Depression

Depression is a serious condition affecting many people at any given time. Depression can be categorized as mild, as in a temporary experience of emotional trauma, as may be experienced as a result of a significant loss, a period of grief, a “low” as the aftermath of significant physical effort and triggered by fatigue, or similar short-term experiences. Clinical Depression, often characterized by a period of ever increasing “low feelings” and at times debilitating in its effects can be the result of extended and prolonged emotional trauma, biological changes due to illness or chemical imbalance, and a host of other possible “causes.”

Sometimes, to talk about the “cause” of depression becomes a “chicken and egg” argument. Many suggest that depression brought about by circumstances can over time trigger physical changes that become prolonged and debilitating. The question of what “caused it” becomes almost secondary to the need for relief from the symptoms.

I have seen individuals become “critical” in a matter of weeks with depression. Such lows have included the sense of hopelessness, a lack of interest in one’s family or surroundings, an inability to focus or to work, a state of despair, and even suicidal threats and acts. Such depression should always be taken very seriously. Few healthy individuals move through such stages without some “signals” of dramatic change along the way. At the same time, some depression sets in so slowly, that others nearby sense only slight change from day to day and may ignore the significance of the mood or mental state of their loved one or friend.

As we think about depression, the scriptures give us some good illustrations. Numerous psalms “voice” the emotions of physical and emotional depression. The prayers of the psalmist are not without recourse however in their frequent call to trust God for strength in the midst of weakness. The Old Testament example of Elijah, following his great victory over the prophets of Baal, finds him despairing of life and running in fear shortly thereafter, declaring his sense of isolation and loneliness. The remedy indicated by scripture was a time of rest and renewal. Food and more rest followed, then a distinctive, purposeful call to action. With it came the reminder that Elijah was not alone and was not abandoned; he was not without a ministry and a purpose for the future. Once these elements of his life were re-centered, he regained his capacities to move forward. (See 1 Kings 19)

As we relate to individuals with depression, we should always understand the facts. The mindset that individuals should just “snap out of it” is a mistaken and hurtful presumption. The reality is, many forms of depression are persisting and require both time and with some frequency, medical attention. Friendships help; having someone to encourage you and to talk to goes far to help individuals “get through hard times emotionally.” Understanding depression is a big part of dealing with it, but persistent attention to the basics of good diet, good rest, good exercise, good sense, and good company go far to “get one through the valleys.” God loves us and reminds us that there are valleys to experience. When you are there, keep focused with heart and mind on the power of God to sustain you. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” ( Isaiah 26:3 K