War Cry - April, 2013 Page 14

The War Cry | APRIL 2013

Challenging

Challenges

the

Treading Dark

Waters

LYNNE MILLER

ix years ago, my sister, Rachel,

drifted out to sea --

not a body of water, but the dark depths of depres-
sion. Looking back, I shouldn't have been surprised.

Family crises, chronic health problems and other factors combined for a per-
fect storm that sent her spiraling downward. Rachel sat for hours sobbing,
her eyes empty and sad. She raged over insignificant things, withdrawing
from the people and activities she had enjoyed. Pressures of single parenting
added even more weight.

I grieved for my sister and for myself. I missed our spiritual talks, our

prayer times, our silly laughter while mall crawling. And I couldn't under-
stand how a person so committed to Christ could be so enveloped by mental
darkness. Despite my prayers, each day Rachel slipped further out into the
emotional deep, while I stood on the shore, helpless and confused.

I wasn't the only one struggling. Folks at church witnessed Rachel's dis-

turbing moods and suspected a spiritual low had settled on her. They offered
help. Some urged her to read the Bible more, pray, or listen to praise music.
Others tried to cheer her up. One Sunday morning, a fellow member planted
herself beside Rachel and announced, "I'm going to sit here till you smile."

What this person didn't know is what I also failed to realize at first--that a

person in depression can't just put on a happy face. I decided to get help from
a Christian therapist and do my own research, which was one of the best deci-
sions I've made. I have learned that depression isn't always easy to comprehend,
but we can offer companionship to those adrift on its turbulent waters.

I've had many down days, brought on by winter, midlife, a job layoff.

Usually walking, swimming, spending time outdoors, praying, and talking
to a friend have lightened my mood.

I learned, however, that more severe experiences, like the death of a loved

one, abuse, health problems or divorce can take someone beyond the blues
to depression that can last for weeks, months, or years. Depression is even
packaged in some families' DNA.

A severe case of depression is like a stubborn darkness, an in-your-bones

sadness that won't let go. A number of people I've known have plunged into

their dark sea after a personal ca-
tastrophe, eventually making it to
shore. The crisis faded with time,
wounds healed, and darkness lifted,
sometimes with the aid of a profes-
sional counselor.

But Rachel's depression didn't

seem to get better. It became a
major disorder and has now lasted
for years. That's when I discovered
that not only outside influences
can trigger depression but internal
ones as well. If the brain lacks the
chemical serotonin, which controls
emotions and other neurological
functions, depression can set in.
Medications and talk therapy keep
Rachel's brain in balance, much as
insulin and diet keep the blood sug-
ars controlled in a diabetic.

Don't confuse depression

with lost faith. At church we're
usually surrounded by smiling folks
who offer a hug and share what God
has done in their lives. But what
about a person like Rachel who
doesn't smile, maybe withdraws
from us and admits that God seems
distant and uncaring? Has she dis-
connected from God?

I used to think so, but Rachel

has convinced me that depression
doesn't always signal a problem
with faith. After a difficult week,
she could cry uncontrollably and
distance herself from family, but
she couldn't wait to get to church
on Sunday. She drank in the ser-
mons and sang "Amazing Grace"
with tears wetting her face. She
worked on Bible study lessons and
told those in her support group that
the only thing getting her through
each day was God.

When Job fully processed the

reality of his losses, he cursed the day
he was born and struggled to sense
God's presence (Job 3:1; 23:3-9).
David felt forgotten by people and
abandoned by God (Ps. 31:10; 22:1).
Jeremiah cried, "He [God] has

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