BIBLICAL BRIEFS 70
Many people struggle with despair, but this is linked to circumstances, and should not be referred to as depression. Depression is a complex and varied state of mind which results from a unique combination of genetic factors, neurochemical conditions, environmental influences, certain past events, especially traumatic experiences, as well as lifestyle habits. If depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, there is often a root or original wound which results in depression. If a person suspects that he/she is suffering from depression, it is of utmost importance that thorough medical attention is sought. However, if the psychological reasons for depression are not thoroughly dealt with, there is a risk that you will in the long term be dependant on chemical medication without true healing (Isa. 58: 8). It is true that chemical imbalances in the brain can cause depression and has to be handled by a professional. But – it is very important that the natural, external factors that lead to depression should be handled in a practical manner, as far as possible. Various aspects of our modern way of living serve as a kick-start to an unhealthy medical condition: poor eating habits, exposure to chemical medicine and toxic food, a lack of exercise and a healthy lifestyle, stress, insufficient rest, and so forth. All these external factors need to be dealt with thoroughly before a pill is taken. All of these external factors can lead to the establishment of a state of depression over a period of time, which can physically impact the delicate balance in the body, and according to the latest research, it may even cause DNA mutations establishing the depression at cellular level. External factors which can cause depression are: acquired hopelessness (“the sense of being trapped in an intolerable situation”) and continuous stress. Three others on the list are actually fruit of depression, and not the root cause: negative thoughts, (suppressed) anger and deep-seated feelings of guilt. All three of these may be symptoms of depression but are not the cause thereof. Rejection and abuse can definitely be a root wound, and one could also list any kind of trauma, or molestation/rape, and so forth. Trauma as such is extremely widely interpretable, making it almost impossible to list all causes of depression thereof. God’s promise for those affected by depression is found in 2Sam. 23:5 – “Truly is not my house so with God? For He has made an everlasting covenant with me, Ordered in all things, and secured; For all my salvation and all my desire, Will He not indeed make it grow? ”
Dr. Tom Gouws
