I Never Understood Burnout or Depression—Until It Happened to Me

Ryan Griffith, David Murray, and Shona Murray

[markim]

I fought depression for years. As a Christian, I felt helpless. I went on anti depressants and got relief but felt a stigma. Counseling with my pastor, he reassured me to follow doctor's orders and serve the Lord with gladness!

[ellieswanson]

I’m in tears after watching this video. I’m 22 years old and have been depressed in secret despite perpetual and joyful service to my local church for the past 7 years. I’ve always felt alone in my feelings and have always been blown off when trying to “receive”, “fill up”. Thank you for helping me see that God wants to care for me and refill me first, so I can pour out when I have something to give.

[weightinprogress]

Thank you for your honesty. This is the first time I've heard from another Christian woman who struggled through depression. God bless you for sharing your story. You certainly have blessed me. I finally feel heard.

[chey]

This exact thing happened to me and I have never been able to find someone who has experienced exactly the same thing. Waking up in the middle of the night, heart racing, nightmares, literally feeling like you're dying. I cried watching this video.

[Ellexroland]

this woman is amazing. she really blessed me

[Sarah-pcdi]

thank you so much for sharing, this is exactly how i've been feeling for months now
i feel like i have hundreds of unanswered prayers, and im in a constant state of burnout and hopelessness, even after worshipping or praying
what feels like my only option is to end my life, but i know that isn't the right response and plus i know i have so much life ahead of me, just in this present moment my life just feels stagnant, in a vicious cycle of high productivity and burnout, and as though i'll feel like this forever
like Shona, i am working towards becoming a doctor, as i submit my applications to medical school this year.
its exhausting, and there are so many days where i just feel like i can't do anything; i have a poor habit of approaching each day with an 'all or nothing' approach, meaning i either complete a large number of tasks in a day, or, like today, i do nothing at all
my mind feels incredibly top-heavy at the minute, and though i hate the process, i know this is all working out for God's glory, and i pray that this becomes a testament to His Goodness
it just hurts to feel like you are not in control of how life treats you, please pray for me :(

[함께성경적으로]

mental illness...such a difficult topic for Christians to talk about it...but the Church needs to talk about it and provide resources and support.
Thank you for sharing this :)

[amyshaw]

Wow, I'm glad I looked this up. I thought I was just feeling burnout but maybe it's more than that. Thank you, this was so helpful.

[jennifera]

I don't think my burnout came from me doing too much I think it came from being narcissistically abused too much.

[wesleybarnesdev]

Thank you for this, I watched this many months ago when I started getting anxiety and panic attacks. I remember this talk every time, and it has given me hope. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your experience that I relate to so strongly as the problems in life has kept piling up and up when you do not give yourself a break and oppose the pressures with God, I am learning.

[amarilisortiz]

Sister Shona, thank you, even when sharing the horrors of your mental and physical state, you showed a personal and closer Jesus, a God who doesn't waste our circumstances, Thank you.

[WDBsirLocksight]

I experienced burnout and mental health in 2007. I worked all day.
My employment dropped (I was self-employed).
At this time I had a breakdown.
Shortly before the breakdown I was skiing and hit my head on a rock.

That head impact changed me quite a bit including having a "psychotic" or psychotic-like break in 2009-2011.

I developed pain in my head and possible seizures.

It took me a while but realized to "take captive my thoughts" and answer with "God's word".

I tried medical but to this day I haven't found a plan.

Just trying to "die to myself" and keep on submitting to God. I keep on recognizing I'm a failure without Him.

COVID has allowed me to grow back to God.

My struggles and challenges are not gone but now my ministry is in meeting individuals with mental health and developmental issues where there at; to listen and guide.

[larryseaman]

A very eloquently and honestly put testimony. Thank you for sharing and verbalising so concisely the experiences and practical steps you put in place to slowly overcome your burnout and depression. God bless you!

[jennifera]

I needed to hear this today. I am in burnout and going through all of the same symptoms. I wasn't expecting to hear you say that you felt distant from God due to burnout, I am experiencing this and it's encouraging to know that this is part of burnout. Thank you and God bless you.

[wesleyrocks]

Wow. One of the most honest, best and helpful talks Ive seen. Thanks so much Shona. Real gold here.

[aiavalles]

I can literally see myself through her story. God bless you! Your life is such a blessing!!

[justme-dee]

This was so relatable and helpful. Thank you!

[ethanhutchison]

This is so good, I've taken on more than what God expects of me and I have forgotten that God also rested. It's so good to feel the mercy of God and his peace take over the stress of striving

[markjamieson]

This is exactly what im going thro, it's worse than horrible, i send love and compasion to anyone going thro this god bless.

[richiecharles]

As a minister, I have to say, amazing, amazing, amazing. Profound video