Introduction

According to the Bureau of Statistics depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.  It is estimated that 45% of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.  In any one year there will be 3 million Australians suffering from depression or anxiety.  Many of these people never seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental health issues.  Christians are not immune to suffering mental health issues accompanied by the guilt and shame that it brings.  There are many people suffering in silence.  That is why the Church needs to help people to break the silence and seek the help that they need.

1. Read 1 Kings 19:1-18

• What do these passages tell us about the God?
• What do these passages tell us about you and your life?
• What did you like about this passage?
• What did you not like about this passage?

There are many examples in the Bible of God’s children suffering depression and anxiety even though they were walking close to the Lord.  The book of Psalms is full of the painful voices of those calling out from the valley of despair.  Characters such as the weeping prophet Jeremiah, Job, the disciples on the road to Emmaus are just a few that know what it was like to be downcast.  In the person and work of Jesus Christ the Kingdom of God has already broken into our world. Yet we are still waiting for its full consummation when He returns.  Christians are living ‘between the times.’ We can already receive substantial healing right now but full restoration will not happen until the second coming.  We can still fall prey to the effects of a lost and broken world.  Like Elijah, we too can experience times of depression and despair even whilst faithfully serving the Lord.

Discuss one or more of the following questions.
1. What might be some reasons why people refuse or delay in seeking help for mental health issues?
2. What caused Elijah’s depression and what were his symptoms?  How did God help him?
3. Read Luke 24:13-35.  What people helping skills can you learn from the way Jesus dealt with the downcast disciples on the road to Emmaus?
4. Case Study: Jason is a 35-year-old IT manager in a fast paced company.  He has been married for 9 years and has two children aged 5 and 8.  The family is part of your Life Group.  As the eldest son, he grew up in a family that had very high expectations of him. Over the last few months you have noticed that Jason has become quiet and withdrawn.  His wife and children seem to be on edge.  You have a good relationship with Jason so you take him aside by himself and talk with him.   Jason reported the following symptoms: decreased motivation particularly in the activities he used to enjoy, unusual outbursts of anger, anxiety whenever he thinks about his obligations at church and at work, loss of appetite, crying alone, suicidal thoughts and difficulty sleeping.  Discuss how together, as a Life Group, you could help Jason and his family.
5. Pastor Greg talked about the difference between having a life goal of Maturity compared with Happiness.  Can you think of Bible passages that may support this?  How could this shift in life goal change your attitude towards adversity that may come your way?

1. Is there a truth that God wants you to obey?
2. What will you do to obey this? I will…