By Nancy Virden (c)2024

A woman asked how depression could be considered a disorder when it is a normal response to troubles. She was right that depression is the most common of factors in all of human suffering.

Disorders, including depression, go beyond a person’s ability to function well. Compare a broken leg. Legs can be broken in various places, and more or less severely. Depression and other mental disorders can vary greatly in intensity and duration, too.

Sadness is the normal response to disappointment and loss. Depression goes much further than sadness. It is not self-pity nor does it pass in a day. To be diagnosed with depression one must have experienced daily symptoms for at least two weeks.

Other mental disorders are also on a spectrum and affect people differently. Recently asking a four-year-old to write the alphabet on ruled paper, very few of his efforts stayed between the lines. An L traveled from the top of the page to the bottom because he is just learning to write. He is not dumb or unable to learn; he is merely at the stage he is.

When our ability to think at optimum reason is hindered by a powerful disorder, we need help getting back to processing within the framework of health and clarity. We need to learn strategies and gain insight beyond a lecture or wagging finger. The combination of therapy and medications works best for most.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Chronicles 16:9a nlt

 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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