Dealing With Depression-By Ted Msipa(PhD)

Introduction

The global economy has been on a downward spiral for a while now. It is safe to submit that since the COVID-19 pandemic, the world economies have been in turmoil. This has caused tremendous mental pressure in the lives of many breadwinners who have seen their bread shrink. So many people are suffering from depression without even realizing it. It is what it is as Anthony Joshua once retorted. The causes of depression can be complex and involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors: ?

What is depression?

Many have heard or used the term depression. However, very few have a proper understanding as to what it is. Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and a plethora of emotional and physical challenges that can impair daily functioning. The key aspects of depression include but are not limited to a few major symptoms such as emotional, physical, behavioral, and severe symptoms.

The Drivers of Depression

Depression is a complex challenge as alluded to earlier on. It is driven by many challenges or factors. The causes of depression can thus be complex and involve a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors:

Biological Factors: Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances can trigger depression (e.g., thyroid problems, menopause, and pregnancy).

?Genetic Factors: We all come from somewhere and we carry our ancestors' inherited blood. Family history: A family history of depression may increase the risk.

Environmental Factors: Trauma and stress: Life events such as abuse, the death of a loved one, financial problems, or a difficult relationship. The most pronounced being the loss of a breadwinner. Financial challenges are usually compounded when breadwinners die.

Psychological Factors: Personality: Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem and being overly dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic. Other personalities such as choleric are high-minded and they easily fall into depression when things are not going according to plan.

Depression in the Bible

I love the bible so much because it is my book and your book. It is our book of life. It has every good and bad thing and does not ignore any vice or virtue. The Bible includes several accounts of individuals who experienced deep sorrow, anguish, and even symptoms that resemble depression. These stories highlight the human condition and the struggles many face, as well as offering hope and comfort through faith. Some of the major heroes of faith battled with depression at one point or another. Consider Prophet Elijah, King David, Prophet Jeremiah, Job, and Apostle Paul among others. All these heroes of faith battled this monster called depression. This encourages us as believers to know that the Generals dealt with this challenge and remained significant and relevant figures in the faith walk. King David often expressed deep anguish, loneliness, fear of enemies, and feelings of guilt and shame. In Psalm 38:4, David says, "My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear." Despite his intense emotional pain, David frequently turned to God in prayer, seeking comfort, forgiveness, and deliverance.

Prophet Elijah after a significant victory over the prophets of Baal, fled for his life from Queen Jezebel and experienced intense fear and despondency. He prayed for death, saying, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors" (1 Kings 19:4). God provided for Elijah’s physical needs, gave him rest, and spoke to him in a gentle whisper, offering reassurance and guidance.

In the Book of Job, Job suffered tremendously, losing his children, wealth, and health. He expressed profound grief and a sense of hopelessness. In Job 3:11, he lamented, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" ?Job wrestled with his emotions and questioned God, but ultimately he maintained his faith and was eventually restored by God.

?Jeremiah is called the Weeping Prophet and he wrote the Book of Lamentations. ?The prophet Jeremiah experienced great sorrow and weeping over the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people. He is known for his laments and expressions of deep emotional pain. In Lamentations 3:20, he says, "I will remember them and my soul is downcast within me." Despite the doom and gloom, he continued to trust in God’s faithfulness, declaring, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail" (Lamentations 3:21-22).

Key?? Takeaways

Depression is not a respecter of persons. It can affect anyone and everyone especially when the pressures of life are intensified. But through all those challenges the biblical characters clearly showed us that we can overcome depression through a myriad of initiatives.

Lessons from Biblical Figures:

• Honesty in Prayer: These figures were honest with God about their feelings, which is an important step in dealing with emotional pain.
• Seeking God: Despite their despair, they turned to God for comfort, strength, and guidance.
• God’s Provision: God responded to their needs in various ways, providing physical sustenance, emotional support, and spiritual reassurance.
• Hope and Faith: Their stories emphasize maintaining faith and hope in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even in the darkest times.

These examples offer both empathy for those experiencing depression and a reminder of the importance of seeking spiritual support and comfort. If you are suffering from depression always remember Christ is the hope of Glory and the King of every situation. The Bible calls Him the Head of all Powers and Principalities. There is still hope for you to still trust him for a permanent solution. Others have been through the worst but He came through for them. Arise and shine, your season of redemption has come through Christ the Game Changer. He is the Ultimate Leader you will need to follow and overcome the challenges of life. May goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life as you rise to conquer.

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