The root cause and cure for depression, according to science, doctors, and faith
In the USA, depression rates tripled during the 2020 pandemic. It continues to worsen, affecting 1 in every 3 American adults. Household income, not being married, and other stressors such as idleness were partly to blame. But the root cause of depression remains elusive, and more than half who take antidepressants never get relief. [Boston; SD]
1. What doctors say about the root cause of depression
Science says chronic depression, anger, or anxiety are rooted in brain chemicals and synapses going haywire. Relationship problems are common predictors, but sickness or trauma can also be a root cause. A study also shows genetic hotspots linked to it.
Drugs and medicine are no cure
Drug treatment is critical in putting a patient in a safe place. For example, it is difficult to counsel a person with a headache, and drugs can help calm the mind.
However, antidepressant does not cure depression. Although it has saved lives, long-term medication can also have long-term side effects. [ADAA]
Drug cocktails may appear to help with chronic anxiety or anhedonia but are altering brain chemicals. These are never the cure unless the root cause is identified and dealt with.
SSRI drugs may have led to more suicide attempts
- The FDA has issued a “black-box” warning on SSRIs that states that the drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors reported NBC News.
- Research generally found that SSRIs are slightly more effective at treating acute mild depression than placebos, with more substantial benefits in more severe depression.
- Psychiatrists don’t have any controlled data on ten years or 20 years of use.
- According to a study, it is evident that the ideal antidepressant has not been found as three critical problems of intolerance, delayed therapeutic onset, and limited efficacy persists.
SSRI may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Talk therapy helps, but the root cause remains
Most religious faiths teach about sharing each other’s burdens, seeking wisdom from elders, and in Christianity, bearing each other’s burdens.
These are much like the end goal of talk therapy. However, what’s not dealt with is the spiritual root cause of depression and anxiety.
Those who came to hear Jesus were healed of their diseases; those “troubled” by unclean spirits were cured. In John Gill’s exposition, the “troubled people” were those mentally afflicted that demons tormented.
Drugs are not designed to resist the devil’s lies.
2. Eastern faith on mind and depression
Some eastern religions offer peace of mind in a world filled with gadgets, entertainment, and wants—devoid of anxiety and depression.
In Hindu scripture, eternal peace is achieved only when a soul reaches moksha, the divine release from the endless cycle of reincarnation after living a righteous and pious life.
Thankfulness lowers depression
Much like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, helping and loving others eliminates depressive thoughts. Study shows that being thankful and contented lowers depressive scores.
Compassion is linked with happiness
In Buddhism, the mind and its relationship to oneself are critical in understanding peace. Provided that one is devoid of worldly desires and characterized by compassion towards others.
There is a link between doing good work and relief from depression and anxiety.
Cultivating a positive mind
Much like what the Christian Bible says about metanoia (repentance), the practice of cultivating and choosing to have a positive mind alleviates depressive symptoms. It works along with compassion and simple living, which are fundamental tenets of both religions.
3. What the Christian faith says
Insanity or physical disability was associated with sin. However, Jesus severed that notion; it’s not always the case (John 9:3). It sounds awful to someone having a mental breakdown, but sin has many shapes and sizes.
In the Bible, the root cause of anxiety is spiritual and antidepressant drugs are not designed to resist the devil’s lies or sin that can cause depressive guilt.
It’s important to distinguish between (mild) depression and psychotic behavior. While both are mental issues, the latter is likely demonization.
Satan can cause depression and anxiety once he gets a foothold—even for Christians. He does it through condemnation, lies, and fear. (John 8:44; Job 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:26)
- Depression is a spiritual battle.
- Depression is linked with sinful nature.
- Satan wants us depressed.
- Unforgiveness leads to depression and anxiety.
Therefore, thankfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and strong faith are linked together, promoting a healthy mind—devoid of depressive thoughts and anxiety.
