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The Depression Demon

Lewis

Member
Depression Hurts But You Have Power to Beat It!

Please watch the full 53 minute video on depression below, then you will know what it is and it's phases, in the first video. It is by Stanford's Sapolsky on depression in the U.S. (Full Lecture) first video. Second video is by Tom Brown Ministries.
Stanford's Sapolsky On Depression in U.S. (Full Lecture)



Know your enemy- it is invaluable advice for anyone who is fighting depression. If you recognise the early depression symptoms you will be able to seek treatment before it takes complete control of your live. Because one of the most debilitating aspects of depression is steeling its victims will to act. Depression is a vicious cycle. Those who fail to take the action will only become less and less capable to act as time passes.
Dealing with depression and anxiety is far from easy; I know that as I have had to fight against many of inner demons. I have spent many nights trying desperately to fall asleep but being unable to. Depression and anxiety happens to the people all the time and I hope that if you understand it and know that it isn't something to hide, cover up, or ignore, your can gain the power to beat it.

At the very least about 30% of the Americans suffer from a physical symptoms of depression. Depression hurts! It can not only destroy person suffering with depression, but those who mean the most, including friends and family. A serious major depression can ruin a family if left untreated. This is really bad news! The good news is that there is a treatment and relief available for depression sufferers.

However, the majority of people who are dealing with depression and anxiety do not get treated. We have learned in recent years that depression happens mostly due to a chemical imbalance or mix-up in the brain. These mix-ups can be treated with medications. Depression is treatable, just like high blood pressure, diabetes, and any other disease. It is simply a matter of reaching out for help, finding the right medication, using the natural treatments, and following directions.
[video=youtube;NOAgplgTxfc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOAgplgTxfc[/video]


Think of this like having a car that has an engine light flashing. You wouldn't ignore trouble signs and think you could just keep on driving. You would investigate what have happened, get mechanic to check out your car, and fix whatever went wrong. The same thing applies if you develop a fever over 102F, are covering with sweat, and become weaker and weaker. You know something has to be done. This is exactly the same when you suspect you can have a depression. Something is terribly wrong and you must act quickly.

How do you know if you have depression? Depression hurts a person emotionally and physically. It involves your mood, your thoughts, your appetite, your sleep, and your feelings of self esteem. Depression destroys your thinking ability and all you can think about is how miserable you and your life are. It is not just some blah or the blues. Everybody has a few or more days when they feel down and sad. This is different. This is an emotional pitfall you have fallen into which affects your family, your job, and your whole life.




It's a horrible feeling of hopelessness, of failure, of thinking that there is no way to get things better. You actually do 'drag' yourself along, thinking that you would rather hide somewhere and avoid everyone. If you are depressed you cannot just 'keep it together', put a smiley face on, square your shoulders, and get a stiff upper lip. No matter how hard you try to lift yourself up, you just can't. And it tends to get worse, not better. If you don't get treatment, this can last for months or even years.

Depression, like a thief can steal your life. It crawls into your life, steals your energy and self esteem, and whispers that you are worthless. Depression can drive you to actually think about suicide, and ending this agony which has made your life a pure hell.

Depression can affect people at any age, of any race, any ethnic, or any economic group. It doesn't just happen to sensitive people and is truly an equal opportunity illness. It is not a form of weakness but is a serious health problem.
[video=youtube;JJuKV6iIyd0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJuKV6iIyd0[/video]
Fighting Depression Demon
 
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That hopelessness feeling that they were talking about in the above post. Is one bad feeling, there is nothing like it.
 
Drugs to Treat Depression



There are several types of depression medications (antidepressants) used to treat depression and conditions that have depression as a component of the disease, such as bipolar disorder. These drugs improve symptoms of depression by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. It is believed that these brain chemicals can help improve emotions.
Major types of antidepressants include:

  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are some of the first antidepressants used to treat depression. They primarily affect the levels of two chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain. Although these drugs are effective in treating depression, they have more side effects, so they usually aren't the first drugs used.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another early form of antidepressant. These drugs are most effective in people with depression who do not respond to other treatments. They are also effective for other mental illnesses. Substances in certain foods, like cheese, beverages like wine, and medications can interact with an MAOI, so these people taking this medication must adhere to strict dietary restrictions (see below). For this reason these antidepressants also aren't usually the first drugs used.
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a newer form of antidepressant. These drugs work by altering the amount of a chemical in the brain called serotonin.
  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another newer form of antidepressant medicine. They treat depression by increasing availability of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.
Examples of effective and safe medications commonly prescribed for depression or depression-related problems are listed in the chart below.

Drug Name
Type of medication
Potential Side Effects
Anafranil
Adapin
Aventyl
Elavil
Norpramin
Pamelor
Pertofrane
Sinequan
Surmontil
Tofranil
Vivactil

These medicines are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) which work by increasing the available amount of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain.
Dry mouth, blurred vision, increased fatigue and sleepiness, weight gain, muscle twitching (tremors), constipation, bladder problems such as urine retention, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, increased heart rate, sexual problems.
Parnate
Nardil
Marplan
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain
Must avoid certain foods and medications to avoid dangerous interactions*
Serious side effects may include: headache, heart racing, chest pain, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Celexa
Lexapro
Luvox
Paxil
Prozac
Zoloft
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, work by increasing the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in the brain.
Sexual problems including low sex drive or inability to have an orgasm are common but reversible, dizziness, headaches, nausea right after a dose, insomnia, feeling jittery.
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin may increase the amounts of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
Weight loss, decreased appetite, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness
Wellbutrin is much less likely to cause the weight gain or sexual problems seen with other antidepressants.
Effexor
Remeron
Cymbalta
These drugs increase the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Drowsiness, blurred vision, lightheadedness, strange dreams, constipation, fever/chills, headache, increased or decreased appetite, tremor, dry mouth, nausea.
Remeron can be sedating. Cymbalta may increase sweating and blood pressure and also cause fatigue and reduced energy.
Desyrel (trazodone)
Ludiomil
These drugs block various neurotransmitter chemicals to some degree.
Desyrel may cause drowsiness, fatigue, tremor, headache, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting.
Ludiomil may cause headache, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, sweating.



When taking an MAOI, you must avoid taking certain medications (including some over the counter medicines like Sudafed) and eating certain foods such as aged cheese, wine and beer, avocados, bananas, canned meats, yogurt, soy sauce, packaged soups and sour cream. It is important to note that you should not drink alcoholic beverages while taking antidepressant medicines, since alcohol can seriously interfere with their beneficial effects.
In October 2004, the FDA determined that antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.
 
I know for a fact, that if it was not for these drugs many would be dead or would kill people or kill themselves or have no hope. These drugs do have their place.
 
I found this sermon about depression by Bryan Delinger:

SermonAudio.com - Depression

What does the Bible say about depression and sorrow? Is it a sin to be depressed, or were there people in the Bible who suffered from depression?

In this study we look at 11 people in the Bible who had different types of sorrow and depression. We look at both mental/spiritual as well as physical sorrow.

We also cover solutions for those who struggle with depression.

A high quality cd of this sermon is available at:

www.kingjamesvideoministries.com
 
People who were depressed in the Bible

There are numerous biblical references to depression, one of the human race's most common and distressing afflictions. It is likely that the first humans to experience depression were Adam and Eve, after they sinned against God. Examples of people in the Bible who suffered bouts of depression


King David — “I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. …I groan because of the turmoil of my heart” (Psalm 38:6,8 - NKJV). Read David's prayer

Depression due to guilt

CAIN, son of Adam (having disobeyed God)
“Then the LORD said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.’”
Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV) DAVID, King of Israel (having committed adultery was depressed until he confessed his sin)
“When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah.”
-Psalm 32:3-4
Release from depression caused by guilt came from confession and seeking God's forgiveness…
“For I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from before Your eyes’; Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications When I cried out to You. Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. …I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”
Psalm 31:22 - 32:2, 32:5 (NKJV)
 
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David's humble prayer for forgiveness (an example for us all) “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight; That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. …For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart; These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:1-13, 16-17—NKJV
 
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When you're depressed, place your hope in God.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. …For You are the God of my strength…†(Psalm 42:5, 43:2—NKJV).​
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.â€
—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit†(Romans 15:13—NKJV)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things†(Philippians 4:4-8—NKJV).
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you†(1 Peter 5:6-7).
Although things may be difficult, Christians can avoid deep depression.

“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed… Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal†(2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18—NIV).
Remember what Jesus Christ went through for us. Remember what the apostle Paul experienced, yet remained focused on the eternal rather than the temporary. When we maintain faith and keep our focus on God's love and the hope He has given us for eternity, Christians can weather the storms of life. It can be done.
Paul — “…I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.â€
—2 Corinthians 11:23b-28 (NIV)​
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.â€
—Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
When the Israelites were depressed, God called them to put their faith into action.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint†(Isaiah 40:31).​
Answers to related questions


DEPRESSION - Are there biblical examples of depression and how to deal with it? - ChristianAnswers.Net
 
Depression can be caused by emotional factors and improper responses to events in life. It can then also become a medical illness stemming from the irrational thinking. So the "brain chemical" talk can be similar to the "which came first?" thinking.

It really doesn't matter how one became depressed except to evaluate the thinking process to find errors --or what are called cognitive distortions so change can be made.

Just as "stinking thinking" can cause one to spiral down into the horrible pits of depression, countering the negative thinking, correcting the distortions, and do what is called "reframing" of negative thoughts into rational ones, can and does allow the depressed person to begin to come out of the darkness.

Focussing on God can help, if one can do so. The problem is that someone so engulfed in the darkness of depression can rarely sense God's love and caring. They may crave it desperately and just can't seem to "find" it. At those times they need to be encouraged to "not doubt in the darkness what they knew to be true in the light." Meaning, God loves them, cares about them, and is with them and can heal them.

It's generally a process because major medical depression is often caused by (or causes a patient to make a habit of) irrational thinking over a long period of time. Identifying the cognitive distortions being engaged in each patient, and then implementing the appropriate solutions allows the patient to sense hope immediately as they realize there is a solution, without medication.

While I agree that many people's lives have been extended because of the modern medications, when it comes to depression the results of 6 months of medication versus 6 months of psychotherapy places the patient virtually at the same place in the healing process. (Both methods are equally effective.)

Depressed people need balanced encouragement and love, along with understanding and hope.
 
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