What is Depression?

Depression is a mental state of mind that makes one feel blue, blank, hopeless and helpless. Depression has to do with the mood and emotions of a person. Man is made up of spirit, soul and body. The spiritual DNA of everyone is perfect. But, the soul (mind) and physical body go through life’s challenges. Most times, the body is easily taken care of because you can see and touch it. But, the fleshy soul (our mind) is always overlooked or ignored, especially in the society we find ourselves. The mind can be sick just like the body. As a Christian, being depressed does not mean you are not prayerful or committed enough; it does not mean you are not spiritual or your faith is weak and it not mean you have committed sin (although, a constant guilty  thought could lead to depression).

Signs of Depression

Depression comes in different signs and shape depending on age and gender. Depression changes the way you think, feel and function in a daily activities. Generally, the following are its signs:

1. Fatigue

2. Irritability

3. Sleep disorder

4. Loss of interest in school, work, hobbies, relationship and other things that gives you joy.

5. Anger, and aggressive behavior

6. Recklessness and laziness

7. Substance abuse e.g. alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, etc.

8. Feeling of guilty, blame, complaining and rejection

9. Eating disorder that leads to over or under weight

19. Physical pains: headaches, backaches, stomach aches, etc.

Causes of Depression

Mild depression can easily be managed by almost everyone because we are all triggered to stressful situation one way or the other. But, if the mild or moderate depression is not managed within 6 months, it could lead to a more severe and common one called major depression. The following are causes of Depression:

1. Feeling of loneliness and isolation: feeling of abandonment, rejection and emptiness.

2. Marital or relationship challenges: domestic violence, abuse, and childlessness, health of partner or financial challenge

3. Major life challenges: bereavement, unemployment, loss of all kinds, divorce, bully, stigmatization, financial constraints and addiction

4. Chronic illness and pains: cancer, Covid 19, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, heart and kidney disease

5. Family History: depression may be running in a particular family.

6. Personality: a moody person, low self-esteem, easily withdrawn people, people with negative, complaining, rejection and extremely excited outlook can easily be depressed.                     

7. Covid 19 pandemic lockdown phases has left many people depressed than ever

Inability to realize one’s objectives can lead to depression. Disappointment from a trusted person can lead to depression. Poor economic conditions of an individual at a time can lead to depression. Frustration from any source can lead to depression. Lack of help and support at critical times can lead to depression. Being unable to share one’s plight with a sympathizer with listening ears can lead to depression. Poor marital conditions can lead to depression. Poor academic performance can lead to depression. Loss of job can lead to depression, etc.

Counselling intervention is one of the ways of remedying depression. The depressed should be referred to a counselling psychologist who will interact with the depressed and proffer panacea on what to be done to overcome depression.

How to Overcome Depression

When the causes of depression is known, it will lead to a quick treatment.  I am going to use both spiritual and psychological Counseling on the remedies:

1. The Bible says in Phil 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing. . .” Jesus also said, in this life we shall see tribulations but in Him is peace. Stop being worried because of what has come to you without you inviting it or you invited it without knowing the repercussion.

2. Start thinking of the possible ways you can bring solutions out of the situation, knowing that the power lies within you to solve the issue.

3. Also, the Bible told us the case of Saul when he was depressed (1Sam 16:14-23), he listened to good music of David. Learn how to sing, dance and listen to good music.

4. Again, loneliness is a state of emptiness of profitable activities in the mind, not necessarily absence of people around you because I have seen people that are with their spouse, yet, feeling lonely. So, learn to engage your mind positively (we in Think Counseling Concept, can train you on that)…

5. Live a lifestyle of gratefulness. Start your day with praise.

6. Engage in physical exercise. Eat good and healthy food that contain Omega 3 fatty acid.

Learn new skills. Join volunteer group (private chat me)

7. Consult a professional trained therapist. Talk with a professional trained counsellor (you can private chat me).

8. Medication. Most times, antidepressant drugs are not really advisable because it does very little to someone that is going through major depression. It only help you to sleep and eat more. Talking-therapy – professional Counseling, is more preferable.  Please, let us break the silence of what will people say because your life matters to you first before other people. We are trained to listen to you and proffer solution for you, without judging you.