The "Fearful Gift" Of Depression
The October, 2005 issue of The Atlantic has a tremendous article by Joshua Shenk entitled “Lincoln's Great Depression”. I would like to give you a quick summary of this fascinating article. And then I would like to share some insights on this very personal issue of depression, gleaned from the writing and from my own personal thoughts.
A Summary Of The Article
Lincoln was a man who struggled with depression, sometimes heavy and almost debilitating, all his life. His law partner, William Herndon, said, “His melancholy dripped from him as he walked.” A neighbor and friend, Mentor Graham, writes that Lincoln “...told me that he felt like committing suicide often.” Easily this could have tipped over into a state of disease. However, Lincoln chose early in life to resolve to work with his depression, and it actually became a catalyst to spur him to greatness. He accepted it as a natural part of who he was; an unwelcomed but recognized ingredient of his disposition. He shifted from expending his energy in protest of depression, to working to master and use his melancholy. Work became a refuge, as did reading and conversation. In his rise to political prominence and particularly through his debates with Stephen Douglas on the great issue of slavery, he was able to speak with conviction and depth born from this struggle with self and the intensity of thought it produced. Such almost uncanny ability to look at matters of life with stark realism enabled him to be the great man, whose steady and moral leadership most likely saved the American experiement. Yet all his life he never overcame depression. He never really gained happiness. But, he ever developed as a creative thinker. And He grew, especially during his presidency, in his appreciation and reliance upon the wonderful mystery of God, and his place of dutiful service. Obviously he was a sad man. And, he was a great man. The two were inseperably linked.
Some Responses:
*It is estimated that up to 17% of Americans suffer with serious bouts of depression.
*Depression has been scientifically proven to run in families.
*The person who has previously experienced depression is most likely to have additional struggles with the challenge.
*Clinical depression is a very serious condition. This is more than just “the blues” or “feeling down”. It lasts for more than two weeks. It involves feelings of despair, worthlessness, and thoughts of death, even suicide. The sufferer is most likely helpless to change his condition. It calls for professional help.
Some Personal Insights:
(1) Depression is not a weakness of character. It is not a sin. It is part of that mysterious mixture of one's personhood.
(2) Depression is not, necessarily, a medical ailment that must be squashed.
(3) Depression is not a disqualification from leadership, or even greatness.
(4) Depression does not mean distance from God. It does not evidence a lack of spiritual maturity.
(5) A decision is to be made concerning personal depression. Will I allow this to debilitate? Or, will I grab ahold of this creature within me, and see that it is a tool to help shape and mold me into a better person? This is the character facet concerning depression.
(6) Dealing forthrightly with personal hardships enables one to look at other complex issues of life with greater honesty and clarity. this was how Lincoln was able to look so insightfully at such divisive issues as slavery, the Civil War, and even the nature of God. I believe an upright and earnest encounter with depression helps to develop such quality of insight in us.
(7) “Happiness” is far overrrated. It can make one vulnerable to illusions and an overestimation of self. It can lead to poor judgments. (Of course, sadness is not so great, either! But it does serve its purpose.)
(8) A great quotation comes from the article. It is by the playwrite Eugene O'Neill, whom I understand to have been a fatalist much like Lincoln: “Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue!”
Have you considered that depression can be a tool for good in your life? A character shaper, not breaker? Your thoughts, please.
02.17.06 (11:22 am) [
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posted by:
cherryred (
reply)
post date:
02.17.06 (6:33 am)
This is a very nice post.
Pain and suffering is the most important ingredient to cook a nice happiness pie. And the best moment is while you are cooking, not when your are eating. Sorry for this silly analogy =)
Furthermore, the art emerges from the suffering and the struggling, that is something we shouldn't forget.
Great post, and very nice personal insights
posted by:
Sillygrrl3 (
reply)
post date:
02.17.06 (6:42 am)
I loved that article and think you chose well to make it a blog topic.
I have not had much experience with depression in my personal life, but I have with those around me.
Thank you for writing what I have told them. It has been a belief of mine that the more someone hears that depression doesn't mean you ae seperated from God the more they might believe it.
Thank you!
kara
posted by:
surrogate (
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post date:
02.17.06 (8:14 am)
Great post.
posted by:
exsuscito (
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post date:
02.17.06 (8:20 am)
What if the root of this issue, the underlying fact is how an individual deals with their shortcomings?
"Treat your problems like a baby in your arms, not like a monkey on your back"
posted by:
ruined (
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post date:
02.17.06 (8:30 am)
It's great to see that you wrote that depression is not a sin. I suffered from mild bouts of depression, as most people in their teen years do. Mine were lower lows than most people of my age group. My family would treat those lows as something of a sin, because it is God's intention that we all be happy (their words, exactly). If I wasn't happy, then I was going against God's will, therefore, my sadness was a sin. Thanks for clearing that up!
posted by:
funkadelichika (
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post date:
02.17.06 (10:00 am)
I struggled with major depression still do at times. I don't think I have really thought of it ever as being a sin although I must admit some people treated me sometimes like I was crazy or like I was doing something horribly wrong.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.17.06 (11:06 am)
Reply to: cherryred
The analogy of suffering and struggling as a work of art is interesting. It means there is purpose. It means the result will be worthwhile. And, if it is an art, then I understand God to be the Artist.
Thanks. Come this way often, please!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.17.06 (11:10 am)
Reply to: Sillygrrl3
So, do you read Atlantic? Our local library system is great. I am able to check-out magazines, and so get a dozen at a time and spend a couple of weeks working through them. Atlantic is a good, howbeit liberal, magazine.
Depression is not a sin. The Bible tells us Jesus was without sin, and yet it also describes Him as "...a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." Depression is a tool used of God to make us what we are intended to be. We can even be thankful to God for the experience, usually after the fact of course.
Thanks. Keep reminding your friends, and I will too.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.17.06 (11:13 am)
Reply to: exsuscito
Good quote. A baby, although alot of trouble, with the proper development can grow into something that is beautiful and that you can be proud of. I guess the same with our problems.
Thank.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.17.06 (11:15 am)
Reply to: ruined
I just do not see that happiness is promised to us by God. Abundant life (John 10:10), joy, peace, and other Fruit of the Spirit. But happiness? God uses challenges to develop us. Depression is but a tool, when we trust God.
Your folks meant well.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.17.06 (11:18 am)
Reply to: funkadelichika
You cannot help the complex chemical and physical and emotinal mixture that comes together to make you. It's the work of life and God, and you are just along for the ride. Sometimes depression is included with that ride. I've come to the point that it matters little if others understand. Even understanding is optional on my part. Trust, now that is essential.
Thanks for you honesty.
posted by:
guerillafunk (
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post date:
02.17.06 (12:19 pm)
I don't know if I agree with this. Having been depressed in my life, I know that nothing good came from it. I fell farther and farther into a darkness; I couldn't control it even though I knew what was happening. It was the days when I could see God's grace, for whatever reason, that I knew that I was inspired. Inspired to continue, inspired to inspire. Inspired to create. It wasn't the depression that I used to my advantage, it was the ephemeral moments of light in my life that kept me alive.
posted by:
rcurry (
reply)
post date:
02.18.06 (7:32 am)
Since I'm currently fighting with a round of depression that I hope no one ever has to experience, I would have to agree that depression shapes you. For better or worse, it shapes you. Come what may.
posted by:
MidnightEpicure (
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post date:
02.18.06 (10:14 am)
Without the lows, you can never realize how good life can be.
I "suffer" from Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Anxiety. I have seen darkness that most can not fathom. Suicide was a near escape just months ago. My life has lead me to a degree of selflessness, such that I do not need much to be content. Depression is humbling.
My girlfriend lives a sheltered life, and a happy one- one without depression. Her day to day stresses seem petty, snd would be if they were mine, but I understand that to someone who has not seen the lows that I have, she knows no lower. So her worst day ever would probably seem like a walk in the park to me. I dont mean to sound all self righteous, because I'm not. All I'm saying is this: beauty is subjective, and depression makes it easier to see; happiness is not being on this 'high' all the time, but recognizing that what you choose to do can get you there; and to those with depression, think of it as a weight on your shoulders. The heavier it is, the longer its going to take to throw off you, but the stronger you will be when you finally do.
Also, to cherryred, some of the best art comes from not only those who suffer, but also those who suffer no longer.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.18.06 (2:33 pm)
Reply to: guerillafunk
Perhaps you are too close to the experience at the moment. The pain still lingers. But you seem to me to be insightful, even wise, which for one your age is quite uncommon. Could you thank your challenges, just a little, for who you are?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.18.06 (2:34 pm)
Reply to: rcurry
Well said. Sems you are following the example of Lincoln, continuing to be productive and continuing to face life with gusto. The more I consider, I am coming to know that is the only way to truly make it through depression and be better.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.18.06 (2:40 pm)
Reply to: MidnightEpicure
thank you for coming my way and posting on my blog. You are a very welcome addition, and an example of the reason why I so enjoy the give and take of blogging. You add a tremendous aspect to this discussion of depression and self improvement. Through the experiment, you have learned humility and simplicity. Simplicity, the ability to enjoy the little and the uncomplicated. In this crazy, busy, fast world- that is a rare experience. If you have truly learned that, then you are blessed.
Now, I would not want to carry your cross in order to learn those things. I'm sure your life has been hell. Yet, you have done more than survive.
I salute you.
posted by:
bacardibreezer (
reply)
post date:
02.18.06 (8:35 pm)
Good post, very educational...I'm just glad I don't deal with depression. I try to keep a positive and happy outlook on life...
posted by:
ScubaDiva (
reply)
post date:
02.19.06 (2:53 am)
Some people seriously believe that depression is a sin???
Raised Southern Baptist - drinking, dancing and makeup were a sin but depression was skipped over.
posted by:
ScubaDiva (
reply)
post date:
02.19.06 (2:56 am)
I'm actually participating in a study on depression. As I haven't responded to medication, I'm having a sort of magnetic treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. http://www.newstarget.com/010183.html
After 2 weeks of daily treatment, I can really tell a difference. How long the stimulation lasts, I dunno. I've got another week of treatment and I can opt for another round as well.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.19.06 (7:42 am)
Reply to: bacardibreezer
I think it is rare for someone to never experience depression, even mild depression. But, hey, you are blessed in a way and you are missing out on a tool of personal development/growth. You must be a great person to hang out with.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.19.06 (7:48 am)
Reply to: ScubaDiva
I think a variety of Christians would understand depression to be evidence of sin. Of course I do not agree with them; such is quite presumptious, even self-righteous. But they would say, "If you would just turn your problems over to God, He would lift your spirits. You are letting your problems come between you and God." Or, they would say the depression is God's punishment upon you for some sin(s) in your life. When you confess, then the depression will be lifted. Like I say, crappy theology, but still the thoughts and sometimes the statements of many.
I trust your treatment goes well. I don't know if it is a scientifically valid method or not, but if it works, that is what matters. As you are now doing so much better, I'd say stay with it. And, thanks for your honest interaction.
posted by:
Darksaber (
reply)
post date:
02.19.06 (8:22 am)
I did not know it could run in the family. That is really depressing. OK that was wrong. Very informative post there.
-Revan
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.19.06 (9:07 am)
Reply to: Darksaber
I was fearful a post on depression would be depressing. That makes me depressed.
posted by:
JT (
reply)
post date:
10.02.06 (2:09 pm)
Coming to this post extremely late but finding it interesting. However, I think there's a difference between feeling depressed, and suffering from depression. You can feel depressed because of a situtation, but if you're clinically depressed, it's a chemical problem. Those with clinical depression have brain synapes that fail to pass seratonin -- a major chemical in the stew of how we feel.
It has taken me years to get to a comfort level with my "disease," and it's important for me to view it as such. It's a physical problem that causes an emotional one. That it carries a stigma still stinks, but I think that stigma is going away.
The thought that you could hand your problems over to G-d to lift your soul; would that it were true. But for clinical depressives, that's akin to handing over your high blood pressure or asthma. You can pray to G-d and receive spiritual relief, but G-d also gives us tools to care for the bodies we're given.
