From time to time I like to remind new readers of the Christians Get Depressed Too films, just in case they know anybody that might benefit from them. These 35-40 minute films present five Christians with five very different stories of depression and of how God gave them hope and help to recover. Their reflections are intercut with interview footage from six counselors representing a wide range of Christian knowledge and experience. While the pain of depression is evident, the overall tone is hopeful and practical.

Film 1: Jeni’s Story

A young mother and pastor’s wife, Jeni had always believed that depression was a figment of people’s imagination. Certainly a Christian would never get depressed. Jeni and her husband, Greg, tell how depression unexpectedly shattered their world but also how God used the experience for their benefit and to make them a blessing to many others.

Film 2: Onica’s Story

Though only 15 years old, Onica has already suffered many losses in her life, including numerous painful bereavements and her parents’ broken marriage. Her relationship with family counselor Dr. Emilie DeYoung, who also appears in this episode, has helped her on the road to recovery and equipped her to face the future with hope. Onica also relates how God has used Alpacas in her healing.

Film 3: Timika’s Story

Timika has probably been depressed for many years. Only recently, however, did she recognize it and begin to seek spiritual, psychological, and physical help. A nurse educator, she now recognizes the opportunity she has to prevent her students suffering in the same way.

This film also looks at the unique challenges faced by the African American Community in dealing with mental health issues. Thabiti Anyabwile brings a unique pastoral expertise and Helen Brent speaks with the wisdom of decades spent working as a mental health nurse in the inner city. Sadly (for us), this lovely Christian lady passed away just a few months ago, but we rejoice with hope that she has gone to enjoy eternal light, life, and love.

Film 4: Paul’s Story

Paul has struggled with anxiety, discouragement, and depressive tendencies for the past 3-5 years. As a pastor, and a father of ten children, some of whom have special needs, he brings a deep biblical, spiritual, and practical insight into depression and also how the church can help those who suffer with it.

Film 5: Sue’s Story

After ten years of suppressing grief and anger about the death of her mother, Sue suddenly fell into a deep depression. Hospitalized and mentally fragile, Sue began a long road to recovery. Her story shows the power of the Gospel and how God used this experience to deepen Sue’s spirituality and make her a brighter witness for Christ.

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  • Greg Terry

    Dr. Murray, Thank you for releasing these films. This is something the church has needed for quite some time. Blessings to you!

    • David Murray

      Thanks Greg. We’re looking forward to seeing what the Lord will do with the films.

  • http://www.theologyforgirls.com/ Diane Bucknell

    Dr. Murray, Many Christians will completely relate to Jeni’s story. I pray these messages will set them free from the unnecessary confusion and shame they often feel due to the lack of understanding in the church. Thank you for this compassionate and much needed series!

    • David Murray

      Thanks for your prayers and your encouragement Diane. Yes, we are all hoping that the films help to remove some of the stigma.

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  • Eddie

    Thank you so much for this series and your ministry. Your book Christians Get Depressed Too has been such a blessing to me. This is an issue that needs to be embraced by the Church. There’s so much miss information and confusion about depression (at times it still seems to be taboo). I pray that we will come to a better understanding of what depression is and that there is no shame in it. I do believe that God uses all of our afflictions to help in the healing of others for His Glorification. Some of the greatest men and women that God has used have at times had bouts with depression. Here are two of my favorite quotes from Charles Spurgeon. Thank you again for your ministry and God Bless.

    “I am the subject of depression so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to. But I always get back again by this–I know that I trust Christ. I have no reliance but in Him, and if He falls, I shall fall with Him. But if He does not, I shall not. Because He lives, I shall live also, and I spring to my legs again and fight with my depressions of spirit and get the victory through it. And so may you do, and so you must, for there is no other way of escaping from it.”

    “I often feel very grateful to God that I have undergone fearful depression of spirits. I know the borders of despair, and the horrible brink of that gulf of darkness into which my feet have almost gone; but hundreds of times I have been able to give a helpful grip to brethren and sisters who have come into that same condition, which grip I could never have given if I had not known their deep despondency. So I believe that the darkest and most dreadful experience of a child of God will help him to be a fisher of men if he will but follow Christ.”

    • David Murray

      Thanks Eddie. These are profound quotes. So glad the book was helpful to you.

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  • Anita G.

    Dr. Murray, this is really fantastic! I am going to do my best to promote this first film–and the ones following. May God receive all the glory.

    • David Murray

      Delighted to hear that. Thanks Anita.

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  • Andre-Hope Taylor

    These films have been a tremendous encouragement to me, especially the film about Timika and the African-American community. Thank you so much for God using you in this way. God is so good to his people.

  • David Murray

    Thanks for your encouraging words Andre-Hope.

  • Greg Randles

    Great films David, thank you. Is there anyway we can download these. I’m wanting to watch them with a study group and it’ll be easier having them on a hard drive or disc rather than trying to stream them

    • David Murray

      Greg, shoot me an email (see “envelope” on navigation bar above) and I’ll see what I can do.

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  • Angelina Degelder

    Could you add the Pinterest button?

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  • Matt

    I’m not seeing the final film (Sue’s story) … is it available?

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  • Andre-Hope Taylor

    When will the films become available again.

  • Adonai Torrez

    Dr. Murray, it’s been a relief to finally see through the lens of people’s experience. Do you happen to have any Spanish literature or videos? I just purchased your book Christians get depressed too, in Spanish and English. The Lord put it in my heart to work with the Spanish community and allowed me to watch one of your devotional around depression and it was remarkable. In the face of darkness God always works even when it’s in silence.

  • Mark combs

    So,so helpful. Thankful for those who shared their journeys. My Pastor gave me good counsel and these stories gave me the needed confirmation I needed. Dr. Murray I thank you for ministering to us!

  • Fred Scanlan

    Determined too begin a journey in the ministry some years ago, while stepping into a world of uncertainty, fear, and loneliness, It has become clear that in spite of the time it has taken to climb out of this oblivious darkness, that like others who have like experiences, God is determined to use us too reach out to one another. Dr. Murray has in light of scripture, has brought the truth through my tears ,that we all are subject to these unfathomable truths. Thank you for sharing your words at Faith Church!

  • http://atheistcards.com Andy Stout

    CHRISTIANS get depressed???
    What about ATHEISTS?!!!
    We atheists are the ones who have to live in a world where 97% of humans worship a
    self-proclaimed genocidal murderer who boasts about drowning ALL the
    innocent babies, little children and loving parents on the planet. And
    what was their “crime”? They were all “evil in the eyes of the Lord”!
    Wow.

    If a genocidal murderer is NOT the one who is “evil”, then I don’t know WHAT this word means.

  • http://atheistcards.com Andy Stout

    “Christians are depressed by the death of a family member”? …WHY?
    I thought these people believed in an afterlife of eternal bliss in heaven.
    We atheists aren’t that stupid: We know that death is death there is no Disneyland in the sky.

    And spending an eternity with a self-proclaimed genocidal murderer would be pure hell.