Dealing With Depression

My last post revealed that I am struggling with burnout. During this season of my life and I am working through different emotions, one of which is depression. I may have been depressed in the past but just never realized it and the effects depression produces. Now I am beginning to understand it better.

The Good News, (sort of)

I'm not alone when it comes to facing depression. One source estimates that it disrupts the lives of 30 to 40 million Americans. Lots of great people throughout history have had bouts of depression.

There are many famous people throughout history that have had some form of mental illness. Without their valuable contributions to society we would be without great works of art and literature. Musicians, mathematicians, presidents, authors, actors, playwrights, scientists and even athletes have all made significant contributions and have influenced the world we live in today.

Can you imagine our world without Michelangelo’s ‘Creation’ or the works of Vincent Van Gough. How would the history books have been written without the great influences of Abraham Lincoln or Winston Churchill, or a library without the works of Charles Dickens, Tolstoy’s ‘War & Peace’ and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway’s literary contributions? The contributions to science and mathematics without Isaac Newton or John Nash, and music without Beethoven?

Famous Guys From The Bible

While the bible does not use the word "depression", there are lots of great people of suffered with depression in the scriptures.

King David — “I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. …I groan because of the turmoil of my heart” Psalms 38:6, 8

• Abraham
  
• Jonah
  
• Job
  
• Elijah
  
• King Saul
  
• Jeremiah
  

Why? Major Causes of Depression.

• Biological factors
• Parental rejection
• Abuse
• Negative thinking
• Life stress
• Anger
• Guilt

Finding Hope Through Humans

Perhaps you’re struggling with depression yourself or know someone who is. Because depression affects us in many ways, hope is also cultivated in many ways. I'd encourage you to talk to someone about it. Getting a medical physical might be a good place to start. Medication can also help although I don't think it is the total answer. There are root issues like the ones I posted above that should be looked into. The fact is God uses people to help people. Talk to someone even if you don't feel like it. It is helping me.

Eternal vs.Temporary.

In the middle of such agony and pain, it's hard to see things clearly. It may even be difficult to see God's love. I think about Job, a man in the Old Testament who went through difficult times. He lost his whole family, virtually everything he owned, and went through sickness.

Look at what Job said during his difficult times:

If I go to the east, God is not there; if I go to the west, I do not see Him. When He is at work in the north, I catch no sight of Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him. (Job 23:8-9)

But there is a bigger picture than what we can see. When we maintain faith and keep our focus on God's love and the hope He has given us for eternity, we can weather the storms of life. It can be done. I want to be able to say what the writer in Psalm 27:14 said. Wait for the Lord's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord's help.

I must confess that I do not like that verse above. I don't really like to wait on anything or anybody but the truth is it takes time. If I do that, I know what will happen. I will come out of all the pain and be a much stronger person. Job said this, But God knows the way that I take, and when He tests me. I will come out like gold. (Job 23:10)