Christian celebrities share battle with depression and how they conquered problem
Christian celebrities are not exempted from depression, and they may be going through private battles, despite the happy and confident facade that they present to the public. Some famous Christian personalities have shared their own battle with depression and how they conquered the problem.
Sheila Walsh, former host of 700 Club and speaker for Women of Faith, was hit with a double-portion of trials when she was diagnosed with severe clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She was confined in the psychiatric ward for one month, but she was able to come out whole from the experience, according to Christian Today (CT).
"Sometimes God will take you to a prison to set you free," said Walsh.
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The female host confessed that she was previously scared of admitting her imperfections, but later on found the courage to do so with the help of the Holy Spirit. She now teaches women that their past does not define their future and that they can conquer problems if they cling unto God, Charisma News reports.
Nicole Weider, a former Victoria's Secret model, also went through a similar struggle. She said she was able to succeed over depression when she put her faith and trust on God, the report relays.
"I always needed God, and (my depression) ultimately created in me the desire to get to know God. I had to see doctors, have medicine, it was the real thing," CT quotes Weider. "There's nothing sinful about getting something. Know you're going to come out of it, stronger, more fierce than ever before."
Right now, Weider is actively sharing her story with young women who are dealing with the same problem.
Charles Spurgeon, a deceased Christian preacher, also had to fight depression his whole life. He believed that depression is a "vice" and that he castigated himself for "falling into it." But he stood firm on his faith in God and was able to breeze through depression.
People with depression usually hesitate to come forward and share how God helped them through it because of the stigma attached with the clinical illness. According to clinical psychologist Al Saunders, depression is prominent both in and outside of the church.
Saunders urges churches to quit "judging" people because they have depression because this will only push them to hide. These people need support from the church and psychiatric institutions so that they can get better. If they are not treated, Saunders says the depression will only grow worse.
