Chapter 5 – Depression – Corinthians 5:20
Depression is a serious medical illness; it is not something that you have made up in your head. This definition comes to us from www.nimh.nih.gov.
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.
And this from the Mayo clinic – “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day to day activities, and depression may make you feel as if life isn’t worth living.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply ‘snap out’ of. Depression may require long term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychological counselling or both. Other treatments also may help.”
I am not a doctor, psychologist, theologian or spiritual guide and can only talk from personal experience on depression. It is serious and if you have clinical depression, please go get professional help.
As I mentioned earlier, spiritual guidance is recommended but get professional help as well.
Does the above sound familiar? If you have experienced marital divorce or separation chances are you have experienced symptons of depression. If the symptons of feeling down, unmotivated or lacking energy persist for weeks or months go seek professional help, in my opinion.
Another important thing to practice is don’t isolate yourself for long periods. Isolation is necessary for all of us at times, be it a spiritual retreat or just spending time alone with yourself. You have to be comfortable with being alone and you and I need to do that, but if you are continually isolating yourself ask yourself why. This could be a problem as well.
That is why partaking in a small faith based group that meets regularly is so important. You will build friendships based on rock!
Is God’s grace sufficient for you? Are you allowing God’s strength to replace your weakness? The great Apostle St. Paul may have suffered depression. Read Acts of the Apostles, Romans and all his epistles. A number of saints experienced and/or suffered from depression as well.
Don’t go it alone. Nail it to the cross. Nail all your pain and suffering to the cross. Jesus wants us to.
Corinthians 5:20 tells us – “giving thanks always for all things to God the father, through Christ our Lord”. We are to give the good and the bad, the joy and the suffering over to God and thank Him for all of it. Your depression could even be the springboard for you to achieve greatness. My depression resulted in the writing of this book.
Again, you know your own body best. If you think you have clinical depression, I cannot stress enough to go get help. Anxiety, depression, bipolar all stem from the same tree and need to be treated professionally.
Always be prayerful in everything you do, and always give the glory to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ and seek out those professionals He gifted to help us!
I was diagnosed as bipolar 2, which is a milder form, but once diagnosed it is treatable and absolutely can be managed and you can live an abundant life and fully function in any manner.
Live a balanced life! Get 8 hours sleep, early to bed and early to rise. Eat healthy, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Drink a lot of water. Exercise! Read positive and uplifting books and articles. Build relationships! Especially with Jesus! Put God first and everything else will be taken care.
Charles DeFeo: Catholic Blogger and Useless Servant of Christ 