Information Related to "Coping With Depression"
| Audio/Video |
Depression:
Ways to Win the Battle
How widespread is depression? What are its causes? Most important, what
are the weapons in the struggle against depression?
by Noel Hornor
Depression has troubled people everywhere,
in every age. The ancients wrote about it, often calling it melancholia. "Aretaeus,
a physician living in the second century, A.D., described the melancholic patient
as 'sad, dismayed, sleepless . . . They become thin by their agitation
and loss of refreshing sleep . . . At a more advanced state, they complain
of a thousand futilities and desire death' " (Norman Wright, An Answer To
Depression, Harvest House, Irvine, California, 1976, p. 8).
Depression is one of the most prevalent afflictions. Health practitioners encounter
it so often that it has been called the common cold of psychopathology. Psychologists
have estimated that during any month 5 percent of American adults suffer from depressive
illness. Health magazine estimated that one in eight U.S. citizens has been
treated with Prozac, a popular antidepressant.
Americans suffer depression more than residents of most other countries. Research
shows that, as Asian countries adapt Western culture, they show a corresponding increase
in diagnoses of depression.
A Problem Without Bounds
Depression, however, knows no territorial or national bounds. William Manchester
aptly described the outlook of someone who is depressed: "Every day he chisels his
way through time, praying for relief" (The Last Lion, Dell, New York, 1983,
p. 23). Mood fluctuations are normal, but severe melancholia "resembles the passing
sadness of the normal man as a malignancy resembles a canker sore" (ibid.).
The depressed person's perspective alters. He views life through a distorting lens.
He often imagines that he will never be well.
"Pervading everything is hopelessness, an irrational sense that, regardless of effort,
nothing will change or that things will only get worse" (David B. Cohen, Out of
the Blue, W.W. Norton & Co., New York, 1994, p. 76). The depressive's belief
that his life will never return to normal exacerbates his ailment, casting a pall
over the future. A gloomy outlook leads some to contemplate suicide.
Depression is not a problem only for the sufferer. The strain on friends and family
can be brutal. A depressed person may be easily angered. A parent's depression is
especially hard on young children. "It is probably not possible to calculate the
degree of pain and the exhaustion such families feel" (Demitri Papolos, M.D., and
Janice Papolos, Overcoming Depression, Harper Perennial, New York, 1992, p.
249).
The Causes
Depression is an illness so complex that the professionals don't really understand
it. For some, depression is triggered by chemical imbalances and is best treated
with medications. Sufferers are wise to seek help to determine any underlying physical
cause. Without addressing the underlying cause, other steps will not be of much help.
For others, the roots of depression may be psychological and social. These factors
include "genetic transmission; personality characteristics; early life experiences,
particularly childhood loss . . .; and stressful life events" (The New
Harvard Guide to Psychiatry, edited by Armand M. Nicholi Jr., M.D., Harvard University
Press, 1988, p. 323).
Life's major stages may bring on episodes of depression: the transition from teenage
to adulthood, the approach of menopause, the arrival of the retirement years, the
loss of a mate.
The loss of something of great importance is a major reason for depression. "Significant
losses have long been viewed by clinicians as precipitating causes of depression"
(Papolos and Papolos, p. 202).
Almost all professional counselors agree that "depression is a human . . .
response to painful life circumstances, frequently in the form of losses" (Peter
R. Breggin, M.D., Talking Back To Prozac, St. Martin's Press, New York, 1994,
pp. 203-204). In other words, depression is a common response to pain.
Anger may be a cause--as well as a symptom--of depression. Hostility and resentment
are a psychological threat to those who are brooding and resentful.
Holding a grudge is particular harmful. "If we hold grudges, we will eventually become
clinically depressed" (Frank B. Minirth, M.D. & Paul D. Meier, M.D., Happiness
Is a Choice, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 1996, p. 39). Some counselors believe
that residual anger can adversely affect the chemical balance of the brain, resulting
in impaired mental functioning.
Good News About Depression
The good news is that the majority of suffers from depression can recover. Professional
practitioners estimate that 80 percent of people can gain substantial relief.
Routine--but important--steps that anyone can take can assist in avoiding depression
in the first place. Maintaining a productive, useful life is important. The experts
agree that an active life is beneficial therapy.
An example of a man who overcame depression and led a productive, fulfilling life
is Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States.
Roosevelt suffered crises that might have ruined someone less determined. As a young
husband, he was pounded by a double tragedy. His mother and wife were stricken by
unexpected illnesses. At first their afflictions did not appear to be serious, but
they grew worse, and both died within a few hours of each other on the same day,
in the same house. To make matters worse, Roosevelt's wife had given birth to a daughter
only two days before. He attended the double funeral in shock.
One of his friends wrote that Roosevelt was so grief-stricken that "he does not know
what he does or says" (David McCullough, Mornings on Horseback, Touchstone,
New York, 1981, p. 285).
Roosevelt later wrote: "When my heart's dearest died, the light went out of my life
for ever" (ibid, p. 288).
He put himself to work. Three days after his wife's death, he was back at his desk
as a state legislator. He immersed himself in activity. His philosophy for life might
be best expressed in his own words: "Black care rarely sits behind a rider whose
pace is fast enough" (ibid, p. 15).
Contact and Support
Cultivating relationships is vital to one's well-being. Psychologist Dorothy
Rowe wrote: "You have to find . . . people to confide in, and you have
to overcome the habit of keeping things to yourself" (Depression: The Way Out
of Your Prison, Routledge, London, 1996, p. 199).
We recognize that sometimes we need a hand to hold. "Two are better than one, because
they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Strong bonds are
crucial to happiness.
The passing of time is also an important ally. "Time by itself--and probably the
personal resources and new experiences that surface as time passes--seems to cure
the vast majority of depressions" (Breggin, p. 204).
What About Professional Help?
Whether to seek professional help is, of course, a personal decision. The resources
people use to tackle everyday problems may not work against depression. In such cases,
professional help may be called for.
Counselors know how to deal with depression. They know the dynamics of the malady
and can help people realize that their problems are manageable.
Christians and others can benefit from counseling that includes a biblical approach
to fighting depression: the positive effects of trusting in God.
Therapeutic practice relies on three primary means of treating depression: medication,
counseling and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Professionals often use medication
or counseling therapy, or a combination of both. When they place their patients on
medication, they usually quickly feel better. How the treatment works is still partly
a mystery. "The cold, hard truth is that even when these drugs work, no one really
knows how or why" (Health, April 1997, p. 122).
Prospective patients should be aware medications do have side effects.
Many clinicians recommend a combination of counseling and chemical treatment. Some
believe that medication therapy is a simple matter of replacing a depleted brain
chemical that is responsible for proper neurotransmission in the brain. A neurotransmitter
is a chemical that serves as a messenger between brain cells. Medications generally
focus on a specific brain chemical.
Many of the recent generation of antidepressants affect the level of serotonin, one
of the brain's neurotransmitters. But, besides serotonin, researchers have identified
more than 60 other chemical messengers (ibid). So to think that depression can always
be cured by tinkering with one chemical is unrealistic.
ECT (applying minor electrical stimulation to the brain) sometimes alters a depressive
state for the better. As with medications, how and why it works are not clearly understood.
This therapy is rarely used, usually only in severe cases.
Why the Increase?
Why is depression on the upswing?
Surely the state of society is partially responsible. David Cohen wrote that "dramatic
changes in social conditions--in the promotion of materialism and egocentricity . . .,
the toleration of incompetent, irresponsible, and antisocial behavior--can produce
correspondingly dramatic changes in the rate of depression and other forms of mental
illness" (Cohen, p. 58).
No doubt the lack of specific goals, direction and purpose are contributing factors.
Many people have turned many away from traditional spiritual values and firm belief
in God.
Before the scientific age, people derived a sense of purpose from their spiritual
belief system. As scientific knowledge has increased, biblical knowledge has been
increasingly rejected, or simply forgotten, resulting in widespread lack of understanding
of why human beings exist. Cohen adds: "As the physical world yielded up its secrets,
humans became less central in the ultimate scheme of things" (ibid, p. 279).
Lacking knowledge of a clear purpose for life results in a kind of existential anxiety
with diminished inspiration about and toward life. Anxiety spawns moods of depression.
It is difficult to be positive in a universe void of purpose. It is also hard to
be upbeat when science has made it possible for the human race to destroy itself.
Need for Spiritual Guidance
But there is hope. Jesus Christ tells us, "I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). To have hope we need to
learn God's purpose for human life.
The Bible teaches us about that purpose. God's design includes a plan that offers
eternal life to everyone (Romans 6:23). The apostle John wrote about it: "God so
loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
"Everlasting life" will include peace, joy and happiness but no gloom, no depression.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed
way" (Revelation 21:4).
Scriptural promises like these assure us that God's ways, when properly understood
and applied, produce the joy, inner peace and self-control (Galatians 5:22) that
so many people are lacking. They can act as a powerful spiritual antidote to the
spiritual and emotional pain that lies at the heart of depression.
Be sure to request your free copy of What Is Your Destiny? This booklet will
help you discover the awesome purpose for human life and the incredibly positive
future God has in store.
Depression Sidebar 1
God--along with His inspired Word, the Bible--is the most powerful resource for
combating depression. The Bible provides enlightenment and encouragement--tremendous
help in depressing situations. Here are some examples.
The Bible acknowledges that depression can be debilitating. "A man's spirit sustains
him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?" (Proverbs 18:14, New International
Version).
The Expositor's Bible Commentary says about the same verse: "In physical sickness
one can fall back on the will to live; but in depression the will to live may be
gone, and there is no reserve for physical strength. The figure of a 'crushed' spirit
suggests a broken will, loss of vitality, despair, and emotional pain. Few things
in the human experience are as difficult to cope with as this" (Vol. 5, p. 1026).
The Scriptures can be particularly helpful when sin and the resulting guilt lie at
the root of depression. The Bible shows how recovery begins: with repentance and
forgiveness. The experience of David can enlighten:
"What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are
covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared
their record. There was a time when I wouldn't admit what a sinner I was. But my
dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration. All day and all
night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day
until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said
to myself, 'I will confess them to the Lord.' And you forgave me! All my guilt is
gone" (Psalm 32:1-5, The Living Bible).
The Bible helps sufferers from depression brought on by anger. For example, the prophet
Jonah grew angry (Jonah 4:1) at his circumstances. Later we read that he is depressed
and even wanting to die. "Then he wished death for himself, and said, 'It is better
for me to die than to live' " (verse 8)
But the Bible counsels us to put away anger: "Do not let the sun go down on your
wrath" (Ephesians 4:26). It provides us with examples of men of God trusting in Him
to recover from depression. "The Lord shall enlighten my darkness," as David so eloquently
stated (2 Samuel 22:29). David knew God would help.
The Bible gives good advice about a related problem: stress. Jesus Christ promised
relief from the stresses of life. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, New International Version).
Stress begets anxiety. Jesus gives advice for the anxious: "Therefore do not be anxious
for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its
own" (Matthew 6:34, New American Standard Version).
Don't add to your stress by worrying about the complications you will face tomorrow
and beyond. Live one day at a time.
The events, forces and circumstances of the world around us can negatively affect
us in many ways. But we need not be controlled by them. "In the world you will have
tribulation," Jesus said; "but be of good cheer, I have overcome the worldî (John 16:33). We can overcome the negative influences--the depressing aspects--of our world.
The Bible shows that depression can be induced by the spirit world. It presents Satan
as having a major unseen influence on humanity. He and the demons are called "rulers
of the darkness of this age" (Ephesians 6:12), swaying people with negative influences,
inspiring destructive thoughts (Ephesians 2:2), which add to the spiritual influences
we have to resist.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
lion, seeking whom he may devour," the apostle Peter tells us. "Resist
him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by
your brotherhood in the world" (1Peter 5:8-9).
These are only a few of the many scriptures that can be helpful in overcoming discouragement
and depression. The Psalms are filled with encouragement. Make a habit of using the
Bible as your key source of spiritual strength.
ñNoel Hornor
Depression Sidebar 2
Sometimes we're sad. Oftentimes when we're less than buoyant we say we're "depressed."
But real depression--clinical depression--is more than just being sad or not quite
buoyant. It involves severe symptoms and biochemical changes.
Many minor episodes of depression are the result of disappointment. Hopes may fail
to materialize, and frustration results. The writer of one of the books of the Bible
realized this: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick . . ." (Proverbs 13:12).
When hope is dashed, discouragement can grow. When this happens, it helps to think
the situation through and pinpoint the cause. This can restore a positive perspective.
Some people's marginally "blue" feelings become a way of life. Such people seem unable
to sustain an optimistic outlook. The roots of such feelings can run deep. Such a
person may be modeling behavior he saw as a child in someone else.
Habitual harshness by parents can drive a child toward perpetual gloominess. The
apostle Paul advises parents: ". . . Do not provoke your children, lest
they become discouraged" (Colossians 3:21).
An expert on depression, Peter Breggin, observes: "Many people go through life with
what might be called a 'low-grade' depression. They are apathetic and life seems
monotonous with nothing to look forward to. There are no highs anymore, nothing to
delight the senses, the heart, or the mind. Life may not seem utterly dark, but it's
gray. Lacking in energy, seemingly unable to find any brightness in life, life becomes
a treadmill of boredom and bleakness" (Talking Back to Prozac, St. Martin's
Press, New York, 1994, p. 201).
Here are some ways to overcome the blues:
Alter your routine. Start a new hobby or other interest. Different activities can
renew a zest for life, resulting in an outlook that leaves no room for dejection.
"Depression is especially responsive to changes in circumstances . . .
(It) is lifted by falling in love, making a new friend, adopting a pet, learning
a new skill, joining a church, traveling, (or) participating in volunteer or reform
work . . ." (Breggin, p. 204).
Volunteer work seems to be particularly helpful. A study of 3,000 people reported
that 95 percent of them experienced increased optimism after volunteering.
Beginning a program of regular physical exercise can help. Exercise has known physiological
and psychological benefits, including stimulation of the production of endorphins,
natural substances that increase people's sense of well-being. Psychological advantages
include increased self-confidence and less depression (Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., The
Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, New Harbinger Publications, Oakland, 1995, pp.
91-92).
Research shows that diet plays a role in psychological well-being. For example, highly
refined, high-sugar foods have been linked to depressive tendencies.
Focus on accomplishments rather than failures. When we suffer setbacks, we should
not view them as failures. We should learn to think of them as learning or growth
experiences. Too many people become depressed when they err and punish themselves
for their mistakes. We should learn from our errors and turn potential stumbling
blocks into stepping-stones.
Forgetting past problems is a valuable key. Mental-health counselor Kathleen Powers
says: "An optimist has the ability to let go of the past, while a pessimist holds
onto everything. It's kind of like driving while looking through the rear-view mirror.
It looks like the road to where you're going, but really it's where you've already
been" (Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service, Feb. 23, 1996).
Applying these practical points can help when we are down in the dumps. The most
important key of all is to trust God. We can increase our hope in Him by reading
and applying the Bible. The Scriptures were written so that we can have hope (Romans 15:4). Hope and depression are incompatible mind-sets. We can repel gloomy thoughts
when we build up our hope through God's Word.
--Noel Hornor
Depression Sidebar 3
Some have imagined that depression is always the result of some sin, of a moral
weakness. Although sin can cause depression, it is not true that sin is behind all
bouts of depression.
The Bible describes the struggles of people who suffered with depression--including
David, Elijah and Job--even though they were faithful servants of God. These men
did not suffer primarily because they were sinners. They suffered because they were
human and were susceptible to severe pressures.
Job became depressed after suffering many personal losses--first his material possessions,
then all his children. Then he was devastated by a grievous physical affliction:
He broke out in painful boils.
Elijah grew depressed when he was rebuked while he was anticipating a moment of triumph.
His lofty hopes were crushed; he became sick at heart.
The depressions of David, as related in some of the Psalms, stem from any of several
probable causes.
These men recovered and went on with their lives, serving God.
No one should condemn someone because he is depressed. The sufferer often already
feels self-revulsion. He blames himself and perhaps thinks he has sinned. He may
submit himself to torturous recriminations and dredge up all the evil he has done
in his life, real or imagined. Because of their high standards, Christians can especially
be vulnerable to this thinking.
Passing judgment on someone who is already depressed will only add to his sorrow.
When Elijah became fearful and depressed, he fled from his God-given responsibilities.
Yet God didn't berate Elijah. He spoke to him in a "still small voice" and encouraged
him (1Kings 19:1-18).
Anyone who is depressed needs encouragement. "A friend owes kindness to one in despair
. . ." (Job 6:14, New American Bible). Don't forget that the family of
a depressed person needs support and encouragement too.
ñNoel Hornor
©1999 United Church of God, an International Association
Related Information:
Table of Contents that includes "Coping With Depression"
Other Articles by Noel Hornor
Origin of article "Coping With Depression"
Keywords: depression suicide loss, coping with anger and depression guilt and depression
Suicide: