I am writing to ask you about manic depression. I am wondering if it is sin to have manic depression? I heard that it can caused by chemical imbalance in the brain that you cant help it. Will you be able to help with this question?
Manic depression is still the object of scientific investigation and subsequent definition. “The causes of bipolar disorder have not yet been precisely determined…” (Bipolar Focus). Apparently, manic depression is thought to be at least partially linked to genes, but not entirely since identical twins (sharing the same genes) may manifest one manic depressive and one not (National Institute of Mental Health). The Mayo Clinic reports concerning manic depression or bipolar disorder:
Doctors and researchers don’t know exactly what causes bipolar disorder. But a variety of biologic, genetic and environmental factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering episodes of this illness. Evidence indicates that differences in the chemical messengers between nerve cells in the brain (neurotransmitters) occur in people who have bipolar disorder. In many cases, people with a bipolar disorder may have a genetic disposition for the disorder. The abnormality may be in genes that regulate neurotransmitters. However, not everyone with a family member who has bipolar disorder will develop the disease. Factors that may contribute to or trigger episodes of bipolar disorder include drug abuse and stressful or psychologically traumatic events. (MayoClinic.com)
Literature and studies conclude that manic depressives have a tendency internally that may be triggered externally. “Bipolar disorder is considered to be a result of complex interactions between genes and environment” (Wikipedia).
Brother Bill Flatt, Ed.D, is a licensed counseling psychologist and author of a book that addresses depression and how to respond thereto as a child of God: Restoring My Soul. Chapter Five, “Victory Over Depression,” begins by noting the “Myths of Depression (emphasis added),” including: “It is sinful,” “It is a moral weakness,” Depression is always due to a chemical imbalance,” Depression is all genetic” and “It’s just a lack of faith.” This chapter also has a section “How to Turn It Around.” At this point, I have not read the book, but it promises to be an invaluable resource, especially in view of the nearly complete absence of related material from either a biblical perspective or at the pen of our brethren.
Like other medically influenced inclinations owing to genetic inheritence, in addition to the circumstances over which we have little to no control, the faithful child of God must opt for personal responsibility in the areas over which he can exercise himself. This may involve the help of qualified others as well as (cited on the cover of Restoring My Soul) “discipline, persistence, and faith.”
Works Cited
“Bipolar Disorder.” 17 Nov. 2006 MayoClinic.com. 3 Jan. 2007 <https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=3>.
“Bipolar Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health. 3 Jan. 2007 <https://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#bp5>.
“Bipolar Disorder.” 1 Jan. 2007 Wikipedia. 3 Jan. 2007 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_Disorder#Heritability_or_inheritance>.
“Bipolar Disorder Causes.” Bipolar Focus. 3 Jan. 2007 <https://www.moodswing.org/causes.html>.
Flatt, Bill. Restoring My Soul. Nashville: Gospel Advocate, 2001.
