Frustration was etched on her face. It had been days since she had felt like doing anything “fun”. She was able to get up without a problem, but when it came to motivating herself to trying to get anything done, she was overwhelmed. The weather was beautiful outside, perfect spring weather. The stark trees were putting forth their buds and branches would soon be covered in a palette of green. The daffodils and tulips were blooming and the dogwoods were covered with buds that would burst forth in either white or pink. Everything was turning green and the colors were coming alive leaving the brown colors of winter behind.
Normally she would be outdoors at the first hint of spring, but this year it was harder. Family problems had taken a toll on her emotions and keeping everything in perspective seemed harder than in the past. It would be a day-by-day challenge to try to turn the depression around so that life would be enjoyable. It was something that only God could help her with.
The doctor had diagnosed the patient with clinical depression. One antidepressant would work and then without any warning it would quit working. At that point it was back to the beginning and starting all over with a new medication. It was like a proverbial roller coaster. Five or six months of feeling great followed by five or six months of being moody and feeling gloomy. It wasn’t until after changing doctors that she actually realized that the diagnosis was only partially correct.
Meeting with the doctor wasn’t as hard as anticipated. After exchanging some medical information the doctor began to unravel the cause of the problem that had gone with her throughout her life. The diagnosis was bipolar disorder and it was caused by an imbalance of chemicals in her brain. This time there was a solid diagnosis and medication that would work to keep the chemicals in the brain at a steady level. Thank God that there was an answer to the questions she had always had. Over a period of several months the depression cleared and life became a new routine that cleared the gloomy moods of the past into happiness and enthusiasm.
Many people think that depression is a sign of weakness and that you can really snap out of the gloomy mood. There is nothing further from the truth. With a diagnosis like bipolar disorder, it is essential that the medication be taken every day and at the same time. What is the risk if you don’t take the medication? At least two people that I have known have had to take an extended stay in the hospital and a period of readjusting to the medication again. In more advanced cases, hallucinations and images torture the mind.
Why? What could affect one individual so profoundly and yet others were able to escape from the struggle? In some cases it is caused by heredity and the balance of chemicals goes further than one generation. In other cases prolonged periods of stress depleted the regular balance of chemicals in the brain. All the busyness of day-to-day living can take a toll on anyone. One of the results of trying to keep up the fast pace of trying to fit everything into one day and not getting plenty of sleep can trigger an imbalance.
So, where does this fit into the Christian viewpoint? Many Christians think that depression and medication are not necessary if you wholly put your life into God’s hands. Others hide in confusion away from friends and have no idea what to do and are afraid to even discuss it with others. Some Christians believe that doctors and medication can help the situation but have to overcome the stigma of going to a psychiatrist or psychologist. And then there are the Christians who bravely take the steps to work through the process and discover a new aspect of their life and learn how to manage the problem.
It seems to me that John 8:32 helps us to gain a better understanding of times that our emotions are clouded. “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Not knowing the truth can cause emotional pain. Having a mind clouded by misunderstanding or a mind that is confused and not able to focus is not what God wants for us. Medication may be the answer but only by searching can you discover whether or not the alternative is right for you. God has agreed to take our burdens on His shoulders and He can lift our spirits. He is the one true friend in our life who can help us through the depression that may be tormenting our mind. He is also available to help us gain victory over the periods when Satan is attacking us. God is the one who can take you through the maze of life and bring us to the truth of His Word. Knowing that Word can keep us out of the chains of bondage that often bring us down. Yes, knowing the truth is the only way to gain peace and understanding.
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