This Article: (3 Pages)
- 1. Case study of Depression: for... carers from a Bible perspective
- 2. The Journey There (or how I may... have avoided it)
- 3. The journey out (how it was overcome)
1) Case study of Depression: for carers from a Bible perspective
This is the case study of one: myself and what I have learnt from others who have conquered it too. But it may be useful.
Firstly Depression is perhaps miss-named. It wasn't what I thought it was. I wasn't sad, but rather 'wound up'. It is not feeling down or sad necessarily, but often might be more emotions well out of control, not just anxiety but intense irrational anxiety.
He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)
One incident which was to resonate with me and give a good direction was what happened to Saul when he became proud, rebelled and departed from God. Samuel points out Saul's pride,
Then Samuel said unto Saul, “Stay, and I will tell you what the LORD has said to me this night.”
And he said unto him, “Say on.”
And Samuel said, “When you were little in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed you king over Israel?” (1Samuel 15:16-17)
The spirit of Yahweh doesn't dwell with human pride (Isaiah 59:2 &57:15).
But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. (1Samuel 16:14)
It is indeed possible that God may send 'an evil spirit' and Depression often feels to the sufferer like an evil spirit.
Another passage which was encouraging in terms of seeking healing from God was the number of people healed of mental illness by our lord.
Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the daimonion were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. (Luke 8:35)
It is Yahweh's prerogative to do as he wishes, he may strike, but when we seek him with our whole heart, mind and soul, he is merciful to heal us.
See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. (Deu 32:39)
I was told by a doctor (and now mother of 4) who had had depression when finishing her medical studies, that she suspects it first when there are inexplicable patterns of health complaints.
Symptoms were both physical and mental. The physical symptoms fit with being worn out,
Irregular heartbeat (or perception of it)
Pain in the chest as if tearing (or perception of it)
Inexplicable pains and stomach upset (feeling unwell)
Low immunity
If female, severe cramping as part of cycle
dark under eyes
not being able to sleep (to the point of throwing the digital alarm clock!)
Nervous tension, being unable to relax, 'keyed up'
Pricking sensations in the skin
General aching (so that no bed is soft enough to sleep on)
There seems to be consistency in the description of feeling a fog (or 'darkness') in the head, or a 'pushing in' sensation inside the head. The mental symptoms might vary more from person to person.
Excessive prolonged anxiety/ fear for mundane things, worry about death.
Long periods of intense anger or sadness / weeping, especially in winter.
Irrational re-occurring thoughts.
a feeling of being unable to control thoughts.
periods of intense frustration. Screaming. Throwing things.
extreme sensitivity, to images, sound, light, voices, touch sensations.
Symptoms may vary from person to person, and the illness may vary. These are my observations, an experienced doctor will know more.
The good news is that many including myself have made it to the other side, to emerge as much happier people.
And more so, looking back, you will see a blessing. I made it without drugs. I had the supoort of my mother and God in prayer.
A lady said to me when she knew I was unwell that during her two years she walked with God and was closer to God than she had ever been, and that helped me -
I can say indeed the God of the Bible was my staff and comfort as I walked through the valley of the shadow. I found always I could go foward if I prayed.
If I prayed for calm, the calm came. My advice: Don't look back and pray. To carers what we say is not real. It will distress you (my poor mother who heard dreadful things),
but forget it. Listen, yes, but forget and don't reinforce it, don't ask into it, analyse it or argue with it. Distract to good and positive thoughts.
Sit with us, but
you won't 'get through', as we in the valley of the shadow are locked in an inward focussed tiring battle in our own troubled brain
where all the rest of the world is felt through dense glass wall, through which all things come too loudly and brightly.
Then one day it begins to dissove, until it is gone.
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