Spiritual or physical?  (beware, rambly post)

*Disclaimer: None of the things I suggest here should be taken lightly. ALL changes should be carefully examined and controlled by a doctor. And when possible, find a good Biblical counselor who does not blame you for your depression, but find one that will help you deal with it. 

I have discussed depression and its spiritual aspects.

Only you can decide whether your depression is physically or spiritually based. It takes great wisdom to know the difference. And sometimes the physical and spiritual are SO intertwined, it’s difficult to know. Therefore, it’s good to attack your depression from all sides.  Physical problems can cause depression. Depression can cause physical problems. So, this question can be a tough one.

And don’t let anyone else tell you what it is or isn’t. HOWEVER, don’t be quick to judge either.  I have personally had someone look at me and tell me the depression was ALL MY FAULT. Those words haunt me to this day. But I know myself best.  The person who said that to me doesn’t know me at all.  Nor did that person really try.

I feel the reason depression is mistreated in Christian circles is that, frankly, it’s become the catch all diagnosis for all sorts of bad behaviors. Bitterness, worry, and a host of other sinful choices can all lead to depression.  (take a pill, dull it down but continue to live as I want). Not that I’m against medication at ALL. You should carefully discuss options with your doctor. I have two cautions for you to consider. First, medication can easily become the answer instead of Christ. Also, medication can keep you from knowing the REAL physical issue.  It’s like putting a bandaid over an oozing wound that is really infected. You need to find the source of the infection and get rid of it. Don't take that to mean medicine is evil. Just go into it aware of these issues. Medicine can be life saving. I personally can't take it due to side effects. Find a trustworthy doctor.

So the big question is: is depression the source or the result?

When the entire world was telling me depression was the result of my choices, I KNEW it was the cause. Maybe this fact doesn’t make sense to you. And I am in no way excusing my sin, but I KNEW something was very physically wrong with me. I had to retrain myself in new ways of dealing with it, but the depression IS REAL and very physical.

IT can be very difficult to sort through these issues as well. Frankly, it’s hard to be spiritually right when you feel SO awful. So feeling better can often lead to spiritual strides.

However, feeling awful doesn’t excuse sin. See? No wonder I (and maybe you) get tempted to give up. But we are compelled to obey and not sin no matter how we’re feeling. So we work on these things side by side.

 

So let’s talk physical well being. Your body is a temple and we should do the best we can to care for it. (I don’t always. Maybe this preaching at myself will help).

1. Get a physical. Rule out thyroid issues, hormones issues or a host of other issues that can cause depression. Sometimes, the answer is simple.

2. Exercise. 

3. Diet. OH how we hate to change our diet. Do you know sugar can cause depression? Gluten allergies? Other food allergies. . . there are steps you can take to eliminate foods and figure out what causes you issues.  I can’t believe how many people suffer but refuse to change the way they eat. Get rid of processed foods, add fruits and vegetables and get rid of sugar. It’s not the end of the world, but it might be the end of your struggles. Resources exist to help. But it takes some sacrifice and work.

4. Supplements. Do you know low vitamin d can cause depression? As can other things. Get checked out by a doctor and make sure you’re not vitamin deficient.

I hope some of these tips help you. If I call my counselor on a bad day, he will ask. How are you eating?  How are you sleeping? Have you exercised?

Good questions to ask yourself or someone else who’s struggling.  And I’m telling you, if you’re struggling, the answer isn’t easy. You have to tell yourself, I will FIGHT and work and do what it takes! No one can help you if you give up! 

A little aside: you may not find the cause of your physical problems. There are times I’m doing everything I know to do, and I still become VERY depressed. These are the times when I’m reminded. God doesn’t always promise to take our thorn in the flesh away. But He does promise grace to get through it.

If someone doesn’t believe in you, find someone who will! God does and I do!

Grace and peace!