Depression: light beyond blues

“The problem is that if you pack up your bags and make a move to get away from depression, you somehow always pack depression up and take it with you.”

  Have you had this conversation before? I have, countless times. Someone will tell me, “I have a headache.” I nearly always ask, “Have you taken something for it?” Almost without fail the answer is, “No, it’s not that bad” or, “I’m waiting to see if it will get better on its own.” But pain often doesn’t just “get better.” You must take personal responsibility and be proactive. The same is true of emotional pain. Specifically, I’m talking about depression. It’s estimated 10% of Americans struggle with some form of depression. Personally, I think it’s higher. The difference is primarily the level or seriousness of the feelings of depression. With recent celebrity suicides, depression has been in the news quite a bit. And since I’m not a psychologist, I want to walk carefully here.

  God’s Word and His grace are our greatest resource for dealing with all emotional struggles. We’re designed by God. The Bible says we’re “image bearers of God” (Genesis 1:26-27). The greatest Source for what troubles us is the Designer and His instructions found in His Word. Let me though make some general observations about depression.

  Depression is universal. Everyone struggles at some level with depression. It’s like that song, “that’s why they call it the blues.” How could we not? This is a sin contaminated world. We have sin contaminated, broken bodies, brains and emotions. As we read the pages of Scripture, we find that some of the greatest heroes of the faith struggled with depression: Moses, David, Elijah, and the Apostle John to name a few. Some folk just seem to be more susceptible to depression than others.

  Then, we must come to grips with this reality – this is not a perfect world. My body isn’t perfect, should I be surprised that my emotions aren’t? By depending on God’s grace, we can learn to persevere, even thrive while experiencing some level of emotional discomfort. The problem for most who suffer from depression is not depression. It’s that the depression is chronic, seems endless, insurmountable even hopeless.

  Depression can be good. Guilt is a major cause of depression. Those who have true guilt should feel “guilty.” A popular movie from a few years ago was Analyze This. A psychiatrist attempted to help a mobster deal with panic attacks. But shouldn’t a mobster feel pain about “whacking” someone? God didn’t design us to live with guilt. It’s miserable and a cause of depression. The only cure for guilt is the Cross and God's forgiveness. Psalm 32 is the record of King David’s depression after he committed adultery and murdered a man. He didn’t find relief until he’d confessed his sin, repented and had a restored relationship with God.

  Sometimes depression requires medication. Some emotional conditions require medication, though we need to use caution here. Our culture is quick to look for quick solutions. In some situations, medication can mask root causes, like guilt, that needs to be dealt with. Aside from that, personally, I believe God would rather have someone on meds and functioning, than someone who has convictions about not using drugs yet is unable to function. Even Scripture encourages some drug usage to cope with depression, though it was the medication of the day, Proverbs 31:6-7.

  Sometimes the cause for depression is unidentifiable. It could be past family issues, a lack of rest or stress, or just our emotional makeup. Some are more susceptible to depression than others. While these may not be a cure, these suggestions will bring you some relief.

  1. Share your depression with your Heavenly Father. Sharing burdens with a friend lightens our load. When we’re suffering from depression we need to cry out to God as our first, not last resort. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Give it to God and move on. Sometimes those depressed further entrench their depression because they give it to God but then keep praying about it, which only turns their focus back on the depression. It’s like someone with a loose tooth who won't leave it alone. If you give it to God, leave it with Him. For many that's the hardest thing to do, to leave it with God.  

  2. Work at developing new mental habits. Depression is a harmful, habitual way of thinking. We must choose to develop replacements for those mental ruts, Philippians 4:8. Depressed people will often say, "I can't. I've tried." Those breaking the habit of smoking or drinking say the same thing. Both physical and mental habits can be broken and replaced. God’s grace really is sufficient. But it’s takes work and persistence, and it’s not easy. Some though are “addicted” to the misery. Memorizing Scripture is a good place to begin making new mental habits.

  3. Have a plan of action and do it. When we’re depressed, we're tempted to stay in bed, pull down the shades and withdraw. That’s the worst thing you can do. Getting out, particularly with other believers who love the Lord and care about us, forces us to be external. Just taking a shower or going for a walk, helps us break out of the mental fog. If we begin doing, our feelings will come along. Martin Luther advised those with depression to ignore the heaviness, “A good way to exorcize the Devil was to harness the horses and spread manure on the fields.” In other words, do something productive and you'll start feeling productive. Actions affect feelings.

  4. Develop an attitude of praise. A depressed believer can praise God that they know depression is temporary. No one is depressed in heaven. Thank Him for allowing it because it will make heaven richer for you. Develop a habit of praise. Keep a praise diary. All of us have blessings we can be thankful for, if we look for them. One woman encouraged a very grumpy man to be thankful. He retorted, "Thankful for what? I don't even have enough money to pay my bills!" She thought a moment then said, "Well, be thankful you’re not one of your creditors."

  5. Become a giver of your time, talent and treasure. Depressed people often make their suffering worse because they’re so self-oriented. Giving helps us be “others-oriented.” Famed psychiatrist, Dr. Carl Menninger, once gave a lecture on mental health and was answering questions.    Someone asked, "What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?" Most thought he’d say, "Go see a psychiatrist immediately," but he didn't. To their astonishment, Dr. Menninger replied, "Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person." To overcome depression, don't focus on yourself, get involved in the lives of other people.

  Are you depressed? Tell your Heavenly Father. Do you know someone who’s depressed? Pray for them and encourage them, Galatians 6:2. We’re brothers and sisters in His grace. Family loves and cares for one another.