Dealing with Depression

Several years ago I went through about a month of feeling depressed.  I just could not seem to move the dial at all.  Because this was extremely odd for me, I went to the doctor.  He determined it was my thyroid, put me on a small dose of thyroid medicine and I have not had a problem since.

I remember the feeling like it was yesterday, though.  Nothing could lift the cloud.  Thinking positive, or trying to talk myself out of it didn’t work.  I know I was fortunate that there was an easy fix for my problem, but it has made me more aware of what people who deal with depression must go through every day.

I would guess the key to dealing with depression is to get professional help, and work diligently with them.  There is hope, even though it may not feel like it, and many people do learn how to manage it.

But for the rest of us, I think the most important thing we can do is not diminish it by assuming it is something someone can just bring themselves out of, as if they have it because of some fault of their own.  We need to be careful to pay attention to it and treat it with seriousness.  Granted, there are many causes of depression, but it can be very hard for someone who experiences the symptoms to simply pull themselves out of it without some kind of help.

Not to mention—like with so many other human conditions—there can be self-inflicted or cultural shame.  When someone is forced into the shadows with depression or mental illness that can just lead to denial, isolation, or not seeking (or getting) the help they need.

Although I have not read their book (so I cannot recommend it personally), you might want to check out this website, which has an interview with Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, MD and Msgr. John Cihak, STD, who authored The Catholic Guide to Depression: How the Saints, the Sacraments, and Psychiatry Can Help You Break Its Grip and Find Happiness Again (Sophia Institute Press, 2012.)

It looks pretty balanced, as it seems to give a healthy approach to medical intervention for depression as well as relating wisdom from the aspect of faith. Of course, there is tons of literature out there on depression, so maybe you can find one that will help you or a loved one if you are dealing with depression.

God bless,

Janet Cassidy

Janetcassidy.com