Why do people get depressed? How is it that people of faith can also struggle with depression? While there can be biological reasons for depression, most cases can be dealt with by directly addressing distorted thoughts. Feelings come from thoughts and thoughts come from beliefs.

If you are struggling with depression, see if any of these false beliefs are tripping up your thinking. Pain and suffering are an unfortunate part of life, but when negativity becomes chronic, something is amiss. God wants us to turn from falsehood and the lies of the enemy, so we can fully enjoy Him.

1. Perfectionism: You see things as either all good or all bad. If you fall short somewhere, you see yourself as completely bad or worthless. In reality, no person or thing on earth is completely good (only Christ was). God wants us to rest in his grace since the demand for perfection was taken care of at the cross. (Mark 10:18)
2. Negativity: You see everything from a negative perspective. You see a single negative occurrence as a never-ending pattern and completely dismiss the positive aspects. In reality, God wants us to have a redemptive perspective. This isn’t wishful thinking, but we should see God’s good intent in all things, with trust that He makes all things come together for good. (Romans 8:28)
3. Fortune Telling: You jump to a negative conclusion even though you don’t have the evidence to support your reasoning. You may negatively predict what people are thinking, without asking. Or you may predict that something may end up badly even though you don’t have the proof. Only God knows the future and knows the minds of other people. (Ecclesiastes 8:7, 1 Corinthians 2:11)
4. Judgmentalism: You judge yourself or your situation from a distorted human perspective. You label yourself, or you magnify the negative and minimize the positive. Like the Pharisees, you are legalistic toward yourself and live by “shoulds” and rules which only leads to shame. God wants you to live by His grace. Only He is the perfect judge and can perfectly discern your situation. (1 John 3:18-21)
5. Self-Pity: You see yourself as the cause of negative events even though you aren’t responsible. Or you base your view of reality on your own personal emotions. Ironically, a form of pride and self-centeredness. (Philippians 2:3)
   

Tres Adames, BA, MDiv is a Christian counselor in Phoenix, Arizona. He works with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, addiction, and relationships. If you are interested in reading more, sign up for his newsletter and receive a free resource guide.