Depression, The Dark Fog of the Soul

Today is time to talk day,  in regards to Mental Health, because of the importance of Mental Health and people's misunderstanding and misconceptions about this issue/

 I was reading in today's edition of the Daily Mail about the high levels of anti-depressant medication such as Prozac prescribed to residents of some sea-side resorts such as Blackpool.

I was reading recently in Daily Express newspaper here in the UK,  when Prince William,  The Duke of Cambridge spoke of his high regard for those charities that help those facing mental health challenges and suicide.  

Habakkuk 3:17-18New American Standard Bible (NASB)

17

Though the fig tree should not blossom

And there be no [a]fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls,

18

Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

 

Many both in the Church and outside the Church suffer from various forms of depression and other mental health issues,  more often or not we have not dealt in the best way with Christians and non-Christians who cope with various degrees of success and failure with these issues, some have self-medicated through alcohol, drugs and food,   it’s easy for us who either say we have never or never will have depression and or we successfully or unsuccessfully try to hide or camouflage our own battles with mental health issues such as depression, and to not realise the effects that depression and mental health issues that effect our friends, neighbours and family members and ourselves.   for many living with depression know its's a battle and don't see the full victory in some people's eyes of complete healing. Despite their and other people's prayers.  We walk by faith and not by sight.

It is not my place to say what we can do to deal with our own mental health battles or the battles the people we love and care about,  we can give glib and easy answers,  but it’s time that we tackled mental health issues with honesty, integrity and commitment.   There are many excellent books and resources available for those who want to enter this ministry and avenues for personal study,  please feel to look these up.  I have included one link that has helped me to consider the effects of depression. If you or someone you love is going  through a battle with depression I would advise you to consider counselling .  In my personal journey, I will prayerfully look through books and other resources in order to fully equip myself  to help those with depression.

The Depression Epidemic

“What is depression?

First we need to clarify what we are talking about. In order to distinguish severe or "major depression" from everyday blues, the American Psychiatric Association offers the following diagnostic criteria:

Major depression is diagnosed when an adult exhibits one or both of two core symptoms (depressed mood and lack of interest), along with four or more of the following symptoms, for at least two weeks: feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt; diminished ability to concentrate or make decisions; fatigue; psychomotor agitation (cannot sit still) or retardation (just sitting around); insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much); significant decrease or increase in weight or appetite; and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.

This clinical definition is sterile, however, and fails to capture the unique quality of the severely depressed person's suffering.

Deep depression is embodied emotional suffering. It is not simply a state of mind or a negative view of life but something that affects our physical being as well. Signs of a severe episode of depression include unfounded negative evaluations of friends, family, and oneself, emotional "pain," physical problems such as lethargy, difficulty getting one's thoughts together, and virtually no interest in one's surroundings. Though most of us know at least an acquaintance who has committed suicide, this tragic act baffles us perhaps as much as it pains us. "I just don't understand," we say. The irony is that survivors of serious suicide attempts frequently reflect on those attempts with a similar attitude: "I have no idea what came over me." The pain and mental dysfunction of major depression are that deep.”

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the UK, according to the mental health foundation.

But despite how common the illness is, many people do not understand exactly what it means to have depression, and often think of it as being the same as sadness - however the two are completely different.

Sadness is something we all experience; it’s a normal, human emotion we feel when something unpleasant happens to us. It can occur at regular intervals in our everyday lives, but it is not constant.

Depression on the other hand is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.

When you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks, months or even years and it is not due to 'bad' things happening.

It is a genuine health condition with real symptoms, and it's not a sign of weakness or something you can snap out of by pulling yourself together.

It is a constant feeling of sadness and hopelessness every moment of every day.

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms can range from lasting feelings of sadness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful.

Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and complaining of various aches and pains.

The severity of the symptoms can vary. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while at its most severe depression can make you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.

DEPRESSION IN MEN AND WOMEN

One in four women in the UK will suffer from depression at some point in their lives compared to one in 10 men, according to the mental health foundation.

However because depression symptoms in men can go longer without being diagnosed or treated, the condition might develop into a more devastating mental health problem.

And statistics show that men are more likely to have an alcohol or drug problem relating to depression and are more likely to commit suicide.

In fact, around 75 per cent of suicides in the UK are men and it still remains the most common cause of death in men under the age of 35, according to the mental health foundation.

SUICIDE AND HOW TO SPOT PEOPLE AT RISK

Around 4,400 people end their own lives in the UK each year - that's one death every two hours - and at least 10 times that number attempt suicide.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention says: "Suicidal behaviour is a complex phenomenon that usually occurs along a continuum, progressing from suicidal thoughts, to planning, to attempting suicide, and finally dying by suicide."

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted.

Most people who commit suicide don't want to die - they just want to stop hurting.

Suicide prevention starts with recognising the warning signs and taking them seriously.

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS:

Talking about suicide

Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born", "If I see you again..." and "I'd be better off dead".

Seeking out lethal means

Seeking access to guns, pills, knives or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Preoccupation with death

Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.

No hope for the future

Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change.

Self-loathing, self-hatred

Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me").

Getting affairs in order

Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.

Saying goodbye

Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again.

Withdrawing from others

Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.

Self-destructive behaviour

Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish."

Sudden sense of calm

A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide.

For more information on what to do if you think someone is suicidal go to helpguide.org.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch.

“If you know someone who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.

Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”

 Stephen Fry

What the Church & Christians Need to Know About Suicide & Mental Health

Yours in His Grace

Blair Humphreys

  

 Southport, Merseyside