Depression has been a part of
the human condition since the beginning of time evidence of the illness
appears even in scripture. The Bible is a veritable casebook of characters
of enormous faith who suffered from overwhelming depression. The grief and
despair expressed by Elijah, Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Psalmists capture
the struggle of souls suffering from serious depression.
According to Depression-net.com,
depression affects 340 million people of all social classes, all counties,
and all cultural settings throughout the world, One in four women and one
in 10 men an expect to experience depression during their lifetime. It
also strikes one in 50 children under 12 and one in 20 teenagers. The
economic cost for this disorder is high, but the cost In human suffering
cannot be estimated. Depressive illnesses cause pain and suffering not
only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them.
Much more than grieving or a
bout of the blues, depression affects the way a person eats and sleeps and
one's self-image and perception. People with a depressive illness cannot
merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Managing
depression may involve a combination of spiritual, interpersonal, and
psychological care, as well as medication. This medical disorder with a
biological basis can last for weeks, months, or years If left untreated.
With proper treatment, however most people experiencing depression
improve, often within weeks, and return to normal daily activities.
Recent research cited by the
National Institute of Mental Health has shown that physical changes In the
body can trigger mental changes. Medical conditions such as stroke, heart
attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, or hormonal disorders an cause
depressive illness. This in turn can cause apathy and unwillingness to
care for physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. A serious
loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful change
in life patterns - unwelcome or even desired - can trigger a depressive
episode.
Often a combination of
genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset
of depression. Half of the cases of depression are unrecognized and
untreated. The World Health Organization predicts that by the year 2020
depression will be the greatest burden of ill hearth to people in the
developing world, and that severe depression will be the second largest
cause of death and disability. Depressive disorders an cause feelings of
exhaustion, worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness, causing some
people to feel like giving up. These negative views are part of the
depression and typically do not accurately reflect actual circumstances.
Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect Some things one
can do In the meantime -
-
Set realistic goals in
light of the depression.
-
Break large tasks into
small ones and set priorities.
-
Be with other people.
-
Confide in someone.
-
Participate in activities
that may make one feel better (i.e. exercise, social, or religious
activities).
-
Expect one's mood to
improve gradually not immediately.
-
Postpone important
decisions until the depression has lIfted.
-
Let family and friends
help.
If you think you or someone
you on about may be experiencing depression. contact the Clergy
Consultation Service (CCS) of the Kairos Institute, a ministry provided by
Brethren Benefit Trust for the ministers group and denominational staff.
(Other insurance plan members may call CCS and explain their affiliation
with the Brethren plan.) CCS staff are licensed professional counselors
and therapists who provide a 24-hour presence for confidential
consultation, information, and referral on a variety of topics and
concerns, including depression.
