0 comments

Understanding and Overcoming Depression

Introduction

What is Depression? 

Depression is a serious medical illness marked by feelings of sadness, irritable mood, emptiness, hopelessness or despair, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function.

Depression is an “inexpressible sadness”. There is a vast difference between feeling sad and being depressed. It is normal for people to feel “down” or have the “blues” when they experience a sad circumstance such as the death of a loved one or friend, the loss of a job, a divorce, separation or some other significant loss. However, anyone who experiences continued depression without any recognizable cause should know that this may be a warning sign of major depression.

Depression is a global problem. It affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year.  One in six people around the world will suffer from major depression at some point during their lives. Depression is the most frequently occurring and debilitating psychiatric disorder, causing more disability than any other mental illness. It has been estimated that by 2020 depression will be the greatest disability worldwide.

Depression can strike at any time, but on average, first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. Some studies show that one-third of women will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime.

Depression and anxiety are often companions. Any person who is depressed may also experience symptoms associated with anxiety.

  • About 80 percent of depressed individuals supper psychological anxiety symptoms: unrealistic apprehension, fear, worry, agitation, irritability or panic attacks.
  • Some 60 percent of people with depression experience anxiety-related physical symptoms: headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue and chronic pain.
  • Approximately 65 percent of depression suffers experience sleep disturbances.
  • About 20 percent feel agitated.
  • Some 25 percent experience phobia.
  • Approximately 17 percent report generalized anxiety symptoms.
  • About 10 percent suffer panic attacks

There are three components or links to depression. They are as follows: the physical or chemical side, the emotional or mental side, and the spiritual side. These three components are interlinked, therefore they each has an effect on the other two. Hence, when something goes wrong with one link, there are consequences for the other two, as a result they will malfunction to some degree, thus contributing to the illness.

Types of Depression include the following:

  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder,
  • Major Depressive Disorder (including Major Depressive Episode)
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia),
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder,
  • Substance/Medication-Induced
  • Depressive Disorder, Depressive Disorder due to another medical condition
  • Other Specified Depressive Disorder
  • Unspecified Depressive Disorder

What differs among the types of depression are issues of duration, timing or presumed etiology.

The Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include the following:

Diagnostic Check list

  • 2 weeks of depressed mood
  • Loss of Interest
  • Changes in Weight
  • Changes in Appetite
  • Changes in Sleep
  • Physical Agitation
  • Retardation
  • Loss of Energy
  • Feelings of Worthlessness
  • Excessive Guilt
  • Impaired Concentration
  • Difficulty Making Decisions
  • Suicidal Ideations

Furthermore, medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, a brain tumour or vitamin deficiency) can mimic symptoms of depression so it is important to rule out general medical causes.

Causes of or Risk Factors for Depression

Depression is no respecter of persons. It can affect anyone – even a person who seems to live in comparatively ideal conditions.

There are various factors that can play a role in depression. These factors can be classified under the three sides or components of depression mentioned above. Factors include:

The Physical or Chemical Side

  • Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
  • Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
  • Certain physical illnesses and medications

The Emotional or Mental Side

  • Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
  • Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.
  • People with bottled up emotions, that is, all the hurt feelings are not expressed and dealt with so they are built up inside. Bottled up emotions can eventually erupt like a volcano and trigger off depression.
  • No sense of belonging, that is, when children grow up feeling that they do not belong in their families. Therefore, they do not develop a sense of connectedness, they tend to be more vulnerable to depression.
  • Complying with expectations, that is, persons feel that they can’t be who they are, therefore, they try to be someone else or try to live up to others’ expectations. This can be dangerous and lead to depression.
  • Major life changes, trauma, or stress

The Spiritual Side

  • Man consist of three sides, body (physical), soul (includes emotions), and spirit. Often times, the spiritual side is the link that is neglected or ignored, yet it is as vital to understanding and dealing with the other two. We are spiritual beings and are affected by spiritual influences. Just as God and His angels are acknowledged, it is necessary to know that there is also a reality of the Devil (Satan) and his demons. Much of the suffering we see today is directly caused by the devil and his demons as his only aim is “to steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10).

Effects of Depression

Physical Effects

  • Depression sufferers are find it difficult to take care of themselves.
  • They are prone to engaging in harmful or risky behaviours (substance use and abuse, bad diet, suicidal, inactivity, etc.).
  • They are at higher risk for physical illnesses (digestion issues, heart disease, etc.), and even death.
  • Psycho-somatic illnesses

Emotional Effect

  • Depression sufferers are often unable to express how they feel inside.
  • They feel alone in their struggles
  • Depression alienates them
  • They lack concentration
  • They have low self-esteem
  • They struggle with negative thinking (cognitive distortions)
  • Self-blame, feelings of guilt, shame,

Spiritual Effects

  • Depression hampers our relationship to God.
  • Difficulty praying and reading the Bible due to lack of concentration and invasion of negative thoughts.
  • Isolation from Christians – infrequent Church attendance due to difficulty socializing.

Treatment for depression

Among the most treatable of mental disorders is depression. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression ultimately respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

However, it is important that before a diagnosis is made or treatment is administered, a health professional should conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This evaluation should include an interview and possibly a physical examination. In some cases to make sure the depression is not due to a medical condition like a thyroid problem, a blood test might be done. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify specific symptoms, medical and family history, cultural factors and environmental factors to arrive at a diagnosis and plan a course of action.

Treatment for depression should address all three components – the physical side, the emotional side and the spiritual side.

The Physical Side

Medication: Antidepressants are the medications usually used to treat depression. Their purpose is to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain. They include Prozac, Paxil and other synthetic antidepressants, are they are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs allow the level of serotonin in the brain to remain high.

The Emotional Side

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is widely used to address the emotional issues that persons with depression face. A commonly used approach in psychotherapy that is found to be effective in treating depression is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This approach focuses on the present and problem solving. CBT helps a person to recognize distorted thinking and then change behaviours and thinking. The powerful principle at the heart of cognitive therapy is “one’s feelings result from the messages one gives oneself”.

The Spiritual Side

All types of depression have a common spiritual thread – the lack of God’s joy in our lives. God promises to make our joy full according to John 15:11. Therefore, God’s Word is one sure antidepressant in one’s life. One can trust His promise and seek His overflowing joy through:

  • Reading the Bible and confessing the Word of God daily
  • Meditate on the Word of God: Daily meditate on God’s Word and read aloud scriptures that come against sadness.
  • Write down the scripture that come against sadness. Put them in places where you can see them. Also attach sticky notes to your computer or other anchor scriptures with magnets on your refrigerator.
  • Quote scriptures aloud three times a day as a day before meals (or as often as you deem necessary), meditate on them throughout the day and again quote the scriptures before going to bed.
  • Asking to be filled with God’s joy
  • Telling others about the promise of His joy
  • Pray: Pray as often as you are able to. Quote scriptures in your prayers and think on the promises of God.
  • Listen to gospel music and spend time praising and worshipping God.
  • Attending Church and fellowshipping with other Christians

Self-Help and Coping

It is of paramount important for persons suffering with depression to:

  • learn to manage their stress,
  • tap into their resources, and support system
  • get adequate sleep and rest often,
  • avoid alcohol
  • have proper nutrition,
  • take vitamins and supplements,
  • exercise regularly as this can help to create positive feeling and improve mood,
  • laugh a lot, and
  • socialize

Avoiding Relapse

Statistics have shown that the more frequent a person has had a depressive episode, the higher the likelihood of that person having another. However, one does not have to be a statistic. Once a person is aware of the symptoms and triggers of his/her condition, than that person has an advantage. It is very important for all three components of depression to be addressed in order for total healing and maintenance of depression to be successful. Especially pay close attention to the spiritual side which is often neglected. For “the joy of the Lord that is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).

Keep in mind that in John 16:33, even Jesus said “…In this world you will go through some distressing times. But take heart and be courageous, for I have overcome the world; I am still overcoming the world; and I will always be in an overcoming position over the world!”

In addition, the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8 encourages us that, “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Conclusion

Contrary to the belief of some, depression is a real and treatable illness and there are a number of effective services available for treating depression. Once properly diagnosed and treated, most people with depression will overcome it as treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.

If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of depression, a first step is to see your family physician or psychiatrist. Talk about your concerns and request a thorough evaluation. Also, remember to seek spiritual help through pastoral care. This is a start to addressing mental health needs.

If you need someone to talk to, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to talk with you. Know that you are not alone and you are in my prayers. Blessings!

References

American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5 (5th Ed.). Washington, DC.

American Psychiatric Association. Depression. Retrieved 9th October 2017 from: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

Colbert, Don (MD). (1999). The Bible cure for depression and anxiety. Florida: Siloam.

R. Davidson, et. al. “The under-recognition and under-treatment of depression: what is the breadth and depth of the problem?” J Clin Psychiatry Journal (1999); 60 Suppl 7:4-9; discussion 10-1. REVIEW. PMID: 10326869; UI:99259801

National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. Retrieved 9th October 2017 from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml