By Richard D. Dobbins
Depression, as a form of human suffering, has been around for
a long time. In 4 B.C., Hippocrates referred to depression as
"melancholia" or "the black humor."
In the midst of a battle with depression, Abraham Lincoln wrote,
"If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human
family, there would not be one cheerful face on the earth."
Winston Churchill confessed to being "hounded by the mad
dogs of depression."
Today in the Western world, however, depression is more prevalent
than ever. Researchers are referring to our day as the "age
of depression." Since World War II, each successive generation
of Americans has shown higher rates of depression. Today, young
people in their teens and 20s are 10 times more likely to suffer
from major depression than their grandparents were 50 years ago.
Consequently, suicide is the second highest cause of death among
teen-agers. (Automobile accidents are the first.) The old and
very old are at a much lower risk for depression than are the
young. For females in our society, the average age of onset for
major depression is 15-19. For males it is 25-29.
Private physicians report that 48 percent of their patients suffer
from some form of depression.
What is
depression?
Here is the definition given by the national association for
mental health: Depression is an emotional state of dejection and
sadness, ranging from mild discouragement and downheartedness
to feelings of utter hopelessness and despair.
Clinically, depression occurs as a cluster of the following symptoms:
feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, a depressed mood due
to a loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities, disturbance
of appetite, sleep disturbance, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness
and guilt, difficulties in thinking and trouble concentrating.
In cases of severe depression there may be recurring thoughts
of death and suicide.
Who suffers
from depression?
Among Christians there seems to be a widespread but incorrect
notion that emotional suffering of any kind is inconsistent with
the Christian faith. That is, many in the church believe if one
is reading the Bible and praying as one should, one should never
have any emotional problems.
However, some of the most godly people I know have suffered from
mental health problems. If you haven’t had any yet, be grateful.
And, be compassionate toward your friends who may be going through
severe emotional trials.
Even famous Bible characters suffered from depression.
Job, a man whose godliness was unsurpassed, experienced depression.
He ends the third chapter of his book by lamenting, "I have
no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil"
(NIV). When you know the first two chapters of the book, you can
understand why Job was depressed.
Even a casual reading of Psalm 42 tells you that David was depressed
when he wrote it. You cannot read Samuel’s account of David’s
life without being aware that this "man after God’s
own heart" frequently suffered from depression.
Picture Elijah under the juniper tree praying, "I have had
enough, Lord. Take my life. I am no better than my ancestors."
This desperate prayer can only come from a depressed prophet.
Why do
people suffer from depression?
Depression is a normal phase of the human emotional cycle. In
a healthy person these feelings may last from a few hours to a
few days. As a rule of thumb, if your depression does not last
longer than four days, consider it to be a normal part of the
mood swings of life.
Then, at times, depression may be a secondary symptom of a primary
physical problem. In that event, see your medical doctor. When
your physical problem is resolved, your depression will go.
Depression also may be a neurochemical problem. One may want
a second opinion before accepting this diagnosis. However, in
the event your depression is neurochemical in origin, medication
will be needed until God provides a more perfect form of healing.
When the brain needs medication, one should not discriminate against
this marvelous organ of the body. If one medicates the heart,
the pancreas, the stomach and the liver when needed … why
not the brain? And, when neurochemicals are the problem, proper
medication will enable the person to live a normal life.
Frequently, depression is a normal response to serious loss.
This kind of depression is often referred to as a "grief
reaction." Recovery from this kind of loss usually requires
from 6-18 months. During this time, the person will move through
four predictable stages of recovery:
Shock. This phase lasts from a few hours to a few days. When
one is in shock, nothing seems real. The tendency is to think
that one is having a bad dream. One expects to wake up and discover
that the tragedy did not occur. However, the bad dream proves
to be a reality. One is not asleep.
Storm. This stage may last from several weeks to several months.
When one is going through the storm, the emotional conflict seems
unbearable at times. During the storm it is important to remember
that Jesus is there with you. As you trust Him, He will still
the storm. Storms pass. Thank God, they don’t come to stay.
Search. This is the time when one attempts to make sense of what
has happened. The big question is, "Where is God in all this?"
How one reacts to this phase of recovery will determine whether
one comes through the storm a bitter person or a better person.
Sequel. One’s life after the crisis is never the same. Crisis
changes a person – for the better or for the worse.
What can
I do?
When faced with the challenge of depression, here are some practical
steps you can take:
Surviving
and thriving in an age of depression