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Questions
and Answers about Depression -©
copyright 2000 by Lynette J. Hoy, N.C.C., L.C.P.C.
Use
of Antidepressants:
Q:
In spite of the controversy, most therapists agree that medication
can be an appropriate form of treatment for depression. How are antidepressants
best used, and how can a patient work with her doctor to ensure that
she is using her medication appropriately?
A: In my opinion, antidepressants can and should be tried as
an intervention for depression when people are suffering some of the
following symptoms for over 2 weeks which hinder their functioning
and ability to live a normal life, ie., poor concentration, difficulty
sleeping and eating, loss of weight, poor work performance, continual
fatigue, thoughts of suicide or "I wish I were dead", crying spells.
(see the article on depression.)
Physical
examination & Mental Health Consultation:
First of all, I encourage clients to get a complete physical examination
to rule out any underlying physiological disorders which may be causing
the depression such as hypothyroidism or hormonal problems. Then,
I recommend that they go to a psychiatrist, to get an evaluation to
determine the need for medication since a psychiatrist specializes
in diagnosing and treating mental health disorder while a physician
only sometimes treats mental health problems. Many people today opt
to be treated by their family physician because it is more convenient
and less expensive.
When an antidepressant is used, then, the person needs to be followed
up by his/her doctor to see what the results are and if there are
any side effects from the medication. Usually, the doctor or psychiatrist
wants to see this patient within 2 weeks after starting the medication.
The patient and doctor need to talk about any other current medications
he/she is taking which might be contraindicated for use with an antidepressant.
Many other factors must be assessed such as: is the person dealing
with an alcohol or drug addiction or is the woman pregnant, looking
to become pregnant or breast-feeding? These patients may not qualify
to use an antidepressant.
I encourage clients to manage their own health care by getting the
drug insert which gives information on side effects, complications
and when it is contraindicated. When clients are on medication they
tend to start feeling better and then, stop going to counseling. Unfortunately,
they avoid dealing with the real issues which are causing the depression.
So, the doctor and the counselor needs to encourage them to continue
in counseling to learn better coping skills for the situations or
relationship issues they face.
Natural Methods to Increase Neurochemicals:
Also, clients need to learn to increase their neurochemicals through
natural ways such as exercise and taking time to grow spiritually.
The medication will boost their neurochemicals, ie., serotonin, catecholamines...
but, it doesn't change the fact that one has to work through the loss
of a loved one or still has to deal with past sexual abuse. Those
crises and losses need to be dealt with, processed and grieved.
The Spiritual Dimension of Depression:
Q: Is there a spiritual dimension to depression that gets
overlooked when we rush into taking medication? In other words,
in our effort to "hurry up and feel good" do we possibly miss
out on important lessons that God might be wanting to teach us?
A: "There most certainly is always a spiritual dimension
to depression. David writes in Ps 42:5-6 5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put
your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my
God. NIV
Every person who walks in my office feeling depressed has an issue
with God. Most Christians who are depressed have a general sense
of disappointment with God. They struggle with periods of doubt
about God’s love for them and begin to question whether He will
help them through their problems. Non-Christians express anger
towards God wondering, "how a good God can allow suffering?".
Or their belief that God does not exist, might not exist or doesn't
care actually is the basis for some of the hopelessness and despair
causing their depression.
Perspective and beliefs about God and Who He is changes one’s
feelings and perspective on life. When people know that there
is a God of the universe Who loves them and has a plan for their
lives... they begin to feel more hopeful and experience the comfort
and peace they need to work through any trial or disappointing
circumstance. They begin to pray and read the Bible which changes
the false beliefs underlying their depression. Depression is a
complex disorder.
Since human beings are very complex...it is necessary as well
to look at all the underlying causes of depression such as: low
self-esteem, losses, physical pain, relationship or financial
issues, guilt, shame, trauma, dysfunctional family issues, along
with the spiritual and physiological reasons.
Most importantly though, people need to discover a relationship
with Jesus Christ so they can be forgiven and be assured of spending
eternity in heaven. Experiencing that relationship
with Christ, freedom from sin and hope for eternal life makes
one’s life on earth more bearable and even joyful. Medication
can give people more motivation and energy to get through a depressive
period in their life but it will not be a cure-all for depression.
One must take steps to fight depression on all fronts: spiritually,
mentally, physically, emotionally and relationally.
Q: What can people learn spiritually when going through
depression?
A:
1. That God is there for them. That God can bring real
wisdom and help for their needs. Proverbs 3:5-6
2. There is hope for the future both temporarily and eternally.
Why? Because Jesus Christ can bring strength and wisdom to make
the right choices to face any trial and He promises everlasting
life to people who trust Him alone for their salvation. John 3:16,
10:10
3. To fix their eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector
of their faith. Hebrews 12:1-2
4. To build character by learning perseverance and endurance
in hardships. Romans 8
And yes, people will miss out on the spiritual learning experiences
of depression when they look for a “quick-fix” vs. working on
the core issues which are causing their depression. People can
work out of depression with God's help and the resources (He provides!)
which are available medically and psychologically.
All of life is a spiritual learning experience. God is there for
people who are suffering. People can really experience God's help
and presence in the valley of depression."
5. To pray fervently:
First: surrender your life to Christ and His will. If you don't
have a personal relationship with Him then, read the article How
to Know God.
Second: admit any sins you have committed (1 John 1:9). Guilt
can play a part in causing your depression. But, remember, that
Jesus died for our sins and has already paid for your sins (Colossians
3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 4:32). But, you need to admit and repent
of any sin which may be part of the cause of your depression....
such as resentment, bitterness or anger. Read about forgiveness.
Third: Admit any fears you may have. Ask God for the courage to
face these fears and to take any steps you need to take to overcome
them. Read some scriptures on fear and anxiety...such as Phillippians
4:6-7, 13 and Isaiah 41:10. Pour out your fears and feelings to
God. He can take it!
These scriptures will remind you that Jesus Christ can provide
the inner strength and peace you need and that the Lord is your
helper.
Fourth: Offer yourself as a sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1-2).
Ask Him for His wisdom (James 1:5) in handling the problems of
the day, His perspective on people and your life and the filling
of the Holy Spirit.
Fifth: Ask God to help you serve Him and others today. Think of
one thing you can do. Reaching out to others is a blessing and
the giver (you) gets something in return, a sense of achievement,
satisfaction. Ask Him to help you do one or two things which will
help lift your spirits today and give you hope such as: reading
your Bible, exercising, listening to Christian music.
Maybe you need to set boundaries in some relationships so that
you can be renewed. Read the article on codependency.
When you pray fervently, fix your eyes on Jesus, persevere in
trials and surrender your life to God asking for wisdom, faith,
hope and peace, you will see God work! He is able to do above
all that you ask or think because He is the Almighty God! Ephesians
3:14-21
©
copyright 2000 by Lynette J.
Hoy, NCC, LCPC
See other articles and facts about depression,
take the depression inventory
to evaluate whether you are struggling with depression. Check
out Depression, Coping
with the Blues and read about Averting
Suicide.
Visit CounselCare
Connection a new organization owned by Lynette Hoy
and Steve Yeschek.
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Do
you have a question for the Counselor? Get in touch by email at http://www.counselcareconnection.org/services.asp
If
you have had symptoms of depression for more than 2 weeks or have thoughts
or a plan to harm yourself, please contact AACC for
a referral
to a mental health professional or the SuicideHotlines.com at:
1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433). |
