I got this email from DailyWisdom.com. Please read the portion below and tell me what you think. Do you agree or disagree with the author, Melanie Schurr?
Handling Depression - June 09, 2007
"Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance." -Psalm 42:5
30 to 40 million Americans are reported to suffer from depression.
If you think you may be one of those people who also has it, keep in mind that society tends to use the word "depression" to cover everything from sadness or disappointment over failing a test to the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair that some people say have caused them to contemplate suicide.
Oftentimes, one's depression has underlying causes that are not physical, chemical or hormonal, but may be the result of something depressing going on in your life. By working on the cause of the problem, these feelings of sadness and frustration may fade.
No one's life is truly perfect, but by not allowing ourselves to get so dragged down by every negative situation or hurtful word that may come our way, we can have better control over our own peace and happiness.
Why?
Because while we can't control others, we CAN control how we allow others affect us. As such, if we are living a good and godly life, and have no reason to feel the heavy burden and consequence of sin and the separation it causes between God and ourselves, then let us instead sing joyful praises to Him, and be thankful for all God has blessed us with!
"What about antidepressant pills?" asks Mary.
God has allowed mankind to learn about many medical marvels and tools. If we don't have a problem taking daily vitamins to stay healthy, or getting a yearly flu shot to ward of sickness, or even to have a life-saving operation when needed, then no one should feel shame or embarrassment when medication is prescribed for a true chemical imbalance. Oftentimes, even when the depression may not be hormonal, a doctor may temporarily prescribe anti-depressant medication so that the patient can come to a better emotional place where they are more able to tackle an unresolved issue or root cause of their depressed feelings. Perhaps they may have a history of abuse, or feel worthless because they were given up for adoption as a child...
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 17
I agree with her that there is no shame in taking proper medication for a chemical or hormonal imbalance, etc., but some people have to take these medications long term - they can't just take them a few weeks or months until "they are in a better place".
Does this answer your question? I'm afraid I got a little carried away.
Depression is so much more prevalent in this country than many other countries. It seems to me that the countries where you hear of it the most are the ones where the government has taken the place of the family. Like Russia. Germany had a high rate of suicide that they connected with the high expectations they build into their young people without giving them a way to realize those expectations.
Our country has been slicing and dicing away at the family for generations now. Building a disdain for older "old fashioned" people, making teens seem like a separate species in society's eyes. Separating people by their disorder, by their bedroom practices, by their religious beliefs, by their origin. We have made ourselves alienated from each other so that our own neighbor is a stranger and suspect. People are alone and we a social animal and not meant to be alone, not meant to be so independent that we can't help each other out or feel with each other. People are isolated and lonely. We are a sick nation that is full of masters of deception - we can smile and 'look' like we are okay, when really most of us are broken and hurting inside with no hope of recovery. I see it in people's eyes - the pain, the lonliness, but nothing is said, we all just go home and fill our lives with busyness and noise. It is no wonder depression is so prevalent.
The article is okay, but extremely simplistic. Living a good and godly life is not going to innoculate you against depression. Matter of fact, I think religion furthers a lot of depression because it teaches people to cover up their sadness and makes it almost a sin to NOT be joyful. Anyone who reads the Psalms realizes that David dealt with depression frquently and he was "a man after God's own heart..."
I don't know what the cure is for depression, but I don't think there is any one quick fix for it ever.
- Jeanjaz
Jean, I think that the only time medications can make things worse is if you have a severe side effect. Otherwise, I think they're just as important as insulin or chemotherapy. I do agree that our society has become antisocial, and more of us are self-absorbed as a result. Because of this, all we see are the problems we have. If we would spend more time helping others, it could help us get our minds off ourselves. This is something I'm working on.
I didn't feel society is unfair to depressed individuals with so many organization and awareness (of course for the ones who stay in touch with the world through reading).