Depression Among Us

What would happen if I just let myself fall off this storey building? What would happen if

I slowed down on a highway? What would happen if I just gobble this pills down my throat all

at once? What would happen if I just ended it all?

Ever asked yourself these questions, subconsciously maybe? If not, have you heard a friend confess this and maybe it sounded like a joke? Well, these are all signs of a depressed person.

With the high rates of murder and suicide going on in our country, we can make a null hypothesis that in deed, Kenya is a depressed country. However strong a noun depression is, every adult has reached this point, either knowingly or unknowingly.

What is depression?

It is a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which stops you from doing

your normal activities. It can be brought about by a failed marriage, trauma, unmet expectations, unemployment, bipolar disorder, stress, family history, extreme loneliness, alcohol and drugs abuse among others.

There are blur signs a depressed person gives off when you dare to look deep enough. Social withdrawal, heavy drinking, forgetfulness, antisocial behaviors by a previously social person or sudden untidiness.

As tempting as it maybe to put all the blame on technology and current trends, depression has been among us for time immemorial. Hard to believe, right? Get a hold of your bible, lets see what it has to say.

• DAVID

Psalms 143: 7-8, David tells God to answer him quickly because his spirit falls and

he is in the edge of death.

Psalms: 5-7, David says that he is worn out from sobbing, all his night he floods his bed with

weeping drenching his tears.

• JOB

Job: 16-20, Job says that depression haunts his days, his nights are filled with pain which gnaws

him relentlessly...He cries to God but god doesn't answer.

• ELIJAH

1st Kings 19:4, Elijah says that he has had enough ,he pleads with God to take his life because he

is no better than his ancestors.

• JEREMIAH

Lamentations 2:10, Jeremiah says that he has cried until tears no longer fall, his heart, is

broken.

Take-home: Depression is real and can hit any of us. It is part of being human, therefore, no-one

should feel as though they are being punished by God.

What to do when depressed?

(Matthew 11: 28-30) We should take our yokes upon the Lord, (Romans 8:38-39) since nothing can separate us from the love of God.

(Isaiah 40;31) Wait on the Lord-this is after letting him know what his yoking is, (Psalms 42:11) of which God will surely help him come out of when he puts his hope in God.

How can a Christian help a depressed person?

Taking our time to listen to them is key, nowadays, time is spelt as love. Simply be there for them in whatever capacity that may seen necessary for the situation. Help them out of it, patiently.

In extreme cases, encourage them to see a well trained psychologist.

Sharing uplifting scriptures with them. Scriptures like, Psalms 42:11 which says that when the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears them and delivers them.

In the case of none believers, teach them about God, he who is our source of joy, who comes to the aid of those who love and trust in Him.

How do you deal with depression and how do you help friends who are depressed?

Let's engage.