Understanding Depression

Understating Depression (Edited from Nelson Price). Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1 Have you ever been depressed? If so, you are in good company. Dr. Harold Esecover of the Columbia Psychoanalytic School noted: "I doubt that there is a person around who hasn't been touched by depression." It may be caused by a chemical deficiency that affects the brain just as other deficiencies affect other parts of the body. About 90% of depressed persons are helped by medical treatment that provides one of several medicines in a category known as antidepressants that adjust the chemical imbalance. Listen to the anguish in this statement: "I am the subject of depression of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever get such extremes of wretchedness as I go to ... Personally, I have often passed through this dark valley [of depression]." Though that may sound like the wail of a non-believer or a carnal Christian, it was spoken by one of the world's best known and highly successful preachers of his time, Charles Hadden Spurgeon. A legitimate question is, what causes depression? Most folks look for a simple answer. There are actually four primary causes: A. ENDOGENOUS DEPRESSION. This name means to come from within. This type results from a chemical imbalance in the central nervous system and/or improper functioning of the endocrine glands. These chemicals make the brain function, think, and reason. They are called hormones. An imbalance in these hormones can cause depression. Often one's own body chemistry can reverse the process and end the depression. Sometimes prescribed drugs administered by a competent physician can correct this type. Symptoms of endogenous depression are: anxiety, confusion, inability to concentrate, memory loss, and a sad feeling. B. REACTIVE DEPRESSION. It gets its name because it results from a reaction to such things as a dramatic personal setback or death of a loved one. Sadness prevails and is associated with periods of anxiety. C. TOXIC DEPRESSION. This type is caused by outside substances such as a viral illness, drugs, or faulty diet. D. PSYCHOTIC DEPRESSION. Causes of this type are brain disease, mental disorder, over-exhaustion, and a nervous breakdown. Behavior is unpredictable. In many of these cases, faith in Jesus is not enough. Something else is needed. I would hasten to remind you that nothing without a strong faith in Jesus is enough. "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him...." (Psalm 42: 5) Consider also spiritual reasons. Saul is a complicated man. His personality marred by sinful pride brought him to be rejected as King of Israel. Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king."(1Sam 15:22,23). Saul sought help. Soon God's appointed successor David became a help to him in his depression. "And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight." And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him." (1Sam 16:22,23). Depression is not always from a harmful spirit. Sometimes it is. Those subject to depression should seek appropriate help. Firstly they should seek reconciliation with God in our Lord Jesus Christ who gives His Holy Spirit to those who believe and trust themselves to the Saviour. Ephesians 1:11-14 says "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." Trust Him today.