Author: Believers Not Immune to Depression, but Faith Helps
by Bill Fancher
February 10, 2004
(AgapePress) - A new book provides a Christian doctor's perspective on depression.Dr. Harold Koenig, a psychiatrist and member of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations, has contributed his medical expertise and spiritual insights to a work that is being hailed by physicians as the definitive book on depression. The book, entitled New Light On Depression: Help, Hope, and Answers for the Depressed and Those Who Love Them (Zondervan, 2004), examines what leads to the problem of depression, a disorder that affects more than 19 million Americans a year.
Koenig points out that, contrary to a common misconception, struggles with depression do not result from weak Christian faith. In fact, he says, even strong believers are not immune to bouts of depression. But the doctor also notes that faith can be a significant factor in overcoming the disease.
"A lot of times, having a strong faith doesn't necessarily mean that you won't experience depression," Koenig says, "although it does play a great role in helping people to get through the depression."
According to the book, many things can cause or trigger the onset of depression, including genetics, past family dynamics, or present stressful life-patterns or events.
"Many people develop [depression] because they've inherited a disposition to the condition, or they have been raised in an environment that might not have met their emotional needs," Koenig says. He also notes that significant stress in a person's adult life can bring on the condition.
A New Light on Depression was co-authored by Evangelical pastor and Doctor of Ministry David Biebel, who has written a number of books, including If God Is So Good, Why Do I Hurt So Bad? (Revell, 1995) and How to Help a Heartbroken Friend (Baker, 1995).
