Depression. We’ve all been there. While some experience relatively light and sporadic symptoms of this disorder, others seem to walk around with a permanent cloud affixed to their heads.
Our workshop tonight is designed to provide you information
on the disorder we refer to as Depression. In the short time we have together,
I cannot hope to give you an exhaustive study, but I expect the following
information will be very helpful to you.
What is Depression?
I have often reflected that as many as a third of the
thousands of clients I have counseled over the past twelve years exhibited
depressive symptoms. And I have often told these clients that the symptoms of
the disorder virtually define it.
Let’s look at several potential symptoms and then consider
the genesis of this mood disorder.
These symptoms may be divided into a formula represented by
the letters A, B, C.
A = Affect – Affect refers to facial characteristics.
Discouragement and “The Blues” are often evident in the eyes of the depressed
person. There may be a seeming lack of life there, and the mouth is often set
and unsmiling. Seemingly, even the pigment of the skin may be blanched or gray
in color.
B=Behavior – The appetite may be reduced or unusually large.
The depressive person often “takes to his bed,” and sleeps hours beyond what
has been usual. Obversely, he may not be able to sleep or awake early. His
energy is often reduced.
C=Cognition – It is not unusual for a depressive person to
lose focus or forget easily, and their mental mindset is often negative in
nature. An increasingly selfish, reflective or introspective attitude may be
evident.
There are any number of factors which contribute to
Depression. We will consider these characteristics and factors in language
common to lay people.
When I think of “Genesis Events or Stimuli” which contribute
to depressive feelings, I immediately think of two broad headings: External and
Internal.
In terms of the External Factors that contribute to
Depression, - Loss, Traumatic Events, and other difficult circumstances are
often present.
Stress or Overload is an equally common stimulus that
predisposes the body to depressive emotions.
In relation to Internal Factors there are Hormonal
Imbalances and Chemical Imbalances. Women most often suffer the effects of
imbalance related to their three major gender hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone
and Testosterone. They are twice as likely to suffer with Depression. Both
genders may suffer from chemical imbalances such as Bipolar Disorder or
Schizophrenia; mental disorders related to chemicals within the brain.
In addition, what I refer to as Faulty Thinking or
Dysfunctional Mindsets are internal factors which may translate into feelings
of hopelessness and correspondingly negative behaviors. I have prepared an
excellent handout for you which details some traditional mindsets.
Feelings of Low Self Esteem and Guilt related to past events
may contribute to depressive emotions.
Unforgiveness, without doubt, predisposes people to
Depression, Anger, Bitterness, and a host of other physical maladies.
Depression may last an hour, a day, a week or a lifetime. In
terms of treatment, two major characteristics signal the need for intensive
care:
1. The severity of the symptoms (as evidenced by how the
“candidate’s” life is being effected,) and
2. The length of time the symptoms
persist.
Depression is a disorder that may significantly reduce one’s
ability to function and enjoy life. It may be so pervasive that sleep seems to
be the only respite to dreary days and tortured nights. As a handout you will
be given implies, it has the potential to close you off from relationships and
social interaction and virtually suck air and life from you. I have said that “It
is like falling asleep with your feet in a wet gray mixture, only to wake up
and find out its concrete.” Depression contributes to something I refer to as
“Stuckness,” or the tendency to remain emotionally stuck.
Depression is not always a negative or sinful thing. We’ll
be reflecting shortly on some very godly men who were familiar with
hopelessness and despair. Depression is a normal part of the grieving process.
Depression is a normal response to life’s circumstances. Symptoms like
disappointment may be light and fleeting, while discouragement and hopelessness
may require medical attention. Depression may be successfully dealt with on our
own, or the severity and length of it may require professional attention.
I feel inclined to accent something in the early portion of
my lecture. Moderate to Major Depressive symptoms cannot be taken for granted.
I have dealt with such emotions among clients, friends and relatives for years.
The suggestions you will receive tonight have the potential to make a large difference,
but there is no panacea. Sometimes Depression lingers for years, and especially
among the chemically imbalanced, treatment may require a great deal of
patience, and some trial and error.
I have personally dealt with what has been referred to as
Suicidal Ideation which can be a result of Major (or Clinical) Depression. As a pastoral counselor I have been exposed to several clients who attempted to take their lives. Thankfully, not one succeeded in the attempt.
Let’s return to the predisposing factors which may lead to
the symptom we call Depression. Again, they are primarily External and Internal
in nature. The catalysts for Depression are either Circumstantial or Reactive
in nature or are a result of Physical, Spiritual, Chemical or Emotional
maladies within the human body.
It’s interesting, (if that’s the correct word,) that
Depression is often generated by both Circumstantial and Internal causes. It is
often a mixed bag of sorts.
I’d like us to spend a few moments with some historical
examples. Since I administer a Christian counseling agency, I can think of no
better source than scripture. Let’s look a several examples from the Old and
New Testaments, and let me attempt to analyze these fellows and their conditions.
To be continued...
(By William McDonald, PhD. "Wednesday Night Teachings," Vol. 1. Material was also presented in the form of a seminar)
No comments:
Post a Comment