More on Depression

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 Depression is one of the most common illnesses in our society.  It may be
an individual outside of your church,or it may be a young person or elderly
saint within the church.  It may even be someone in a ministry of leadership
position.  Statistics indicate  that a large majority of Americans will
suffer from 
depression at some point in their life.  It is imperative that we have a
balanced understanding of this condition.

Depression is more than just the 'blues.'  It is a sickness just as are
heart disease, respiratory ailments and the common cold.  Like other
diseases, it may range in severity from very mild and short-lived, to severe
and debilitating.  Clinical depression is generally divided into three
general categories:

Single Episode
This is when an individual has a single bout with depression.  It is usually
milder than other forms of depression,and often gets better on its own
without any intervention.  As other types of depression, it may be brought
on by excessive stress (such as adjusting to a new job, or coping with the
loss of a loved one.) It may also be caused by changes in the body as it
matures, or as a symptom or other illness.  Depression sometimes follows an
injury, 
particularly to the head.

Recurring Episode
When an individual has a history of depression that keeps 'coming back'
again and again, it is called recurring episode.  It is more serious than
the single episode type of depression and could indicate ongoing stressors
that are not effectively dealt with, or a biochemical imbalance.


Chronic
This is depression that just won't go away.  It has lasted a long time, and
is not getting any better.  This depression may be most debilitating, and
can interrupt family life, ruin careers and possibly lead to suicidal ideations.

We must understand that depression can be caused by and also affect the
spiritual, mental and physical aspects of a person.  Treatment must be
addressed at all of these levels.

Physical Causes and Affect
Depression often comes on someone quite unexpectedly.  It may be that the
person can find no obvious cause for suffering with it.  It is likely that
the source of the depression is largely biochemical.  Inside of everyone's
brain are millions of neurotransmitters that continually move between the
synapse of the 
nerves.  When there is a deficiency of these neurotransmitters, it has an
effect upon the 
 

emotions.  Any number of things can trigger chemical imbalance.  It may be
temporary and due to excessive stress.  It may be caused by hormonal changes
in the body as one grows older (particularly in women).  Illnesses and
injuries can also cause temporary and permanent alterations in the chemical
balance of the brain.  Occasionally depressive symptoms may accompany other
diseases such as diabetes or hypoglycemia.

As Christians, we know that God can heal any physical affliction such as
cancer, 
emphysema or blindness.  God can touch those that suffer with depression,
and heal them as well. If healing is not forthcoming, medical treatment is
often effective.  This is an issue of some controversy among Pentecostal,
and it may  be wise to consult with your pastor if you feel unsure about it.
But those 
that have no difficulty with taking medicine for high blood pressure, sinus
problems, or any other physical affliction, should not be offended at
medication for depression.  It is much the same as other physical ailments
and medicine may be profitable.

Anti-depressants have come a long, long way in the past decade as depression
is viewed more as another disease of the body.  Brand names such as Zoloft,
Prozac Tofranil and others have been found to be quite beneficial. A
physician should be able to diagnose what treatment would work best.In
addition, eating regular balanced meals, exercising, and taking a
multi-vitamin is beneficial.

Mental/Emotional Causes and Affect
Sometimes  the aforementioned chemical imbalances are precipitated by times
of great stress, and the inability to effectively cope.  A new marriage,
college, death in the family, a new baby... all these are possible stressors
that may lead to depression.  In treating depression, it is important to
address 
issues that are contributing to it.

The environment that a person lives in is very consequential.  The Bible
says, "as a man thinketh in his 
heart, so is he..."  In Phillipians 4:8-9, Paul writes,
                "Whatsoever things are true...honest...just
                  ...pure..lovely...of a good report...think
                  on these things...and the God of peace shall 
              be  with you."

Zig Ziglar states,
	"You are where you are, you are what you are
	because of what has gone into your mind.
	You can change where you are, you can change 
	what you are by changing what goes into you
	head."

We should promote positive thinking by participating in wholesome, godly
activities.   Listening to uplifting music, fellowship with good people and 
involvement in ministry are just a few examples.  A diet of TV, soap operas,
and worldly music is almost sure to contribute to depression.

Learning to cope with problems is another very important key.  This could be
address in any number of ways.
Some common ones are:

1. Keeping a journal or diary
2. Getting involved in helping others
3. Expressing feelings to a minister or friend
4. Walking, or other types of exercise
5. Prayer
6. Getting a routine or schedule
7.  Making lists of problems (or positives)
8.  Developing positive relationships with others


 
Spiritual Causes and Affects
Depression may have a spiritual cause, and it certainly has a bearing on our
relationship with God.  Sometimes those that are grieving the Holy Spirit
through disobedience to His will, carnality and sin will be depressed
(although 'convicted' is a more apt definition).  The only cure to this, is
to repent and 
change.  People who are not doing what they feel that God wants them to do
with their life, may experience similar feelings.

Fasting, prayer, Bible reading and other tasks that deepen our relationship
with God will prove very effective in combatting depression.  Depressed
people should surround themselves with holy, wholesome activities.  This is
crucial to their recovery.

This is not to imply that every depressed person has done wrong.  Often, a
depressed person who has always strived to be faithful, feels as though they
have sinned even though they have not. Job was a righteous man, but he
certainly exhibited symptoms of depression after the trials he had endured.
We should all pray and search our heart to make sure we are pleasing  and
obedient to God.  However, we should not feel that depression is always a
result of sin, or being 'out of the will of God.'  Even faithful saints who
are in the will of God have suffered with depression.

Conclusion
Depression is one of the most common illnesses in our society.  As such, we
need to understand its causes and treatment.  It may help us in reaching
those outside of the church.  It may also be needful as we look at our own
church family and the needs that we are experiencing in life.  We understand
that depression is an affliction that must be addressed at all levels-
physically, mentally and spiritually.  And God is able to heal, minister,
and deliver.


Rex D. Deckard, M.Ed

 
PRINCE OF PEACE MINISTRIES
Ministering To The Needs Of the Apostolic Minister and Family

P.O. Box 863
Seymour, Indiana 47274
(812)522-7687 or 1-800-745-7686, Ext. 164