Christian Stress Management: Dealing with Depression Lesson 16 Biblical Therapy & Diet Therapy

Biblical Therapy for Dealing with Depression

Eat

Eating is the 12^th principle of Christian Depression Treatment.

When Jezebel threatened to kill him, Elijah became depressed and prayed, “I have had enough, Lord, take my life”. (1 Kings 19:4) He then lay down and slept (probably hoping that God would take him in his sleep) but God sent an angel to him who came and woke him up and told him to eat. He woke up and found a coal baked cake bread which he ate and then drank some water and went back to sleep again. (1 Kings 19:4-6)

He was woken up a second time by the angel to eat and this shows us that eating carbohydrates and drinking water are important for managing depression.

Diet Therapy for Dealing with Depression

Eating Carbohydrates

Eating carbohydrates is an important principle of Holistic Depression Treatment from both Biblical and medical points of view.

This is because complex carbohydrates such as whole grain bread, pastry and cereals increase the levels of serotonin in the body which “soothes the mind” and imparts a feeling of calmness, relaxation and emotional well being.

This may explain why a lot of comfort foods that people reach for when they are feeling sad, lonely, stressed or depressed are carbohydrates. Perfect examples include chocolate cake, cookies, donuts and potato crisps.

In addition, we can also see that after eating the first time, Elijah went back to sleep. Therefore, eat a whole grain sandwich before your bed time if you are having trouble falling asleep because of depression as it will result in an increase in serotonin levels which will also help you sleep better.

Action Plan

1. Identify and stock up on healthy carbohydrates you will include in your daily diet to keep your serotonin levels up. Perfect examples include whole grain breakfast cereals for breakfast, whole grain pastries for lunch and dark chocolate for dessert.

2. Identify and stock up on healthy carbohydrates you will eat to help you fall asleep such as whole grain sandwiches washed down with a glass of warm milk.

3. Click here for lesson 17