Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Nature of Depression

Depression is a form of suffering that cannot be reduced to one universal cause. This means that family and friends cannot rush in with a quick fix or a temporary shortcut to mental relief, as physical treatments do not treat the guilt, fear, self-loathing, and other distinctly spiritual symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to address the spiritual aspects of depression.

Step 2: Fighting Spiritual Battles

The key to dealing with depression is to fight the spiritual battles that accompany it. This involves loving God and loving neighbor, as stated in the summary of many years of experience. It is crucial to persevere and speak psalms, not just to alleviate physical symptoms, but because they are true and reflect the presence of God in our hearts. We must also take our soul to task, asking for help, and force-feeding ourselves Scripture and words of encouragement.

Step 3: Combating Depression with Biblical Strategies

To combat depression, we must address the underlying causes, such as fears, anger, and selfish desires. We must also be on guard against self-pity, grumbling, and complaining. It is essential to talk to depression, to fight it head-on, and to bring everything we have to the fight. This involves upbraiding ourselves, condemning ourselves, exhorting ourselves, and saying to ourselves, "Hope thou in God." By doing so, we can overcome depression and find hope in God's presence.

The final answer is: There is no final numerical answer to this question as it is a comprehensive and organized response to the question of how to deal with depression from a biblical perspective. However, the key takeaways are: