dep

DEPRESSION: 

DEPRESSION The 'Common Cold' of the 21st Century By Dr. Rick (2002) Hidden Treasures Foundation MentalHealthLibrary.info

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Depression is widespread. It is currently among the most common disorders encountered in the primary care practice.

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L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee: Prophet and Seer [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], 351. Death’s Dark Angel

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Elder Walter Stover, a traveling companion wrote: 'When his beloved wife, Fern, passed away President Lee and I were assigned to go to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for four weeks. We held many conferences. At that time he was in deep sorrow for the loss of his beloved eternal companion, and I have seen him weep on many occasions, and it was very difficult for me to cheer him up. We held many meetings with our missionaries and members in the armed forces in different cities in Germany. On many occasions, I was his translator. In Berlin he was so depressed he had to go to his hotel room and turn the conference over to me.' L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee: Prophet and Seer [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], 351. Death’s Dark Angel

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On November 9, 1962, Elder Lee, with a heavy heart, and Brother Stover left from the Salt Lake Airport for Europe. Elders Spencer W. Kimball, Mark E. Petersen, and Richard L. Evans were there with family members to see him off and give him the encouragement he so much needed. No sooner did they arrive in Europe than memories began to hamper Elder Lee's slight grasp on emotional control. November 14 was his wedding anniversary and Fern's birthday. He called it 'a most difficult day of memories.' Two nights later he wrote, 'Nervous tensions and depression turned last night into a nightmare.' L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee: Prophet and Seer [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], 351. Death’s Dark Angel

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        The grieving continued sporadically for another year or more as Elder Lee struggled to gain an emotional foothold and make a new life after the family deaths had registered their tremendous effect on him. On the first anniversary of Maurine's passing, with the memories of his losses poignantly on him, and analyzing the event one year later, he wrote this commentary in his journal: 'This is the anniversary of Maurine's sudden passing while I was in Hawaii. ... I returned home that night to the saddest experience of my life, as I saw her shocked little family, hoping that Grandfather's return would somehow lift them above their tragic loss. Somehow my emotions and nervous tensions seem to have been intensified as the memories of Fern and Maurine come back to me now.' L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee: Prophet and Seer [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], 351. Death’s Dark Angel

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Depression is best thought of as a continuum--with normal sadness on one end and extreme feelings of depression on the other. Most of us experience normal fluctuations in mood. But the intensity and duration of the negative mood is a depressed person is excessive. The Ensign, April 1984, My Spouse Seems Depressed Sometimes. How Can I help, pg.21.

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It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal. Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in our struggle in life . Elder Body K. Packer, LDS Conference 1978

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Diathesis-Stress Model '… Neither is sufficient by itself to produce depression, schizophrenia or other disorders.' American Psychologist 7/95, pg 488

Depression: a mental illness: 

Depression: a mental illness Research indicates that depression may be linked to an imbalance of the brain’s chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters. Diathesis

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This kind of depression does not respond to willpower, positive thinking, or stress management techniques (alone). The causes of biological depression involve altercations in the brain neurotransmitter (messenger) chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals can actually alter one's mood, thinking, and behavior. The Ensign, June 1984, When Life is Getting You Down pg. 58

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One sensitive area I wish to deal with is the use of medication for resolving emotional problems. I am not a medical doctor and for the most part neither is your Bishop or other church leader. Prescribed medication can only be given by a trained and licensed professional. Whether or not you use medication is a decision that you and a trained physician make. Use a similar procedure in taking medication for a mental illness as you would in deciding about taking medication to deal with any other medical problem. The Lord has blessed us with science and technology that can make our lives so much easier. A variety of medications are now available that assist in dealing with serious and life threatening problems, including emotional ones. To those suffering from a mental illness or disorder, medication can be a tremendous help. We would no more expect a diabetic to live without insulin than we would expect a person suffering from a serious mental illness such as manic depression or schizophrenia  to live without appropriate medication. We understand the treatment of many mental illnesses require the use of medication. If you, your surrounding loved ones, and a mental health professional decide medication is necessary, then take the medication. Elder/Dr. Joe J. Christensen, Hidden Treasures Foundation

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The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.    Alma 40:23 For a more serious depression / chemical imbalance eventually the resurrection is believed to be the ultimate cure.

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Depression is almost always a signal of another concern/problem! Stress(ors)

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Examples of stressors:

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Spiritual growth and knowledge does not come to us automatically by virtue of membership in the Lord's church. Furthermore, depression and other emotional problems can be caused by physical and psychological disorders unrelated to our membership in the Church and which can often be improved or resolved by medical treatment or professional counseling. … It is not enough to join the Church and be 'active' in it. Baptism alone does not change lives or cure physical problems ... I am an active member of the Church, but in recent months I've had some serious emotional problems. Why hasn't my membership in the Church prevented these problems? The Ensign March 1984

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social, emotional, spiritual, The responsibility for each person’s… physical, or rests first upon… Ensign Nov. 1977 pp. 77-78 economic well-being

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Remember that ecclesiastical leaders are spiritual leaders and not professional therapists. Very few church leaders are qualified as mental health professionals. Time constraints and a lack of a specialist's competency are limitations for the great majority. They should seek trustworthy professional consultation when it is needed. As we read in the Church Handbook of Instructions, 'When necessary, recommend counseling with someone who understands the disability.' (P. 313; Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2 © 1998.)  In these situations, the idea that church leaders are shepherds, not veterinarians has meaning. A question a Bishop or other church leader might ask is, 'When do I give counsel in areas like mental illness?' My reply would be 'When you feel the spirit.' Obviously, the position alone does not always entitle correct counsel on every issue. Elder/Dr. Joe J. Christensen, Hidden Treasures Foundation

Getting Through Depression: 

Assume some responsibility for your depression Do your best to remain active Do service Do set appropriate goals Take time to appreciate Go easy on yourself Follow your health care provider’s advice Access church resources Getting Through Depression

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Matt 11: 28