I was interview recently on Higher Things Radio. It is on suicide and depression. I thought the interview went really well, and answered some questions I haven’t talked about before. Episode 287. Enjoy!
-Peperkorn
I was interview recently on Higher Things Radio. It is on suicide and depression. I thought the interview went really well, and answered some questions I haven’t talked about before. Episode 287. Enjoy!
-Peperkorn
This is a question I get a lot. Often from wives, fellow pastors, circuit counselors, even an occasional district president. What do you do with someone who suffers from depression? It sounds like a slightly ridiculous question, but it is a hugely important one. If we are going to be the Body of Christ to those who suffer, then that service of love must take on flesh and blood. We have to think through what we can actually do, and perhaps even more importantly, we have to recognize what we cannot do.
Let’s start with #2, and work our way back to #1. What can’t you do to help someone who suffers from depression?
That’s what we can’t do. Here is what you can do:
These are just a few thoughts that come to mind. How about you? What have you found that is the most helpful or unhelpful?
-DMR
Here’s an article a friend passed along that highlights a new study on the challenges of tracking down the cause of different types of mental illnesses. A 2003 study linked a gene mutation that interrupted the neurochemical seratonin increased the risk of depression. The new study seems to refute that claim, or at least temper it quite a bit. Here’s one quotation:
Study Refutes Depression Gene Finding – Yahoo! News: “Scientists have had an unusually tough time linking specific genes with different psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The likely reason: The genetic and environmental interactions are both more subtle and more complex than in many other diseases, said Keith A. Young, vice chair of research at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science.”
The “cause” of depression is elusive and tricky. Biochemical, situational, and spiritual elements can all come into play. How to unravel the mystery? We, of course, may never be able to completely unravel it. As Lutherans, though, we are blessed with an understanding of God’s world that takes into consideration all of these factors, and does not see them as contradictory. I can look at mental illness, recognize the physiological causes, but also see how my life affects it, and how my spiritual life impacts and is impacted by it.
One thing is for sure. It’s not as clear as a broken leg.
Todd Peperkorn
aka DMR