Depression...

Depression is a serious condition that can occur at any age and affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. If compared to the normal emotional experiences of life, depression is persistent and can interfere with a person's ability to function. Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. Whether classified as Major depression or manic depression, Dysthymia, and/or Bipolar disorder the condition is real and it is serious. Depression is one of the most common conditions associated with suicide in teenagers and older adults.
Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin and the Healing for depression is not always an instant process; as there is no magic switch to flick and make everything sunny again. Psychology considers depression to be mostly a disorder of the brain that shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function and is totally different from the normal ups and downs in life. Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed. Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, things at school or situations at work, death of a loved one, divorce, or other problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.Depression sometimes needs to be treated with medication. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder and God intends for us all to live joyful lives. The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11). This medicine is not easy for some to swallow, yet the remedy and healing must ultimately come from God for it to have any lasting promise or power, as modern medicine simply cannot supply any real Healing. Through God's gifts of prayer, His Word, support groups, fellowship, and counseling the feelings of depression can often be solved. Especially when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Jesus and God's Will for their lives. Those suffering from depression must be willing to make a conscious effort to not be absorbed in themselves, but to turn their efforts outward. It should be known that regardless of depression or not, there are responsibilities in life placed upon an individual. Especially the ability to choose the things that will be the focus of their attention.There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their pain and/or suffering. They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it. Bringing the mind into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), renewing thinking (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:15), meditating on proper things (Philippians 4:8), and adjusting the focus of your thoughts (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1) are a great starting point of reference from God's Word to anyone suffering from the trials of life, including depression of any stage. Emotions can lead us astray, but God's Word stands firm and unchanging. We must maintain strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations. With that anyone suffering with any stage of depression should be concerned about the expectations and instructions that God has about life, especially in light of depressive thoughts and actions.