Don't Let Depression Defeat You!

"Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns."  - Anne Lamott

Depression is a condition that affects 1 in 10 Americans. It's most prevelant in people ages 45-64. Overall, women have higher rates of depression than men. An estimated 120 million people around the world currently suffer from some form of depression  - courtesy of Healthline.com.

According to the National Institue of Mental Health (NIMH), "biological, life cycle, hormonal, and psychosocial factors that women experience may be linked to women's higher depression rate. Women also face the additional stresses of work and home responsibilities, caring for children and aging parents, abuse, poverty, and relationship strains."

"Men often experience depression, albeit differently than women. While women with depression are more likely to have feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt, men are more likely to be very tired, irritable, lose interest in once-pleasurable activities, and have difficulty sleeping."

Interstingly, "men may be more likely than women to turn to alcohol or drugs when they are depressed. They also may become frustrated, discouraged, irritable, angry, and sometimes abusive. Some men throw themselves into their work to avoid talking about their depression with family or friends, or behave recklessly. And although more women attempt suicide, many more men die by suicide in the United States."

That's some pretty eye-opening information about depression, isn't it? But, depression just isn't a modern-day problem. There's mention of depression in the Bible, as well. One can find many biblical references to depression. It's quite possible that the first humans to experience depression were Adam and Eve, after they sinned against God!

For example, Abraham (Genesis 15); Jonah (Jonah 4); Job (Book of Job); Elijah (1 Kings 19); King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23); Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah); David ( (Psalms 6, 13, 18, 23, 25, 27, 31, 32, 34, 37-40...) all showed signs of struggling with depression at one time or another.

We all can relate to depression either having experienced directly, or indirectly. So, how one can combat depression? Especially since there are so many different levels and types of depression. Obviously, there are medical and psychological treatments available, of which are best determined by a trained and licensed medical professional.

For Christians, there are a few things that those who suffer from depression can do to lessen their anxiety. And, the beautiful part about it is that it doesn't cost a thing! First and foremost, make sure that you are staying in the Word, even when you don't feel like it.

Emotions can throw us out of whack, but God's Word stands firm and unchanging. Stay strong in faith and in God. Hold on to Him as tight as you can when trials and temptations come your way. The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Although depression itself is not a sin, we are still accountable for how we respond to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Depression is not exclusive to this person or that; Christian or non-Christian. Certainly pray for God's help, guidance, and wisdom (James 1:5). Keep in mind that doctors can be seen as God’s gift to us; a means through which God brings healing and recovery. Stay strong in your faith in God; and seek professional medical help if you need it.

Scripture: Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 34:18; Romans 15:13

Prayer:

O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.   -Saint Ignatius of Loyola

May God bless you!

Shayla