Understanding Depression


Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.
PSALM 42:11 HCSB

The sadness that accompanies any significant loss is an inevitable fact of life. In time, sadness runs its course and gradually abates. Depression, on the other hand, is a physical and emotional condition that is, in almost all cases, treatable with medication and counseling. Depression is not a disease to be taken lightly. Left untreated, it presents real dangers to patients’ physical health and to their emotional well-being.

If you find yourself feeling “blue,” perhaps it’s a logical reaction to the ups and downs of daily life. But if your feelings of sadness have gone on longer than you think they should—or if someone close to you fears that your sadness may have evolved into clinical depression—it’s time to seek professional help.

Some days are light and happy, and some days are not. When we face the inevitable dark days of life, we must choose how we will respond. Will we allow ourselves to sink even more deeply into our own sadness, or will we do the difficult work of pulling ourselves out? We bring light to the dark days of life by turning first to God, and then to trusted family members, friends, and medical professionals. When we do, the clouds will eventually part, and the sun will shine once more upon our souls.

Emotions we have not poured out in the safe hands of God can turn into feelings of hopelessness and depression. God is safe. ~Beth Moore

Self blame over the past leads to depression in the present and poor decisions for the future.   ~Barbara Johnson

Feelings of uselessness and hopelessness are not from God, but from the evil one, the devil, who wants to discourage you and thwart your effectiveness for the Lord.   ~Bill Bright

Don’t let aridity distress you: perfection has nothing to do with such things—only with virtues. Your devotion will come back when you are least expecting it.   ~St. Teresa Of Avila

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, You have promised to lift me up from the pit of my despair, and You have promised to place a new song on my lips.  If the darkness envelops me, Father, remind me of those promises. And give me the wisdom to accept help from the people You have placed along my path. Amen

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  1. #1 by Rita - October 16th, 2009 at 10:53

    I have recently lost both my parents within 5 months of each other, also in the past 3 years we (my husband and I) have lost 9 family members, had to move and I have had a hard time understanding all of this in my life let alone in our lives. I seek God and wait for answers. This really help me to see where I am and I am depressed and am allowing this to take me to the pit. I do need to seek the help that is mentioned. I do hope that if anyone else is out there they will take the test and see what they can do to be better for themselves.

  2. #2 by Norma - November 18th, 2009 at 19:00

    Dear Rita, I am so sorry for your loss of so many family members. I have lost my parents to and my dad just a few months ago. I konw how heart broken you must be. As I am. I keep praying to God to help me through this and mend my heart. I also keep reminding my self that one day I will be with them again. I am so sad. I will take the test and see if it will help. take care i’ll say some prayers for you.Norma

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