Depression - The Need
for Help
Interview
with Dr. Grant Mullen, M.D.
Endorsements
of Dr. Mullen's Ministry
Mood Disorders and recovery from Depression, ADD/ADHD, etc. - August 2008: return visit to New Zealand of Dr. Grant & Kathy Mullen
Auckland, Sat. 2nd August; at Greenlane Christian Centre, 17 Marewa Road, Greenlane. 10:30am to 5:00pmDunedin, Tues. 5th August at Southlife Church, 24 Union Street, Dunedin, 2:00pm to 9:00pm
Christchurch, Thurs. 7th August; at City Church Christchurch, 336 Manchester Street. City Central. 2:00pm to 9:00pm
Wellington Sat. 9th August. at Assembly of God, 22 Marsden Street, Lower Hutt. 10:30am to 5:00pm
Where
to Find More Information
"Depression"
Depression - The Need for Help
Studies have shown that in any
given year as many as ten percent of the people around us suffer from some
form of depression. Research by nationally recognized mental health
institutions reveals that the economic cost for this disorder is high, but the
cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. More broadly defined as
"depressive illnesses", these often interfere with normal
functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a
disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can
destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person. But much of this
suffering is unnecessary. Fortunately, there can be reason for hope for those
suffering from "depressive illnesses".
Depression - The Need for Help
Studies have shown that in any
given year as many as ten percent of the people around us suffer from some
form of depression. Research by nationally recognized mental health
institutions reveals that the economic cost for this disorder is high, but the
cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. More broadly defined as
"depressive illnesses", these often interfere with normal
functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have a
disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can
destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person. But much of this
suffering is unnecessary. Fortunately, there can be reason for hope for those
suffering from "depressive illnesses".
Jubilee Resources New Zealand, in conjunction with Christian Carers Network International, is pleased to bring you some of the vital resources for effective ministry in this area that have been developed by Dr. Grant Mullen, M.D., of Toronto, Canada. In 2005
the Mullen's completed two highly successful and well-received series of seminars in New
Zealand. Over 1,700 people from 26 Christian denominations attended these
seminars in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Palmerston North & Christchurch. There were over 180 pastors from 16
denominations also. Dr. Mullen will be returning to New Zealand in August 2008, with scheduled meetings in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington. Details are already on our Calendar page.The sessions were not taped or filmed as Dr. Mullen already had most of the sessions on DVD & CD. These are now available for sale from Jubilee Resources New Zealand Web Shop. These are also available through the Jubilee Resources branch in Australia. We invite you to visit our Web Shop by clicking the link shown at the left, or clicking here for additional descriptions concerning the resources available through Jubilee.
Interview with Dr. Grant Mullen
(In
conjunction with Dr. Mullen's recent visit to New Zealand, Jubilee Resources
President Dr. Selwyn Stevens interviewed Dr. Mullen just before the start of
the seminars. Here is a portion of that interview.)How common is Depression?
6 to 10% of the population is depressed at any given time. This very common condition is undiagnosed and untreated in eighty percent of its victims. Ten to twenty percent of women and five to ten percent of men will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. Depression is more common in women due to poorly understood genetically understood factors. It is also more common as people age. It is found in all races and social classes. It even occurs in those who are not stressed and are otherwise quite well.
Churches attract people with depression. Often up to 20% of the average congregation could suffer from this, because we run "seeker services" to attract people, but we then let them down by not knowing how to help them.
How can one tell Depression from Discouragement?
Depression is by far the most common form of mental suffering. It is however, a poorly defined condition which means different things to different people. We must be able to distinguish between the transient "Depression" of someone unhappy about a recent disappointment and the severe crushing despair of one who has for many years lost all interest in life. I choose to use the term "discouragement" for temporary mood fluctuations which would commonly be referred to as the "blues" and would never be considered an "illness".
"Depression" is reserved for prolonged disorders of mood which require professional help. There is presently no blood test or X ray that will diagnose mental illness.
What causes Depression?
It is now well established that mental illnesses are usually the result of an imbalance in the chemicals associated with mood control. This tendency to malfunction is usually inherited. Symptoms may just appear without reason, or Depression may come as a result of stressful circumstances that bring out the inherited tendency to have a mood disorder. Depression is now seen as a physical illness needing and responding to medical treatment. Sometimes Depression just develops over years with no obvious cause, much like diabetes. The treatment of Depression is the same whether or not it was triggered by stress.
What are the symptoms of Depression?
Depression has a very wide variety of symptoms, and each individual shows a different pattern. Generally speaking, these people have been sad for prolonged periods without obvious cause. They have lost interest in most activities of life which previously gave them pleasure. They feel defeated, useless, hopeless, unable to pray, punished by God and unworthy of anyone's love or God's forgiveness. They may feel that God has left them or is no longer listening to them due to unknowingly committing the "unpardonable sin." They consider themselves to be a failure as a Christian or as a person. Plagued by guilt they condemn themselves for not being able to "snap out of it". Some have increased irritability and will attack everyone around them as the likely cause of their unhappiness. They find it hard to relax or ever feel content. There is a diminished interest in sex or any kind of intimacy.
Depressed people often have great difficulty falling asleep due to persistent and uncontrollable racing of unpleasant thoughts or worried through their mind. Concentration on work, pleasure or reading becomes impossible while struggling with the continuous stream of unpleasant and depressing thoughts which cannot be kept out of the mind. Fatigue becomes overwhelming in eighty percent of depressed people.
The onset of depression is often during the teen years, but at that time the symptoms are dismissed as just an "adolescent phase." Depression affects every part of our ability to think and feel. It clouds our personality and changes how we interpret events and how we relate to others.
How does Depression affect Pastors?
An untreated, depressed pastor can cause serious damage to a church and to his own ministry. He will likely label his symptoms as "burnout" and may blame it on the congregation, his spouse or superiors. Most often he will blame himself for sliding into a spiritual valley where prayer and Bible study becomes very difficult.
Pastors are very reluctant to seek help from fellow ministers due to embarrassment, so they suffer in isolation. If there is mood instability, they may act impulsively and slip into sin. This will then put them under discipline. They will likely then leave the ministry in personal disgrace. This sequence of events can be easily prevented if depression is recognised and treated early.
Why are Christians so difficult to treat?
Mental health problems are poorly understood by the public. The Christian population is not only equally uninformed but we have created our own explanation for the cause and treatments of mental illnesses. It is assumed that since spiritual symptoms are present, then there must be a spiritual cause and that the spiritual treatment will always work. If it doesn't, then the victim is blamed for inadequate faith or motivation. Christians don't realise that depression is the only medical condition with spiritual symptoms.
Christians are very reluctant to seek medical help with their moods since they perceive that this is an admission that they "don't have enough resources in God" or that "the Cross isn't enough". This is sometimes reinforced by well-meaning friends or pastors who intensify their guilt. It is also thought that no medical treatment could ever help a spiritual problem so it would be an insult to God to accept such treatment.
Christians need to understand that treatment won't undermine their faith nor override their will. Antidepressants are not "mood-altering drugs" nor are they addicting. It is quite permissible for Christians to take them. Medications are a part of the recovery process along with Pastoral counselling, praying for healing and personal devotions.
Remember when eye glasses were first introduced? They were very effective treatment for blurred vision, but they were not well received by the public since people had no idea that they themselves had blurred vision and could be helped with glasses. Those who tried the glasses couldn't believe the improvement and wished that they had started wearing them years before. Their vision became normal, but they had to live with the stigma attached to wearing glasses.
Now we are dealing with problems of "blurred" thinking, which are invisible to an observer. Even the sufferer doesn't know that he is not thinking as clearly as he should be. None of this information replaces a proper evaluation by a physician or counselor, but it will assist in the evaluation process.
Endorsements for Dr. Mullen's Ministry
"Delightfully clear, transforming insights, salted with refreshing humour. We praise God for this message, filled as it is with the Holy Spirit's power, will leap… to effect healing and deliverance." - Dr. John & Paula Sandford (Elijah House)
"Grant Mullen is seeing the Holy Spirit move in healing power among those who have come to him with various mental health problems. God has enabled him to combine sound medical practice with the power of God." - John Arnott, (Senior Minister, Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship.)
"Dr. Mullen offers a prescription for the body, soul and spirit. We need both the church and the hospital, the pastoral counsellor and the medical doctor. You will be helped as he shares how you too can be physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. He confronts two extreme views that cripple our chances of recovery. One extreme is to place all our hope in medication for resolving our emotional problems. The other extreme is to believe that taking any medication is a lack of faith in God. That is why I am so excited about Dr. Grant Mullen, who is by profession a medical doctor. Not all doctors are trained or even willing to look beyond their scientific discipline to seek a holistic cure for their patients. If our psychological problems had a physical origin, then medication along with a balanced regime of nutrition, exercise and diet is the proper prescription. Medication can be helpful and in some cases essential in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It is very difficult to process biblical truth in extreme cases of fear and anxiety until the physical symptoms have been reduced through medication. The alleviation of human suffering by legitimate medical means administered in the Name of Jesus is truly an act of mercy." - Dr. Neil Anderson (author & pastor)
Other New Zealand Endorsements
Max and Sandra Palmer - Senior Pastors, New Life International -Christchurch
We were privileged to attend the Wellington seminar in January. We had known
of Grant through the Toronto Renewal links and were keen to hear him first
hand present his teachings on Understanding Depression. We were not
disappointed and along with hundreds of others had our understanding and
appreciation of this most prevalent human condition widened and deepened.
Since January Sandra and I have been hosting a 6 week DVD study course at
our home using the materials produced by Grant. Our first course was fully
subscribed to the limit of our house and we have a second one commencing in
July. Those attending all reported on how much the teachings and insights
really assisted them.
We encourage any who can attend future seminars to do so.
Thanks Grant and Cathy for coming to NZ.
Mark Flintoff, Senior Pastor - Morrinsville Baptist Church
I found Grant Mullen's ministry very helpful and well balanced. He deals with all the contributing factors of depression (Spiritual, Emotional, Physical). I would recommend Grant and his ministry to all Christians, not only to those who suffer depression, or supports those who suffer depression, but to the whole church to gain a more professional and Christian understanding of such a common illness in our communities.
Dr. S. N. Fourie - Medical Doctor, Hamilton
My wife and I had the opportunity to attend a seminar of Dr.Grant Mullen in January 2005. We found it to be the most functional and practical teaching we have ever encountered in this regard. Never before has anybody been able to relate the body (physical), soul (personality) and the spirit in such a way that you could take it home and apply the principles in practice…. And see the fruit of it within days. Absolutely to be recommended for every person!
Pastor Roger Spicer - Christchurch
Dr Mullen's teaching brings a refreshing and balanced approach to the issues of pastoral care.He gives a clear explanation of the link between mental illness and the demonic.Tackling the dificult issues that have polarized the debate regarding the place of counselling ,perscription drugs and deliverance in the church his resources bring a useful framework for those who desire to responsibly care for others in the church and community.
(Rev) Margaret Hall - United Church - Wairarapa
I am delighted to hear that Dr Grant Mullen is returning to New Zealand to give more conferences this year. His seminar on Depression and related problems, which I attended in January, has been invaluable to me in my pastoral role as it has given me an insight into the need for the physical/medical components to be addressed alongside the spiritual and emotional issues. His deep knowledge of the subject and his sensitive presentation helped clear much of the confusion and misunderstandings that surround the topic and gave me useful tools for recognising when someone is suffering from depression or similar problems and addressing them appropriately.
Rev Danny Te Hiko, Churton Park Anglican Church, Wellington.
"From a lay person's perspective I was very impressed with Dr Mullen's knowledgeable and insightful yet easy to understand, practical explanations of what can be complex medical health issues when dealing with people affected by a mood disorder. Then, as a priest I appreciated the way he applied spiritual understanding to the physical, mental and emotional dimensions of a person to ensure a holistic approach to healing and well-being. If you plan to attend any "health and healing" seminar in the near future make it this one!"
Dr. Ailke Botha - Psychologist, Rotorua
I thoroughly enjoyed Grant's Depression workshop. He has a unique sense of homor and the ability to make complex issues look so easy. Grant managed to combine a Biblical and medical approach in a very practical way. I benefited from the workshop professionally and spiritually.
Michael Powell - Elijah House Wellington Branch Chairman
Those of us involved in prayer ministry from the Wellington branch of Elijah House NZ who attended the Jubilee Ministries January 2005 conference on Depression & Recovery were impressed and blessed with Dr. Grant Mullen's unqiue approach to Mood Disoders, as a doctor and a fully-committed Christian, treating the whole person.
Pastor Gwyn Slatter - Naenae Community Church, Lower Hutt
I was introduced to Dr Grant Mullen's ministry when I attended a seminar
about depression and recovery from depression held in Lower Hutt in mid
January 2005. Jubilee Resources hosted this seminar. I was impressed with
the simplicity to which Dr Mullen addressed the large subject of
depression as it relates to the general public and in particular
Christians. Dr Mullen taught from a practical layman's perspective, whilst
bringing the topic of depression to the audience from a Christian
perspective. I found this very refreshing.
Dr Mullen has a passion for the topic taught and the presentation was well
thought through with anecdotes from his experiences with clients. I
recommend that anyone whether a professional clinician, Christian
counselor, pastor or church leader, or church member would benefit greatly
in attending Dr Mullen's seminars w here he has an obvious passion to
demystify depression and psychiatry in general. Dr Mullen has brought us
not only hope but given us tools to help those who suffer from the effects
of this debilitating sickness.
Bernice Collins - Counsellor & Prayer Minister, Feilding
The highlight of Dr. Mullen's teaching was the confirmation that "Mood disorders, like Schizophrenia and Manic Depression are not signs of demonic possession, but indicators of physical brain disorders." The church for too long has misunderstood and misjudged this area. Dr. Mullen's knowledge and experience in the mental health field coupled with his experiential experience in Christian deliverance come together with amazing results.
Page
last updated 22 May 2008.