Depression Hurts...

There has been a very good advertizement campaign on TV lately about depression.  It asks:  "Where does depression hurt?" and gives the answer "Everywhere."  It then asks "Who does depression hurt?" and gives the answer "Everyone."  It makes an excellent point that depression is a serious condition that causes a lot of pain both to the one depressed and to the ones they love.  Depression should not be made light of or dismissed.  As medical research has shown it is caused by chemical change in the brain and as such the popular treatment for depression is medication to restore balance.  Did you know that the chemical changes in the brain when one is depressed are similar to the changes in the brain when one is going through extreme grief caused by such life changing events as the loss of a loved one?  In other words, while depression is a physical problem and has physical roots for many people, for many others the root of this physical problem is in the realm of the spiritual.  The Bible tells the stories of several people who are distressed.  To mention a few I think if King Saul, King David and the great prophet Elijah.  (During the next three days I will look at some of their causes and cures for depression.)
As we approach Christmas depression is always a timely topic.  Christmas is a time when many people struggle with depression because they feel lonely or because they are remembering past times or people who are no longer here.  Others struggle with depression because they feel they have nothing to celebrate while all the world around is celebrating.  This is why many churches and organizations put on "Blue Christmas" services or other ceremonies.  If you are suffering depression this Christmas know that  you are not alone and that the whole message of Christmas is "Immanuel' which means "God with us."  Our God is with us!  Remember always that if you are depressed there is help out there for you.