Hi Bob,
Having been morbidly depressed for long periods of my lifetime, and treated for that with no lasting effect with medications and secular counseling, and having had made multiple suicide attempts and having been hospitalized once for that, and having been an R.N.who specialized in Mental Health and Neurology, I consider myself to have some knowledge of depression. Both in training, and experientially. And this is what I know, and I can’t say it enough so I’ll say it really loud:
“THE HALLMARK SYMPTOM OF DEPRESSION IS THANKLESSNESS”, not hopelessness. Hoplessness, despondency and suicidality are all fall-out from perceiving that there is nothing in life to be thankful for. Remember, we are made to worship. When we refuse to worship we are going against the flow of God. It is rebellion against God. Depression is anger or guilt turned inward. All our human anger is anger towards God. Ask a clinically depressed person to list 5 things they are thankful for, and they will end up with an anxiety disorder, as well. So, ask them to think of just one thing they are thankful for. What was the last thing they remember being thankful for?
Gently remind them that babies don’t come out of their mother’s womb depressed. They are inquisitive and fascinated, they smile and coo and cuddle. Where and when did the depressed person leave that path? It’s true; depression is a lie. It’s a predatory beast waiting in the weeds to leap on unsuspecting prey. Prey is what the beast thrives on. The prey I am referring to are our lying thoughts, such as, ‘My life is hopeless, always has been , always will be. I am hopeless’ and they then slit their wrists (or whatever).
The truth is, they haven’t always felt that way, or believed those lies. Let them get a glimpse of themself as a liar, then share with them your testimony, the truth, and what you are grateful for, which will reveal the saving (or healing) love of a God dripping in grace and forgiveness. He’s already bled out for our lies. There, that’s the first thing to be grateful for. Let’s start by celebrating that. Bread and wine, anyone?
Susan Moore
P.S. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil.4:8-9)
It’s a promise.