Dealing with Depression

And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death” Matthew 26:37,38

We have not a high priest who cannot be touched by the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15)

I believe Jesus experienced a sorrow and depression that no man before or after him has known. For He was about to experience a death that no man before or after Him ever knew. He willingly took on Himself all the sins of mankind. Imagine that! All the sins of every man who would ever populate the earth throughout all the ages, and in the space of a few hours in time!

Depression has many causes. There are two general primary catalysts; external and internal factors contribute to the presence and severity of depression.

Among the symptoms of depression are a morose demeanor, inability to sleep, a tendency to sleep too much, loss of appetite, agitation, withdrawal from socialization, loss of control, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts and actions.

The external factors that contribute to depression relate to circumstances in which we feel helpless to exercise any control. Internal factors that contribute to a depressive mood include spiritual guilt, hormonal imbalances, chemical imbalances and organic trauma.

Depression need not be an all-consuming, never-ending mood. There are things one can do when depression begins to overwhelm one’s entire life.

If you are experiencing moderate to severe depression I recommend you admit these symptoms to someone you can trust. Discuss your problems and issues with a good friend.

Seek medical attention. There’s no sin in relying on medication for a season. There are wonderful (but mild) antidepressant medications available that have the potential to help you function during intense circumstances or internal imbalances.

Seek Godly counsel. I have seen literally hundreds work through their pain, through a counseling process. Counseling can help you plan and enact action-oriented remedies to your problems and symptoms.

Seek God. Ultimately our reliance must be on the One who created our bodies, minds and emotions, and Who keeps us in all our circumstances.

By William McDonald, PhD. Excerpt from (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 16. Copyright pending

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