WHAT IS DEPRESSION? How can you cope with depression?.

What is depression?

"Depression"  is a mood disorder that causes persistent feeling of sadness and loss of  interest and can interfere with your daily  functioning.

Psychologists says that "depression"  is a

common mental health problem that involves

a low mood and a loss of interest in activities.

    Some people experience profoundly  negative emotions, at times accompanied by

feelings of worthlessness and inordinate guilt.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of depression  can vary from

Sadness to fatigue.

Scientists believe that as many as 40% of

those with depression can trace it to a

Genetic link.

Environmental and other factors make up the

other 60%.    Research has also shown that

People with parents  or sibblings  who have

depression are upto three times more likely

to have  the condition.

Remember,  there is no single cause of

depression.  It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers.

For some people, an upsetting or stressful

Life event, such as bereavement, divorce,

illness, redundancy and job or money worries

can be the cause.  Different causes can often

combines to trigger depression.

What the Bible says:

The Bible teaches  that illness is a by-product

of the rebellion of the first human couple.

(Romans 5: 12)

Through Adam we have inherited Imperfection

and Sin, because each of us is susceptible to

Illness both physical  and emotional.

How can you cope with depression?

YOU CANNOT ALWAYS CONTROL YOUR

CIRCUMSTANCES, AND BAD THINGS  ARE

BOUND TO AFFECT YOU AT TIMES.

(Ecclesiastes 9:11,12)

You can, however, develop a practical strategy

so that negative feelings do not dominate your life.

First of all, you must consult your Doctor.

The Bible acknowledges that those who are  sick need a physician.   So if you suffer from

a debilitating mood disorder, there is nothing

wrong with seeking medical attention.

Second important thing needed is prayer.

The Bible also emphasizes the value of

Prayer.  Psalms 55: 22 says:  "throw your

burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself

will sustain you.  Never will he  allow the

righteous one to totter."

    Prayer is not a psychological crutch,

    it is real communication with Jehovah God,

    who is   "near  to those that  are broken at

    heart, and those who are crushed in spirit

    he saves." -Psalms 34: 18

Thirdly, talk your feelings to a close friend

Proverbs 17:17 says:  "A true companion is

        loving all the time, and is a brother that

        is born for when there is distress."

You may also benefit by confiding your  feelings to a close  friend. Do not avoid such

an upbuilding conversation with loving friends

which bring comfort and relaxation.

Fourth is God's promise of a Kingdom hope

The Bible offers a hope that  no physician

can extend - God's promise of a peaceful

New  World  in which all sicknesses and disorders, including depression, will be gone.

       Revelation 21: 4 says:  And he will wipe

       out every tear from their eyes, and death

       will be no more, neither  will mourning

       nor outcry nor pain be anymore.   The

       former things have passed  away. "

Under God's kingdom people will have enjoy

healthy bodies and active minds.  Never again

will there  be sickness, sorrow, or any mental disorders like depression.