Monday, August 27, 2012

Depression!?! But How?

Last week we examined the difference between sadness and depression but we stopped short of examining what can cause depression, so let’s look.

 

To begin this discussion, let’s point out that there are no real definitive causes for depression.  Arguments can be made for any of the following reasons for depression; genetics, nutrition, drug and alcohol abuse, and several other possibilities.  To examine them all would be lengthy, let’s look at four possibilities….two this week…two next week.

 

First, depression can be caused by physical or biological reasons.  Let me make this as simple as possible.  Each of us has neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in our brains that facilitate communication between nerve cells.   A nerve cell releases a packet of serotonin through an axon to another nerve cell through a receptor.  The connection is complete when the chemical message has been sent and received.  When one nerve cell fails to produce enough serotonin, or when another nerve cell has too few receptors, depression can occur.  In situations like this, medications can sometimes help.

 

Another cause of depression is circumstantial.  We all have problems that arise and demand our attention.  These problems require the use of all of our positive coping skills, our network of good support, much prayer and scripture and a host of other vital resources.  Yet when these problems go on without a break and other problems begin to occur, we become overwhelmed and exhausted.  When the circumstances look insurmountable we can lose hope, feel helpless and isolated. 

 

While we will look at two other causes of depression later…it is extremely important to remember two things.  First, if the cause is biological or physical, God still heals.  Whether that healing is by a miraculous wonder or through medical marvels, there is healing none the less.  Second, no matter what your circumstances are, if they are over your head, they are still under God’s feet.  God still solves problems.  It may not be easy or quick, but God has a plan and can still work through our circumstances.

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