Rising Above Depression

Last week I taught a seminar on pain management at a church in Ohio. During the discussion period someone asked me, "How can I fight depression?"

There are two basic types of depression; clinical depression and reactive "depression." If you feel depressed for no apparent reason and for a long time, you may have a case of clinical depression. Researchers believe that this type of depression may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Such imbalances can often be restored by taking an appropriate medication. Reactive depression occurs when an event such as the loss of a job, a divorce, having a disabling accident, being diagnosed with a progressive or terminal disease, or the death of a loved one leaves one depressed. One way to look at this type of depression is to say that it is a reaction to having your soul "squashed".

"Soul squashing" depression can also set in as a reaction to on-going struggles with pain. Medical research has discovered that our nerve system sends the pain signals of chronic pain to the "limbic structures," or "mood centers" of the brain. This explains why people feel down when they are nagged by slow, dull, aching, cramping sensations. Fighting this kind of problem means breaking the vicious cycle of pain, feeding into depression, feeding into pain.

I would guess that if you feel depressed, for whatever reason, the most troubling symptom is the constant inner dialogue. You may "hear" whiney voices telling you that you will never make it or get better, or nasty voices criticizing everything you think and do. I call these voices "tapes;" and they can certainly make you feel soul-sick.

I believe that "talk" therapy with a qualified counselor is essential medicine for fighting depression. When you tell someone out loud what your tapes are saying, they lose their power. Your counselor can also help you gain a new perspective and make life style adjustments that can bring back your zest for life.

Try fighting your depression by going outside every day. Notice the beauty of nature. Pick out your "healing song". Play it real loud at least once a day. Give someone you meet a hug. Take a verse of scripture such as "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Repeat it out loud, accenting a different word each time. Use your imagination. What other soul inflating, healing things can you do?





Dr. Greene is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and a resident of Richmond, IN. He is also the author of Feeling Better: The Wisdom of the Doc, You Can Feel Better: How to cope with chronic pain and physical disabilities, and co-author of Walking Free: the Nellie Zimmerman Story.


For further information about his books, please visit www.densmorereid.com

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