce or loss of a parent?
  • Is it possible that prescription medication is the root cause of their depression?
  • Is it possible that they have health problems, such as hyperthyroidism or bipolar disorder?
  • Is it possible that they have been unknowingly exposed to dangerous toxins, such as black mold?

Just as blindness is not always a result of sin (John 9:2), depression does not always have a spiritual cause. Many times it is a serious medical condition, and needs to be treated professionally. Before jumping to conclusions, we need to judge with right judgment (John 7:24).

3. Depressed People Need The Church

While I’m no expert on depression, one thing I do know: depressed people need the love and support of a church family. The church needs to be a place of healing. Sadly, well-meaning Christians often do more harm than good. They place depressed Christians into a stereotypical box, believing it is always their own fault for suffering from depression. At other times they spout off pious, shallow, feel-good statements, leaving those who struggle with depression even more empty.

What can the church for those who are clinically depressed?

  • Do not assume that depression is always the result of sin. Not only is this mentality this wrong, but it can also discourage a person suffering from depression from seeking professional help.
  • Do not neglect spiritual issues. Though spiritual matters might not be the cause of depression, they often are. Recognize how dangerous it is to allow bitterness and sin to fester in the congregation. Do not allow unconfessed sin to go unaddressed. True forgiveness can only be found when sin is exposed and addressed. The congregation with a laze-faire disposition toward sin will be naturally counterproductive to healing depression. Depressed people are still people, and struggle with sin just like we all do (Heb. 12:1-2).
  • Pray for them. We are commanded to pray for those we are concerned about (Phil. 4:6). It is okay if you do not know what exactly to pray for, since the Spirit knows how to perfectly communicate your requests to God (Rom. 8:26-27).
  • Give them social support. What kind of people are they around? Bad influences can make depression worse (cf. 1 Cor. 15:33). Do not allow depressed Christians to be isolated from the church. Make sure they are around faithful Christians every day, since this is what Christ intended for His church since it began (Acts 2:44-46).
  • Direct them to seek professional help. Help them find a Christian counselor, as a secular counselor can often be detrimental to their walk with God. If their depression is proven to be a biological problem, communicate to them that medication is not wrong, while recognizing that sometimes there is a better way.
  • Encourage physical health. Research shows that even short periods of exercise can positively affect our mood. If going on daily walks will benefit their condition, then provide a partner who will walk with them.

Above all, we need to approach the issue of depression with balance. I am far from having all the answers about depression or even suicide, but after careful study I have grown to see that these matters are not always ‘black and white.’ It is wrong to say that depression is always a result of sin or a lack of faith, and I am wary of the Christians who are quick to demonize those who suffer by making ignorant statements like “there is no such thing as depression.” What the church needs is for us to better sympathize with those who are struggling and place ourselves in the shoes of the depressed (Matt. 7:12), as we are all made in God’s image.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope (Psa. 130:1-2, 5, ESV)

(Your comments are welcome and encouraged, even if they are in disagreement. However, please keep your comments relevant to the article. For my full comment policy, click here.)

Sources

[1] Paul Elias, “Authorities Say Robin Williams hanged himself,” Associated Press, Aug. 12, 2014. <http://news.msn.com/pop-culture/authorities-say-robin-williams-hanged-himself>
[2] Decca Aitkenhead, “Robin Williams: ‘I was shameful, did stuff that caused disgust – that’s hard to recover from,'” The Guardian, Sept. 19, 2010. <http://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/sep/20/robin-williams-worlds-greatest-dad-alcohol-drugs>
[3] Chiderah Monde, Nicole Lyn Pesce, “Robin Williams dead at 63: Actor’s battle with severe depression spotlights celebrities’ mental illness,” New York Daily News, Aug. 13, 2014. <http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/robin-williams-battle-depression-spotlights-celebrities-mental-illnesses-article-1.1900493>
[4] Hollie McKay, “Robin Williams Worried About Faltering Career,” Fox News, Aug 12, 2014. <http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/08/12/robin-williams-worried-about-faltering-career/>
[5] Michael Zennie, Heidi Parker, Sam Webb, “In deep depression and beset by money-worries, Robin Williams cut wrist and hanged himself as unwitting wife slept in another room: Assistant found him when he failed to appear next morning,” MailOnline, Aug. 12, 2014. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2723126/EXCLUSIVE-He-shell-Robin-Williams-drawn-just-one-day-hanged-California-mansion-no-note.html>
[6] Mary Duenwald. “More Americans Seeking Help For Depression,” The New York Times, June 18, 2003. <http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/18/us/more-americans-seeking-help-for-depression.html>
[7] Clinton, Tim, Ron Hawkins. “The Quick-Reference Guide to Biblical Counseling.” Baker Books: 2009.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.

The post 3 Things Robin Williams’ Suicide Should Cause Christians To Think About appeared first on PlainSimpleFaith.


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