Depression

Depression has been called the new plague. It has had a catastrophic effect on countless individuals and apparently, whether we measure it accurately or not, is one of the most popular illnesses receiving treatment today. Interestingly, the incidents of depression are obviously on the rise with many people demonstrating the seriousness of their mental condition by the incidents of suicide, threatened suicide, and even reported incidents of violent crime while under the influence of depression relieving medications.
All this is to say…something is up with the emotional and physical health of many individuals that points to a deeper problem.
We might do extensive studies of living conditions, economics, and social support systems, but the irrelevance of those factors seems clear when we examine cultures of impoverished countries. Those with grim circumstances seem in some ways to be healthier than our consumer driven, time compressed, socially overextended families friends and neighbors.
Now there is a certain amount of depression that can easily be cited relating to sudden economic change. For a certain group of individuals who “bank” on their success as determined in certain dollars and cents measurements, it might send them over the edge…these recent economic times. But there have been those who swore off affluence in the name of sanity who found that the greatest and most important aspects of life are never measured by dollars, but more often than not, by genuine relationships.
The best cure for depression is a good listening friend. The best application for fending off depressive feelings is positive meaningful work. The best aspect of health that can be supported by factual evidence is the presence of a genuine and life transforming religious experience that provides a grounding and foundation for life that yields joy and peace. Am I referring to a relationship of faith…absolutely, and at the same time, I will be the first to say, there is also the stark reality of mental illness and physical depression that can come to the most faithful, loving, gracious, out-going people in the world. Prolonged grief, the loss of a child or mate, the experience of physical trauma, the suffering of emotional pain brought by circumstances of life,…all can be causes and triggers for a debilitating physical and emotional state. Such experiences are worthy of the best treatment options possible, with the best available assistance of physicians and caregivers. Likewise, families need support and encouragement from others as they experience these emotional rollercoaster events in their households.
Depression may have its day and weeks and even months, but it should not be allowed to distort the present to the degree that we fall under the false belief that there is no hope or help. God spoke to us most clearly from the most depressive circumstances of Christ on a cross …and the message he offered was one of healing and forgiveness and a glorious future. Life may challenge us any day, but it bears the fruit of vitality and joy when we remember the Christ of Resurrection hope.