People from all walks of life seem to be haunted by the black dog. That’s what Winston Churchill called depression, something that troubled him for many years. Today it appears that this disorder is reaching epidemic proportions world wide and the figures quoted are disturbing. People with the comforts of life are no less likely to have the problem — they seem to be even more prone to it!

Thinking and feeling

How we think and how we feel are locked together. The inner life of many is shrouded in gloom, like encroaching darkness on a wintry day. The enjoyment of life has vacated the scene. Nothing seems worthwhile. Thoughts surround you and doubts about relationships take a firm hold. What can such a person do? Anti-life feelings grow.

Much depression stems from a chemical imbalance and requires medication. Sufferers should be encouraged to gain medical help.

There is no need to feel ashamed to admit a problem of this nature.

Some of the great achievers of history have been afflicted by it.

Other reasons

There is an almost endless range of reasons why people feel sad. Loss of job, loss of reputation, of money, of health, of spouse, of children, of self-esteem can be blamed. With others, it dates back to bad childhood experiences or undue tension or stress. Feelings can be worsened if a person dwells on tragic occurrences reported in the media, sad movies or melancholy music.

Perhaps the most common lack is in the area of relationships. We were meant to have close ties with loved ones and friends. The more we withdraw into our own shell, the smaller our chance of overcoming depression. Even closely relating to one other person is beneficial.

The most important relationship

God made us with the capacity to relate to Him. That capacity has been lost but it can be regained. So much of the time, people are shutting Him out — the very one they need most. God avoidance is getting people nowhere, just further into frustration and a sense of hopelessness.

One writer has described depression as sitting in a locked cage, feeling totally unable to escape. But the same authority claims that the key to the lock is in the hand of the depressed, unused because of unwillingness rather than inability.

Aching, empty, searching hearts could be filled with hope and the joy of acceptance if — and here is the inescapable condition — we were related to God as our loving, caring, Father. We can be so filled through Christ whose love for us led Him to give His life for us.

An encounter with the Saviour unlocks the door to a new life. He said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no-one comes to the Father except through me’ (John chapter 14, verse 6John chapter 14, verse 6).