Some Thoughts on Depression

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.  Steven Stillinger

The following is information for those times when we are learning to, “dance in the rain” when that rain happens to be some form or degree of depression.  Depression is defined as a mental state of altered mood characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement.  Depressive disorders affect 18.8 million Americans a year, that equals 9.5% of the adult population over the age of 18.  80% of depressed people are not currently under treatment.  15% of depressed people will commit suicide.  At least 4 % of preschoolers are clinically depressed.  About six million people are affected by late life depression, but only 10% ever receive treatment.

Symptoms of depression can include chronic sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary pleasurable activities, decreasing energy, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, eating disturbances, difficulty in concentrating, difficulty in making decisions, feelings of worthlessness or helplessness, social withdrawal or isolation, and increase in addictive behavior.  There is no single cause of depression.  Causes may include genetics; environmental factors such as poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances, stress, brain injuries, substance abuse; sociological factors such as breakdown in traditional communities and dissolution of extended families; as well as spiritual crises such as life loosing its meaning and purpose or significant changes in one’s role in the family or at work.     

Treatment options include physical, biological and spiritual choices.  Studies have shown that thirty-five minutes of daily exercise in the morning can have a positive effect on depression.  The response is even greater when the exercise is done early in the morning out of doors.  Bright light therapy is helpful especially for individuals who are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression that occurs during fall and winter months when daylight hours are shortened.  Exposure to bright sunlight on a daily basis or to bright artificial light for up to an hour a day while occasionally glancing at the source of the light can be very helpful to counteracting this type of depression.  Antidepressant medications correct an altered brain chemistry which may be causing depression allowing individuals to return to a state of normality.  Electroconvulsive therapy continues to be used successfully.  Present day use of this therapy is performed while the patient is under anesthesia without causing a seizure.  Counseling and the use of cognitive therapy can assist the depressed person to refute negative thoughts and replace them with realistic thoughts.  It is important to note that up to 90% of individuals who experience depression and are treated, experience a remission of these symptoms.

Spiritual choices to counteract depression include the provision of the following: presence of a concerned person who can actively listen and convey a caring and accepting attitude, support of positive religious beliefs, prayer, general support and encouragement, as well as connection with a spiritual community.

In the event that you feel depressed it is important that you reach out for assistance to a family member, your Pastor, your Parish Nurse, your Deacon, or one of your a Stephen Ministers.  

Sources:  Rogue Valley Medical Center Spiritual Care and Behavioral Health Departments