Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:7-8
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), only about 30 percent of people with depression are ever diagnosed. Of that 30 percent, only half are treated. Of these, only 6 percent are managed sufficiently.
What does this all mean? Depression is very common in the population, it is often underdiagnosed and then, undertreated. While stigma around mental health issues is greatly diminished these days, there still is fear and misunderstanding in dealing with mental disorders.
Depression manifests in many different ways. It can look like irritability. It can look like laziness to those not understanding the process of depression. It can look like chronic fatigue, and indeed, physical, mental and spiritual fatigue are hallmarks of depression.
Depression is not simple sadness, which can be temporary, and based upon situations that have turned sour on us. However, if not checked, such instances where situations have become chronically draining can led to a major depression. Long-term duration of stresses from negative encounters can actually change our neurobiology and we can then become biologically depressed. Our Serotonin levels then have then become adversely affected, and the depression takes a new negative turn.
None of us are happy all the time- that is not really possible. Yet the joy and zest for life must be encouraged in all of us. We can acknowledge difficult times- we all have them- but when those times get to the point of shaping our outlook, it is time to ask for help.
Prayer: Lord, help us to look inward in honest reflection of our current state, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 