"The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!"

I read an interesting article today about holiday and seasonal-related depression, and how the media aggravate the problem by setting unrealistic expectations of how people should live their lives during "the most wonderful time of the year," also known as the period from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. About 12 years ago, I suffered from severe holiday and seasonal depression and am now suffering alongside a relative who has fallen into deep despair over irreparable family problems. Reading this article, I began thinking about the religious community's response to what the medical profession has called "the common cold of mental illnesses."

The article mentions a pastor who counsels people with feelings of depression; one of his recommendations is to help others less fortunate. Many, if not most, depressed people would benefit from this advice, but I know from personal experience that my feelings of depression actually increased when I took the time to help others less fortunate. I saw how deprived they were and how much more I had in comparison. In my mind, I mercilessly berated myself for being so "selfish." But at that moment, how was I to effectively help others when I desperately needed help as well?

I have seen how depressed people become even more depressed when they allow others to think and make decisions for them. The worst of the bunch are the "holy men" who tell their depressed brethren that they lack faith, or that God is punishing them for their sins, or that they can heal themselves by prayer alone, or that Christians ought to be happy, and so forth. I wonder how many people suffering from depression have gotten much worse--or even taken their own lives--when they were unable to live up to the expectations of their religious creeds and their "divinely appointed" leaders.

Even severely depressed people can use their God-given reason to improve their health, happiness and well-being. With proper care and treatment, their minds, bodies and spirits will gradually heal until they leave the darkness behind and are restored to the light. As Jesus taught, the rest of us can be a comfort and a guide for them so that they may see the light of love and hope that comes from God.