WALDROP: Depression: considered mental health’s ‘bad cold’

Rev. Russell G. Waldrop, D. Min., LPC, is a pastoral counselor and is chaplain of Western State Hospital. Contact him at 332-8004 or .
Published: October 9, 2008

Depression is the fourth stage of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’ “Five stages of Grief.” Like previous stages, its bad reputation can stifle anyone’s admission that they are depressed. Yet, depression occurs so frequently in the general public that it has been called “the common cold of mental health”; that is, it occurs as often in mental health as does the common cold in physical health. However, who discusses their depression as easily as their bad cold? Very few. Why? Several reasons.

For many people, depression signifies personal weakness or failure, a lack of emotional maturity, or evidence of mental illness. Spiritually, depression may be defined as a lack of faith, a sin, an attack from Satan, or punishment from God. Rarely is it understood as having positive opportunities for life, faith and discipleship.

When considering the meaning of depression, we must acknowledge that everyone becomes depressed occasionally without having serious mental health or illness issues. Even when it is serious, mental health can be seen as a straight line throughout our lives. As we walk along that line into the future, we likely dip below it for short or longer periods of time while still functioning normally. If our daily function does become interrupted, our goal is not to engage in worrisome speculation, theological or otherwise. That could keep us below that line. Hopefully, our goal is to live well “under the line,” learn what God has for us there, and return to life “above the line,” even if gradually.

As with the common cold, treatment is available. Physicians, therapists, clergy, etc., have much to offer travelers on this difficult road. Instead of being an insurmountable barrier in the path of life, depression may represent recurring sections of the highway. It can cause a brief delay or even force a detour; but it need not stop our journey, even during a hospitalization.

The depression we are considering here stems from significant losses in living. In fact, most, if not all, depression is a response to loss. Even depression coming from chemical imbalances within the brain is loss related: losses of the presence, or proper balance, of those chemicals that influence thought, emotion, behavior, and the ability to feel good.

An often overlooked feature of depression is its invisibility. Who would expect its appearance at weddings, graduations, and childbirths? But it is there, nonetheless, hiding amid the laughter, toasts, relief and high expectations. See that young lady over there in the third pew from the back? She had dated the groom for years until he broke up with her for the woman now standing beside him. She will kiss his cheek in a few minutes ... and cry herself to sleep tonight.
See that man serving punch at the graduation reception? He’s the father of the graduate who has just announced his plans to go to graduate school instead of getting a job. Dad will lift a toast to that decision shortly, and then call his financial planner in desperation.

And that’s a baby shower going on over there. It’s her first child, his third. It’s her first marriage, his second. Anyone who doubts that high or unmet family expectations can cause serious depression should follow this family over the next few years.

So where is God in all of this and what is God doing about it (if anything)? If none of these scenarios “sounds” religious or spiritual, then we need a broader view of human experience, a better understanding of depression, and an adequate God, like the one revealed in the Bible. What is God like for you when you are depressed?
(Continued next week)