Depression Really Does Hurt

Depression really does hurt. It affects the mind, body and soul. It brings about a deep seeded sense of internal pain and loss. How do we learn to cope with this illness that affects so many people? Life loses its luster. Once abundant enthusiasm quietly disappears. Nothing seems to satisfy the void created in the wake of depression. We question our abilities and ourselves. We slowly lose confidence, as insecurity subtly takes over our thoughts. Gone are the lovely smiles and joyful laughter, only to be replaced by sadness and glume. Fear of people, places and things rears its ugly head.

What triggers this terrible disease? Where did it come from? How do we overcome its misery? It is like riding a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Some days are better than others. Yet this is no way to live. As a matter of fact depression takes away all the desire to truly live life. Everything becomes dull and a real chore to merely wake up in the morning. Sleep often seems like the best escape.

I never understood the nature of this disease until recently, as I have dealt first hand with many people who suffer from this immobilizing illness. I felt their pain and sorrow. I heard the trepidation in their voice. I witnessed the tears of hopelessness roll down their face. And that’s just it, depression takes away hope, and without hope what kind of life do we lead?

While Jesus must have experienced some form of depression, he certainly experienced anxiety and sorrow in a deep and profound manner. He preached to a people whom never seemed to fully understand that the Kingdom of God was present with them. Standing in God’s Kingdom all life is made abundant and filled with grace. This possibly caused Jesus to feel some sort of depression as sadly the people and his disciples never quite comprehended his message. But Christ forged ahead on his mission of salvation to the world despite rejection, misunderstanding and hostility.

It is important to understand that God is larger than our depression. God is larger than the internal pain the disease causes so many. If we can possibly grasp a little bit of the knowledge that the Kingdom of God is here for us, and for at least a moment stand still in God’s presence, we will see that there is so much good in the world. We will see that through our relationship with Jesus that there is hope despite the darkness. Perhaps a glimmering light will pierce the utter blackness and maybe for a moment we will once again experience what joy feels like in our souls.

While depression is a disease that tries to kill the spirit, there are many treatments for the disease. Medical advancements have several drugs that help those who suffer. Therapy and psychiatric care are a tremendous help. But lets not forget about prayer and the acceptance that everything God made is good. God doesn’t make junk. We are not junk, rather we are all children of God and made in God’s image. God cares deeply for each and every one of us. He gave us life to fully live and thrive, not to punish us. And while horrendous acts victimize some of us, leading us down the dark road of depression, remember, Jesus too was a victim of human kinds cruelness. Jesus knows our pain and sorrow. He experienced it first hand. Even though it may feel like it at times, we are not alone. The Christ in each of us is alive, and nothing can stamp out that light once we come to the realization of God’s nurturing love.

I am not making light of the disease of depression. It is a serious illness if left untreated. I merely wish to point out that we are important to God. Our lives do matter. We are each unique and have a purpose in life. If we can open ourselves up to God we might just discover that purpose.

Through Jesus we are all worthy to stand in the presence of God. Along with therapy and medication, allow God to be a part of our healing life. His abundant grace will lift us out of the darkness and into the light of his Kingdom, which is here and now and yet to come.