Depression
By Phyllis J. Mayo, Ph.D. | November 2, 2011
We are focusing on depression because it is a pervasive illness that we should neither ignore or deny.
Did you know that depression is a common illness experienced all over the world? It affects 121 million people worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 10 U.S adults reports depression. It is estimated that it will be the second leading illness by the year 2020.
Did you know that depression is a serious mental health concern? Depression is more than just feeling down or in the dumps; it’s more than the “blues”, and it cannot be fixed by a new hairdo or “going out with the boys”. The symptoms of depression include sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, change in weight (up or down) difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms persist for at least two weeks at a time
Did you know that there are several causes of depression?
There are actually a number of different factors that can cause a person to suffer from depression. It is important to point out that depression does not always result from sin or lack of faith in God. It is not wrong for a Christian to be depressed. Christians get depressed and there are a variety of causes. Some of the major causes of depression are:
Biological-Genetic: At the simplest level, we know that lack of sleep, insufficient exercise, side effects of drugs, physical illnesses, or improper diet can all create depression. Thousands of women experience depression at part of a monthly premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and some develop postpartum depression following childbirth. Less recognized is a testosterone-induced depression that comes to men during periods of reduced sexual activity. There are other physical influences that are more complicated creators of depression (Collins, 2007).
Psychological –Cognitive: Background and family causes, stress and significant losses, learned helplessness, cognitive causes, anger, and sin and guilt are offered as possible psychological/cognitive causes of depression
Social-Environmental: Repressive social, political and familial situations create fear, rob people of hope, drain their joy and stimulate depression
Did you know that there are several types of depression?
Even though the general term depression is most often used, it could actually refer to a number of different types. Although they can be similar, there definitely are some differences between the different types of depression.
Major Depressive Disorder – is an ongoing deep feeling of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, as well as other feelings. It is more than just being sad, because not only does it effect you emotionally, but it can effect you physically, and seriously disrupt your normal life. Persons experiencing major depression may not be able to function at all or very minimally.
Chronic Depression – also known as dysthymia is absolutely serious, but not as severe as major depressive disorder. A person suffering from chronic daily depression will feel those same feelings such as being sad for long periods of time, but they should still be able to function somewhat normally. This is often called a lowgrade depression
Postpartum Depression – This is a form of depression that effects recently pregnant women; symptoms occur within 4 weeks after childbirth. Symptoms include fluctuations in mood, preoccupation with infant well-being. Severe ruminations or delusional thoughts about the infant is associated with a significantly increased risk of harm to the infant. It is not uncommon for a women too go through a period of sadness called the “baby blues”, but postpartum depression will be more severe, and for an extended period of time.
Seasonal Depression – Seasonal depression, which is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)a type of depression that effects people usually during fall or winter and remits in the spring; they have periods of depression, apathy and withdrawal. The essential feature is the onset and remission of Major Depressive Episodes at characteristic times of the year. This pattern of onset and remission must have occurred during the last two years. People effected by this are normally fine throughout the rest of the year.
Bipolar Disorders- This is a form of depression that is marked by periods of mania interspersed with depressive behavior. This disorder is generally assumed to have a genetic origin, and it usually appears in young adults and is persistent throughout life.
Did you know that depression affects children and teenagers as well as adults?
Children and teenagers can suffer from depression just like adults; additionally depression affects the family. The behavior and moods of a depressed person affect the whole family. The irritability sets off conflicts and derails family dynamics, negative thought patterns become the prism of pessimism for everyone, withdrawal disrupts relationships and breeds wholesale feelings of rejection, major responsibilities get displaced and the general burden of stress exists.
It is estimated that 1 out of every 33 children suffer from some symptoms of depression. 1 out of 8 teenagers suffer from depression; and 1 out of 10 adults suffer in any given year. Depression is more common in women, but men experience it also. Females are more likely to be diagnosed than men by 20.2% to 8.2%. Non-Hispanic whites are the most common group to suffer depression, and in adults ages 15-44, depression is the leading cause of disability.
Did you know that depression untreated can be fatal?
It is estimated that only about 10% of people suffering from depression ever seek treatment. This is significant because depression left untreated can lead to serious physical damage. Suicide is an unfortunate result of untreated depression.
Did you know that the Bible addresses depression?
Depression is a clinical term. It is not used in the Bible, even though the condition appears to have been common. Psalm 69, 88, and 102 are songs of despair, set in the context of hope. In Psalm 41 David expresses both depression and rejoicing. Job, Moses, Jonah, Peter and the nation of Israel experienced depression. Jeremiah wrote a whole book of lamentations. These and other examples of depression and despair in scripture show the realism that characterizes the Bible. Each of the believers who found themselves depressed came through and experienced a new and a lasting joy, even when their circumstance did not change. The biblical emphasis is less on human despair and more on belief in God and the assurance of abundant life in heaven…
Paul wrote “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us… “ He goes on to say that there is hope in God. 2 Corinthians 4:8,9,17,18
Did you know that depression is treatable?
In dealing persons with depression, some combination of the following approaches can be helpful- identify and address causes, deal with physical causes/factors, thought processes, inactivity, environment, and potential for self-harm. Addressing these issues and armed with the Word of God, depression can be treated.
There will be times when the pressures of life are certain to plunge each of us into deep sadness, if not depression. Disappointments, losses, rejections, and failures some to everyone and lead to periods of unhappiness and discouragement. Even so, there are ways by which we can prevent or soften the blows of depression: Trust in God, teach about depression, teach people to be alert to depression-prone situations, teach skills, encourage support and urge people to reach out.
King David asked, “Why am I so discouraged? Why so sad?” and then wrote, “I will put my hope in God” (Psalm 43:5).
If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, let someone know who can help you or direct you to help, because it is available; contact the Pastoral Care and Counseling Commission at pccc@nationalcapitalbaptist.org for additional information or a referral.
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