depression.pdf

8/14/2019 Depression.pdf

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That Hopeless FeelingDepression

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Today were going to talk about that hopeless feeling called

depression. Worldwide, depressive disorders afflict millions

people of every age, race, religion, and education. More people are

suffering from depression now than in previous generations.

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In a desperate attempt to cope, billions of antidepressant drugs and

tranquilizers are gulped down each year. Yet the problem only

continues to grow.

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The World Health Organization reports that by the year 2020,

depression will likely be the second leading cause of diseaseburden

1worldwide.

2This is a sobering thought.

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The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree

than many realize. Many of the diseases afflicting humanity are

the result of mental depression. Negative emotions, such as grief,

anxiety, discontent, sorrow, and guilt all tend to break down the

life forces and invite physical disease and death.3

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Did you know that heart attacks are much more common among

depressed men?4

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And that depression can cause the bones of even young women to

lose dangerous amounts of calcium?5


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In cases of serious depression, brain functions become deranged,

and various brain cells shrivel and die to the extent that key areas

of the brain shrink and atrophy.6

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As a consequence of depression, the whole body suffers, exerting

its depressive effects upon the whole personmentally,

spiritually, and physically.7

For the well being and happiness of all, it would be good for us to

learn more about depression, and most importantly, how to prevent

it.

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What is depression?

While nearly everyone fights discouragement at times, feelings of

depression, on the other hand, can be a symptom of a wide variety

of deeper medical and psychological conditions.

How can we know the difference and tell whether its serious or

not?

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First, its important to understand the difference betweendiscouragement and depression.

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Everyone is tempted to be discouraged occasionally, experiencing

a small dip in mood that can be lifted by good thoughts, prayer,

and positive thinking.


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The cause of discouragement is usually understood, and its

feelings are only temporary. We often call these feelings the

blues.

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Depressions, on the other hand, are set apart by feelings

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of persistentsadness and gloom.

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Reduced physical activity,

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feelings of irrational anxiety, and

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a sense of hopelessness are often present.


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Depressed people may have other symptoms, such as difficulty in

concentrating, and their sleep and appetite may also be affected.

They may feel tired all the time, and may lose interest in life.

Negative thinking and even thoughts of suicide can also occur with

depression.

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What brings on these feelings of depression?

Some cases of depression appear suddenly for no apparent reason.

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Others are triggered by stressful life events, such as the death of a

loved one, divorce, or a job loss.

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People who are reacting to really stressful events may feel numb

for a while and are less able to handle their jobs or other

responsibilities. They need time to work through their grief, and to

heal.

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Giving the grieving person love, encouragement, help with their

responsibilities, and sufficient time to heal--these things will

usually take care of such depressions.

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Talking with other people such as a wise friend, a teacher, or a

pastor often speeds recovery. If the depression lasts too long or the

person becomes suicidal, a professional counselor may be needed.


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Research also confirms that many cases of depression are brought

on slowly and subtly over timeby poor lifestyle habits. Science

has identified several factors that can promote, and even intensify

feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Among them are:

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AlcoholAlcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and it

has been shown to increase depression, including suicidal thoughts

and behavior.8

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SmokingResearch suggests that smoking may play an equally, if

not even more dangerous role than drinking in the development of

depression.9Smokers are three times more likely to experience

major depression.

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CaffeineAfter assessing 143,000 people, Scandinavian

researchers found a significant increase in depression among

women who were heavy coffee drinkers. In addition, these same

women also had more problems coping with stress.10

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Physical InactivityA major study of 8,000 adults revealed that

the less active persons are, the more depressed they were likely to

be.11

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Improper DietSugary sweets, and heavy rich meals can

contribute to blood sugar imbalances and feelings of depression.


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City LivingStressful living circumstances, overcrowding, excess

noise, and pollution can all contribute to anxiety and depression.

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Food allergiesFor some people, food allergies can play a role in

depression. These may need to be identified.

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MedicationsSome high-blood pressure medications, as well as

other types of medicine, can bring about depression. Consult withyour doctor about this possibility.

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What can be done to overcome depression?

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While medication for depression can sometimesprovide

temporaryrelief of symptoms, chronic use of antidepressants and

tranquilizers,

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can lead to physical or emotional dependency and may actually

deepen the depression.

There is something better!


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Nearly all types of depression respond to basic, common-sense

measures.

For example:

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Purposeful tasks. All of us need to do some kind of productive

work, whether its heading a corporation, washing a car, or

cooking a meal. A depressed person especially needs

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the feeling of accomplishment, completion, and satisfaction

found in doing something useful each day. Without something toget out of bed for, something to do, even the most stable person

would likely become depressed.

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Structure and Regularity. Whether depressed or not, we all need

structure in our lives to keep mentally healthy. Observing regular

hours for eating, sleeping, and working can go a long way to

promote mental and physical health.

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Healthful diet. Eating a simple diet of fresh, natural foods gives

increased mental and physical energy and can be helpful in

balancing the chemistry of the brain.

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Eating only fresh fruit for a day or two can do wonders in clearing

the mind and banishing fatigue.


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Adequate Rest. Periods of quietness and calm are especially

important in todays fast-paced pressured life.

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Sleep deprivation can set off or intensify depression. Most people

feel their best with 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

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Daily exercise. Experts agree that regular exercise may be the

most powerful natural antidepressant available. Aerobic activitiessuch as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling stimulate the

release of mood-elevating, pain-relieving natural chemicals called

endorphins. Increased exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and

life dissatisfaction.12

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Regular sunshineIt was Solomon that said,

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Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold

the sun. (Eccl. 11:7 NKJV)

Daily sunlight exposure has been used successfully for many years

in the treatment of various types of depression.

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Trust in God. Bearing heavy burdens alone is enough to crush

ones spirit. The Bible encourages us to, Cast all your anxietieson him, for he cares about you... and He will sustain you 1 Peter

5:7, Ps. 55:22 RSV


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Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Educate yourself to express

thanks, praising God for the many blessings He has given you.

Learn to talk hope and faith; it can have a positive impact your

life.

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Depression can be disheartening, but it doesnt have to be

permanently disabling. By improving physical health, choosing a

positive mental attitude toward life, pursuing worthwhile

activities, and developing spiritual goals and values, most people

will be enabled to overcome their feelings of depression and live

rewarding, productive lives.

In the Scriptures we find an interesting question and invitation,Brand X

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Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed

within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of

my countenance and my God.Ps. 43:5 NASB

May God bless each of us as we claim this promise, apply the

principles of this talk and place our hope in God who never loses a

battle!

1Disease burden can be expressed inDisability-Adjusted Life Year(DALY), combining the burden due to death and

disability in a single index. Using such an index permits the comparison of the burden due to various environmental riskfactors with other risk factors or diseases. (Source: http://www.who.int/peh/burden/burdenindex.htm)2Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General, World Health Organization, April 4, 2001. (Source: Website:

http://www.who.int)3White, Ellen, G. The Ministry of Healing, p. 2414Baldwin, PhD, Bernell; The Journal of Health & Healing, vol. 22, no. 2, p.35Baldwin, PhD, Bernell; The Journal of Health & Healing, vol. 22, no. 2, p.36Baldwin, PhD, Bernell; The Journal of Health & Healing, vol. 22, no. 2, p.37Referred to by B. Baldwin from Kaplan, H.I. and Sadock, B.J., Concise Textbook of Clnical Psychiatry. 1996, pp.

8Waller, S.J., et al., Impact of comorbid affective and alcohol use disorders on suicidal ideation and attempts.J Clin

Psychol, 55 (5):585-95, 1999 as referred to the J of Health & Healing article cited above.9

Hanna, E.Z. and Grant, B.F., Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 23 (3):513-22; as referred to the J of Health & Healing article citedabove.10Jacobsen BK , Hansen V. Caffeine and health. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1988 Jan 23;296(6617):291. (Research cited

inProof Positive, pg. 269)11Camacho T, et al. Physical activity and depression: evidence from the Alameda County Study.American Journal of

Epidemiology, 1991;134(2)220-231 (Guilt-free Gourmet Lifestyle Manual p.312).12Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences 56A: M497, 2001; reported in Nutrition Action, Center for Science in the

Public Interest, Feb. 2002, p.11

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