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Commentary on "Hope Against Depression"
Day 3: Monday, February 7, 2011 - The Consequences of Discouragement
Overview
In Monday's lesson, the author discusses the "consequences of discouragement". He then goes on to list out the symptoms or manifestations of depression, such as: deep sadness and sorrow, lack of motivation, change in appetite, sleep disturbances, feelings of low self-esteem, poor reasoning and memory, and thoughts of death and suicide. He then goes on to state that the burden of depression is large and must be relieved with medical and spiritual intervention.
Thoughts
Truthfully, I failed to see the point of this lesson. The author described some of the symptoms of depression (far from a complete list), and then ended the lesson by saying, "Some people experience just one or two symptoms, while others manifest several and suffer for months until the episode ends. In any case, the burden of depression is enormous and must be relieved by medical and spiritual intervention."
There is not much to comment on for this lesson, since the author did not say much. Instead, I will discuss some general aspects of depression and its treatment.
Depression is often the most misunderstood of all the painful emotions. It can be so difficult to fight, because the depression itself depletes you of any energy or motivation to do anything about it. For some people, depression comes upon them suddenly, sometimes triggered by an event or sudden chemical change in their body, and for others it sneaks up on them so slowly that they are not even able to recognize it for what it is. Regardless of how it comes about, it is crucial for one to identify it early on. The sooner one is able to recognize the depressive symptoms, the sooner they are to be able to address it.
In order to properly cope with the depression, one must understand the cause. Some causes for depression are biological. There are many different biological causes for depression, so it is critical to discover what the exact underlying cause is so that the proper medical treatment can be utilized. Some causes for depression are psychological. Again, like the biological causes, treatment must be directed towards the underlying cause. A good christian counselor can often help in uncovering the source of psychological depression.
Healing can take time. If you feel you are in the dark hole of depression, hold on to the truth that God is the ultimate healer and you are not alone in your hole. If we surrender our lives and depression over to Him, He will direct us into the path that will restore us. God is faithful!
Summary
- Depression can have many symptoms, and can stem from many causes.
- Biological causes should be medically addressed so that the underlying cause can be properly treated.
- A good Christian counselor may assist in treating depression that is triggered by psychological issues.
- God is the great Healer, and is fully able to restore us to fullness and joy.
Copyright 2011 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised January 18, 2011. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.
Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 7
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 7
