Men and Depression

Reading one blogger about men and depression prompted me to post the blog.

I am dealing with my own depression mostly caused by Multiple Sclerosis(MS)since MS damages the myelin and nerve fibers deep within the brain. If MS damages areas of the brain that are involved in emotional expression and control, a variety of behavioral changes can result, including depression. There are some evidence that the interferon medication that I am taking may trigger or worsen depression.

Depression remains taboo in many christian circles, but eventually some degree of depression reaches each person's life no matter how close they are to God. Well meaning, yet ignorant Christians will say things such as; Repent and ask forgiveness for your sin because real Christians don't get depressed and depression is a self discipline problem.

While it is true in the "Fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5 explains why we get depressed. Depression and despair is a lack of joy, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Inner conflict and fear is a lack of peace, which is also a part of the fruit of the Spirit. We may be experiencing personal problems such as dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and depression but all of us have to explore ALL aspect of the disease which should include spiritual along with medicine. Psychology and medicine have not really proven themselves capable of dealing effectively with the human mind and with mental and emotional processes. King David was a person who occasionally sought advice from human counselors, but he always turned to God for answers in the end. Reading Psalms shows that David was especially dependent on God alone when he struggled with personal problems or emotions. We all can be "theologically knowing while at the same time spiritually ignorant". We can have GREAT knowledge but if we don't have spiritual wisdom, our knowledge is worthless. Many Christians have spent their time correcting their faith symptoms rather than allowing the Holy Spirit lead their faith. Real faith knows only one way and willing to allow God lead us as He did with great faiths in the Scriptures. In one of Christ's parables (Matthew 13), Jesus is emphasizing that it is the Holy Spirit's conviction that God’s design for us is to be radically transform by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) allowing us to grown from within and it is our hope for this radical transformation is by the power of the Holy Spirit in His grace (Romans 15:13).

Christians should also realize that depression is REAL and should be dealt with in positive and honest approach. There are about 80 percent effective way of overcoming depression is through amino acid, vitamin, and mineral supplements. Depression is often caused by a deficiency in certain chemicals in the body. Depression may have abnormal levels of certain brain chemicals, including serotonin, acetylcholine, and catecholamines (such as dopamine).

Nutritional deficiencies are as follows:
Vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids,Vitamin C, 500 - 1000 mg,Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg, Melatonin, 2 - 5 mg and others.

I have been taking nutrition along with my medications to help control my depression that is usually caused by MS medication and other medications I am taking.

Other causes of depression are complex and involve a combination of biologic, genetic, and environmental factors.

Clinical depression was once considered a "woman's disease," more than 6 million men in the U.S. have at least one episode of major depression each year. Depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of loss, anger, sadness, or frustration interfere with everyday life.

Depression in men often can be traced to cultural expectations. Men are supposed to be successful. They should rein in their emotions.They tend to deal with their symptoms with a macho attitude or by drinking alcohol which destroys much needed nutrients. Without proper nutrients, men can fall into deep depression.

Lacking nutrients usually means medication like prozac.

Men can find more information about this topic in: Men get depression

Christians can find out more information about this topic in: Christian Depression

Christian Support for Depression