Recently, I received an email from a person suffering from depression. She wrote this: 

I am on medicine for depression and anxiety. I finally got to know Jesus [but] I still feel left out of the spiritual world. I love being charitable and doing for others…but feel at a dead end. I read somewhere that depressed people lead a life of low spirituality. Is this correct?

Following is my reply to this dear woman:

Dear _____________,

I am neither a mental health counselor nor a theologian so anything I offer you here is purely from observation, research, and my own spiritual understanding. Because the operations of the soul lie in the spiritual and mystical realm, it is impossible for us to know all that is going on deep within us. We do catch glimpses of God's work and the movements of His Spirit, but even the most profound of spiritual experiences remains a "glimpse." Our human minds are incapable of penetrating the awesome mystery of God and of His marvelous deeds.

We know this even from a natural level. While scientists can tell us much about the double helix of DNA, for example, it continues to provide opportunities for more and more study which seems to lead to more and more mystery. This applies even more so to the workings of God within the human soul.

So -- can we make a statement with certitude that someone suffering from clinical depression has "low spirituality?" I think not. Perhaps the individual's capacity to comprehend God's movement is impeded by the illness, or perhaps the person's capacity to enter into the mystery with lively abandon is curtailed, but I don't think we dare say that spiritual activity -- the movement of God -- is limited because of the disorder. God is omnipotent. Nothing is more powerful than He.

I would rather like to suggest that the disorder gives the sufferer a unique opportunity, a unique invitation, if you will. It is this: by embracing the suffering -- for as long as it lasts -- and offering it to God in union with the passion of Christ, the depression with all of its mitigating effects, can be the very instrument used to enter into ever deepening relationship with God and finding our way through His grace into a profound intimacy with Him even if we don't experience it in a sensate or emotional way.

The person suffering from clinical depression (a biochemical depression) has definite challenges that are particular to his mental state -- perceptions of abandonment by God, loneliness, fear or anxiety, an overwhelming sense of grief or loss -- can all make hope seem impossible.

But, like the person suffering with a physical illness or terminal diagnosis, the depressed person should employ the weaponry that helps us face our battles with perseverance. Reading Scripture, reciting passages in the face of difficult moments, praying the Rosary and staying close to Our Lady, weeding out of our life those things that exacerbate our condition (certain foods, alcohol, television, etc..), taking medication, seeking counseling and advice from spiritual advisors and health care professionals, can all help our condition. And in those moments of deepest suffering, we simply need to just present ourself to God and ask for His mercy and love, confident that He is meeting our need even if we remain unaware of it. That is faith.

Of great help for the person with depression is activity. This activity should exercise the whole person -- body, mind and spirit. Physical exercise, engaging in activity that involves the intellect, volunteering in charitable work can all be beneficial.

Some depressions can become so great that they require in-residence help or daily follow-up. Even in those moments, an intention of the heart to unite all to the sufferings of Christ can make this intense and heavy cross a means of interior union with God – experienced in some tangible way or not.  

May God bless you, dear lady, as you continue to seek the healing, hope, and health God intends for you.

Blessings in Him,

Johnnette

There is no question that depression is, indeed, a heavy cross to bear. And the deeper the depression, the heavier it is. Let us offer a Hail Mary for this dear woman, and all those who suffer with depression's debilitating effects.

Has God permitted a cross in your life? What is it? Are you willing to unite it to His sufferings? Why or why not? Would you be self-sacrificing enough to offer it for the sake of someone else whose own sufferings are particularly heavy for him or her? Even Jesus needed help carrying His cross up Calvary’s hill.

Every day offers us abundant opportunities to grow in grace and to grow in service to others. What invitations are being extended to us today?  

Please note: A very good book on the topic of depression is written by Father Benedict Groeschel. Called Arise from Darkness,  it is available at www.womenofgrace.com and is B1122 in our On-Line Store.