“Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.” -Psalm 42:530 to 40 million Americans are reported to suffer from depression.
If you think you may be one of those people who also has it, keep in mind that society tends to use the word “depression” to cover everything from sadness or disappointment over failing a test to the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair that some people say have caused them to contemplate suicide.
Oftentimes, one’s depression has underlying causes that are not physical, chemical or hormonal, but may be the result of something depressing going on in your life. By working on the cause of the problem, these feelings of sadness and frustration may fade.
No one’s life is truly perfect, but by not allowing ourselves to get so dragged down by every negative situation or hurtful word that may come our way, we can have better control over our own peace and happiness.
Why?
Because while we can’t control others, we CAN control how we allow others to affect us. As such, if we are living a good and godly life, and have no reason to feel the heavy burden and consequence of sin and the separation it causes between God and ourselves, then let us instead sing joyful praises to Him, and be thankful for all God has blessed us with!
“What about antidepressant pills?”
God has allowed mankind to learn about many medical marvels and tools. If we don’t have a problem taking daily vitamins to stay healthy, or getting a yearly flu shot to ward of sickness, or even to have a life-saving operation when needed, then no one should feel shame or embarrassment when medication is prescribed for a true chemical imbalance. Oftentimes, even when the depression may not be hormonal, a doctor may temporarily prescribe anti-depressant medication so that the patient can come to a better emotional place where they are more able to tackle an unresolved issue or root cause of their depressed feelings. Perhaps they may have a history of abuse, or feel worthless because they were given up for adoption as a child.
~Melanie Schurr (Copyright 2005)
 (http://www.melanieschurr.com)
