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SITE : “What is Spiritual Depression?“- in more detail

♥️ re. sad psalms of David 

 

 

1. Psychological depression

2. SPIRITUAL depression

Definition: Spiritual depression refers to a state of emotional & spiritual distress or disconnection from one’s beliefs or sense of purpose. It’s feeling distant from Higher Power, & can be triggered by guilt, trauma, or existential questioning.

It may be a reaction to coming from a religious background, such as rebelling against rigid family & community rules, projecting abusive parents onto the Higher Power (“parentilizing” ones Deity). Also, ones own unrealistic or unmet spiritual expectations (perfectionism) & an ignorance or misunderstanding about who God actually is.

People struggling with spiritual depression have trouble, or an inability, to connect with others around them. Overcome by painful emotions, such as anger, anxiety, despair, guilt, self-doubt…. they tend to withdraw from society. Various physical symptoms often start showing up, like insomnia or general exhaustion, digestive problems & colitis…..

From Protestant minister D. M. Lloyd-Jones’s book “Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cures”: Spiritual depression dates far back in human history, into Bible times.

EXP : ❤️‍🩹 In Psalm 42, the writer asks, “Why are thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? (ANS”) Hope thou in God.”

In Ps 6:6-7, David moans: 💔 “I am worn out from my groaning.  All night long I flood my bed with weeping & drench my couch with tears….. My God, why are you so far from my cries of anguish?  BUT finally concludes :  “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

Spiritual depression is more common than we may think. Studies show that up to 50% of practicing Christians will experience a depressive episode related to their spirituality at some point.
A more general US study found that found that 15% of the general population have been struggling with spiritual depression, which may include mental health issues. It left such individuals feeling separate from the rest of the population, even though they are not actually suffering alone.

While recovery may require time & professional support, we can reconnect with God through prayer & reading God’s word about Himself.
Also by developing connections with ourself, others & nature, since these contribute significantly to revitalizing our spiritual life. (See Part 3)

ALSO
🧎🏽‍♂️‍➡️excessive rumination (obsession), repetitive dark, hopeless or negative thoughts (self-hate)
🧎🏽‍♂️‍➡️ trouble moving on from childhood trauma (abuse, neglect)
🧎🏽‍♂️‍➡️ preexisting mental issues (anxiety, autism, severe ADD, neuro-diverse )
🧎🏽‍♂️‍➡️ unable to forgive oneself for past wrongdoings or “sins” (idealism)

NOTE: Sin is one of the leading causes of spiritual depression – going against one’s God-given conscience, & disobeying any of the 10 commandments.
Everyone develops coping strategies for depression, but those who deliberately, continually disregard spiritual rules make matters worse for themself. It brings on more emotional pain, as the guilt of those unhealthy actions & thoughts pulls one further away from our God.
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General Depressive symptoms
√ emotional numbness (dissociation)
√ constant emotional pain —  frustrated, irritable, hopeless, deeply lonely, powerless, sad, worthless….
√ lack of desire to do things once enjoyed, suicidal thoughts or attempts
√ physical problems – little energy, tired all the time, headaches, trouble sleeping and eating, with stomach aches, unplanned weight changes

NEXT : Spiritual depression HEALING  (Part 3)