DEPRESSION

WALKING FROM DARKNESS INTO THE DAWN

Do you feel hopeless and helpless, exhausted and empty?

Does darkness cloud your world and sadness press heavily on your heart?

If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people today suffer debilitating depression and need help and hope.  Depression is possibly responsible for more pain and distress than any other affliction of mankind. It is difficult to define depression, describe its symptoms, or treat it. The dictionary defines depression as an emotional condition, either neurotic or psychotic, characterized by feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy, gloominess, dejection, sadness, difficulty in thinking and concentration, and inactivity. Both Christians and non-Christians can suffer depression.

Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, psychological trauma) are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and depression itself.

God desires to give you hope as you face life challenges, problems and difficult trials.  The Women of Faith resources lift the shroud of despair to reveal both the clinical and the spiritual nature of depression. Discover the various types of depression, its common symptoms and causes, and how God can use it to draw you closer to Him. Learn practical steps to manage depression and how you can walk from darkness into the dawn with hope. 

Depression is possibly responsible for more pain and distress than any other affliction of mankind.

Both Christians and non-Christians can suffer depression. Depression is possibly responsible for more pain and distress than any other affliction of mankind. It is difficult to define depression, describe its symptoms, or treat it. 

The dictionary defines depression as an emotional condition, either neurotic or psychotic, characterized by feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy, gloominess, dejection, sadness, difficulty in thinking and concentration, and inactivity. 

Depression often times creates a negative self-image, accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and self criticism. Neurotic depression can be linked to wrong conduct or behavior and wrong reactions to such conduct.

The pressures and stresses of life often weigh us down. When our hearts are heavy and our heads are low, the clouds of depression seem to block out any ray of hope. But even in our depression, God walks with us, carries our burdens, and shines the light of His Word on our despair.

“The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us.”  

(Psalm 118:27)

Do You Look at Life through a "Dark or Cloudy Filter"?  Those who struggle in the darkness of depression have difficulty seeing the good in their circumstances and especially in themselves. They look at life through a “dark filter.” The photographer who uses a black lens can take a picture during the daytime and the final photograph will appear to be a night scene.

Depressed people see life through a black filter, feeling hatred toward themselves, helpless about their situations and hopeless over their future. If you’re walking in the darkness of depression, you need to see the light of the Lord and know that He cares.

Does getting out of bed seem to be harder each day?

Is visiting with friends a challenge?

No matter how much you try, do you feel “stuck”?

You’re not alone.

Millions of people suffer from depression, including Christians. Feeling weighed down by stress is normal, but God designed your heart to rebound from such stress. Sometimes, though, you’re pressed down for so long that your heart becomes depressed, unable to bounce back without intervention. At this point, you need to seek help from friends, Christian counselors and you may need to use medication.

The best help, however, is from the One who knows your pain, cares deeply for you, and is able to heal. His help is always free and always available. The Bible has many examples of God’s people who were depressed. You can follow their example by crying out to God, by remembering His faithfulness, and by putting your hope in Him. In your darkest hour, He won’t abandon you. He’s beside you, even when you can’t feel Him.

Ask God to remind you of His presence when the loneliness seems unbearable. He will reassure you − maybe through His Word or maybe through a friend.

 How You Can Help

Learn all you can about depression—Read books, watch videos, attend seminars and visit websites, such as the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov).  Read the complete Keys For Living Book on Depression. 

"Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge." 

(Proverbs 23:12)

• If suicide is a concern, ask—“Are you thinking about hurting yourself or taking your life?” They may get mad, but it’s better to have a mad friend than a dead friend. (Proverbs 18:21)
• Take all threats of suicide seriously.(Proverbs 18:4)
• Be an accountability partner.(Ecclesiastes 4:9)
• Initiate regular dialogue—Frequent phone calls, intentional contact. (Proverbs 16:21)
• Listen and hear their pain.(James 1:19)
• Talk about depression—Talking helps remove the stigma of depression. (Proverbs 25:11)
• Find a support group.(Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
• Verbally encourage them.(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Realize the power of touch.(1 Peter 5:14)
• Play inspirational praise musicto lift their spirits. (Ephesians 5:19)
• Bring laughter into their lives—Funny cards, videos, movies, and people. (Proverbs 17:22)
• Provide “nutritional therapy”—For example, B vitamins (including folic acid), Vitamins C and E, calcium, and magnesium are helpful for combating depression. Ezekiel 47:12)
• Help them set small,daily goalsthat require minimum effort—Check on their progress regularly. (Proverbs 13:4)
• Enlist help from other family and friends—Be specific about your concerns. (Galatians 6:2)

Key Verse to Learn

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” 

(Psalm 27:13) 

Key Passage to Read 

1 Thessalonians 5:16–24