Depression - Illness or Gift?

When people discover that I suffer from depression, they quite often see a bright smile on my face, and say things like, "You don't look depressed." Hmmmmm, Interesting! Is there really someone who knows what depression looks like? Another thing they often ask is, "What is causing your depression?" Hmmmmm, I think if I knew the answer to that, I could find a way to end those feelings. Then there are also the well meaning eternal optimists who simply say, "Get over it." Obviously, that's exactly what I want to do, but are you going to tell me how?

There seems to be different levels of depression. Some depressed episodes do have catalysts, and are usually short-lived. These are definitely the most common forms of depression, which occur in most everyone's life. Illness, divorce, a loved one's death, and financial problems, are prime examples of occasions where depression occurs, but are normally remediated with the passing of time.

Others of us live our lives in a perpetual state of depression. Have you ever considered how a man like Albert Einstein could be so brilliant, while at the same time there are many people whose intelligence is more comparable to the fictitious Forrest Gump? We all have different minds and different mindsets. Perhaps it is genetics that causes this, because most people who suffer major depression are diagnosed as having a chemical imbalance.

I suffer from major depression, yet I have a smile that I love to share with the world. Both are family traits. Would I change either or both if I were able? Most people that suffer from major depression would instinctively say yes, but I say NO! Herein lies the key to the victory that God has given me over depression. God has blessed me by allowing me to have a chemical imbalance that tends to cause me to see the sadness of this world we live in. Let me repeat that; God has blessed me by allowing me to have a chemical imbalance that tends to cause me to see the sadness of this world we live in. In changing my view towards this illness from one of detriment to one of thankfulness I have gained victory over it, although I still suffer.

When sorrows are shared with me, I become empathetic towards those who are saddened. I truly feel their sorrow within me. There is a constant sadness within me, regardless of whether it's my own sorrow, or that of anothers, that burdens me. But I no longer view that as a bad thing, because Jesus wants us to be burdened for others. However, some may say that Jesus doesn't want us to carry our own burdens. Yet, when Jesus was praying in the Garden, didn't He ask God to let his cup pass Him by if it were possible?. I don't know if these words I'm sharing will be beneficial to others or not, but I pray that they will.

In conclusion, I have to say that we are all different. Depression is a formidable opponent. Some say it is incurable, and I agree. But in Hebrews 13:5, Paul teaches us to be content in such as we have, and in Ephesians 5:20 he teaches us to always be thankful to God. I know I'm different, and it's not easy being me, but I'm thankful for who I am. Be blessed in the Lord.