"depression (Part 1): Understanding The Symptoms, Effects, Cauising Factors, And Cases In The Bible" Series

Last Sunday, we learned about grief. Today and next week, we will learn about depression. Depression is different from sadness or grief. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, or the ending of a relationship are difficult experiences for a person to endure. But being sad is not the same as having depression. When grief and depression co-occur, the grief is more severe and lasts longer than grief without depression. So, what is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It is a widespread condition, affecting more than 264 million people, Christians and non-Christians alike. According to the American Psychiatric Association, one in 15 adults experiences the chemical imbalance that is depression in any given year, with one in six experiencing it at some point in their life. Depression can occur at any time, but on average, it first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. Some studies show that one-third of women will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime.

In his book “Deadly Emotions,” Doctor Don Colbert says, “People who are depressed tend to experience excruciating pain. Chronic pain - such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, headaches, TMJ problems, tendonitis, as well as chronic pain from an accident - all increase when a person is also depressed. The pain is getting worse, of course, can increase heart rate and blood pressure. These side effects can lead to increased consumption of drugs.”

At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. The burden of depression and other mental health conditions is on the rise globally. A World Health Assembly resolution passed in May 2013 has called for a comprehensive, coordinated response to mental disorders at the country level.

For those who do not have it, depression can be hard to understand. A mood disorder with mental and physical impacts, depression is different from typical feelings of sadness or grief. Some people describe it as feeling like a series of weights have been placed upon their shoulders, dragging them lower and lower until they can barely crawl. Others say it is persistent, invading melancholy that will not go away no matter how good life seems to be. It is like being in a hole you cannot climb out of or a net that will not let you go free. Crying does not help, and neither does rage. You have prayed hard, yet it is still there. How do you know if you suffer from depression? Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they have lasted—the more likely it is that you are dealing with depression.

Here are eleven common depression symptoms: 1. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better, and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation. 2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. You don’t care anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, or social activities. You have lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure. 3. Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. 4. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping. 5. Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves. 6. Loss of energy or increased fatigue. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete. 7. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes. 8. Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports. 9. Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions or remembering things. 10. Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain. 11. Thoughts of death or suicide. Symptoms must last at least two weeks and represent a change in your previous level of functioning to diagnose depression. 5 or more symptoms are a sign of heavy depression.

Factors that cause depression. There is a misconception among some Christians who think that sin or lack of faith causes depression. It may be accurate, but several factors can play a role in depression. Therefore, some Christians who love the Lord can suffer from depression too. I give you two examples. First, Don Tinder’s sister-in-law, Janet, a Bible College teacher in France, desired very much to trust and obey the Lord, but nevertheless was afflicted by depression. Second, in his book “Healing for Damaged Emotions,” David Seamands talked about Samuel Logan Brengle. His classic works on holiness have been translated into many languages and have led millions of believers into a deeper life in Christ. In a letter, Brengle wrote, “My nerves were ragged, frazzled, exhausted. And such gloom and depression fell upon me as I have never known, although depression is an old acquaintance of mine.” Both Janet and Brengle love the Lord, and yet they suffer from depression. So, depression is not necessarily a sign of spiritual failure.