By Maureen Cooper, MA, LPCC-S
Executive Director
One need only do a cursory reading of the Bible to find it replete with stories of the people who suffered from depression and vividly described its symptoms; David, Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Paul, and even, at times, Jesus, are just a few of them. However, these same people also describe experiences of incredible joy in their lives. So how do these extremes fit together? They are part of our struggle as humans who live in the interface between theKingdom of God
Executive Director
One need only do a cursory reading of the Bible to find it replete with stories of the people who suffered from depression and vividly described its symptoms; David, Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Paul, and even, at times, Jesus, are just a few of them. However, these same people also describe experiences of incredible joy in their lives. So how do these extremes fit together? They are part of our struggle as humans who live in the interface between the
The symptoms of depression include any of the following that last for two weeks or more: changes in appetite, lack of motivation, difficulty focusing, an inability to enjoy things, sadness, feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness, wanting to withdraw from others, feelings of wishing one were not alive, and sleep disturbance. Waking up too early or waking often during the night are typical. Some people sleep too much and find it difficult to get out of bed. In severe depression, one may not be able to accomplish even mundane tasks such as showering or changing clothes. Thoughts of suicide can occur and signal a need for immediate treatment. As you can see, depression is a serious matter that can severely limit one’s life!
Just as there are many symptoms of depression, there can be many causes. Studies have shown that there is definitely a genetic link, so if depression runs in one’s family, there is a greater chance of developing it. In many families, they didn’t know how to name it, so they often called it “nerves,” as in “Aunt Helen had a lot of trouble with her nerves.” This was most likely depression or one of its related syndromes.
Depression is also triggered by stress, both good stress, or “eustress,” and bad stress, or “distress.” Many have had the experience of attending a wonderful retreat or a fantastic vacation, only to find that a week or so afterwards they feel incredibly down. This is often misinterpreted as a character or spiritual weakness, but it’s actually the effect of withdrawal from our bodies’ own chemicals that make us feel “high” during exceptionally good times. If the down feelings persist, treatment might me advised.
Sometimes depression is a way of allowing us to grieve losses. It is normal to feel sad after a death or divorce, but if it gets to the point where one cannot function, there are good treatments available.
Studies have shown that depression is very treatable, with the best results by far from a combination of counseling and medications. A good therapist, such as you will find here at Gentle Shepherd Counseling Center
Above all, we never judge someone for being depressed or tell them to “snap out of it,” or that if their faith was stronger they would not be depressed. We understand the complex nature of depression and the interplay of the body, mind, and spirit in its development as well as management. We join with our clients in helping them win this struggle of living in two kingdoms.