I think one should be careful about simplistic sounding answers to depression, which can have complicated sources and causes from a mixture of physical, relational, situational and spiritual factors. Nevertheless, it is true that sometimes simple actions can have great effects toward removing dark mental clouds. If emotions can affect actions, then actions can also affect emotions. I like these suggestions from
Brian Croft:
Depression is a dark, complex cloud. It is a burden that takes time to
work through and is usually a snare that those who struggle with it,
struggle their entire lives. While the counseling is being done, while
the heart is being examined, while the gospel is being applied, and
while the local church care is being extended, what can a depressed
person do to fight against the darkness every day....
He then gives two simple suggestions.
1) Force yourself to verbally acknowledge one thing you are grateful for to someone else. The
common posture for a depressed person is that they see no good in
them or the world. They are the poster child for the glass being half
empty. Yet, Paul tells us in ”everything give thanks” which does not
exempt the deep darkness of depression. If you are struggling with
depression, force yourself to honestly and sincerely speak something you
are grateful for. It could be the smallest, simplest thing or person,
but make sure you are experiencing gratefulness in your heart for it and
someone else hears you speak it.
2) Force yourself to go and serve someone else. In
my experience in caring for those struggling with depression, it is
very natural and easy to sit around, do nothing, and think about
how horrible your life is. Fighting for joy means going against the
grain of what you feel like doing, and doing that which would be good
for you and others. The best way to take your eyes off your own
struggles, is to go and bless someone else in the midst of theirs.
What do you think?
I completely agree, and this is true even for those whose main source of depression is biological. As an instructor and facilitator for people with a mental illness (including depression) I have seen nothing lift someone up more than gratitude and service. While it doesn't mean that will make depression go away, these are two self help tools that heal the heart and spirit, and help to renew the mind and I have personally witnessed the effects they have on people. While depression pulls us farther from God, these two simple but valuable things bring us closer and please Him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post Barry!
I completely agree with you. The most natural remedy to fight with depression is doing regular exercise. Another approach to fight this condition is to communicate your feelings and expressions with someone who is close to you.
ReplyDelete