"If a patient of faith asks if he should pray more or take medicine for the treatment of depression, my answer is do both." The guide is for ordinary Christians suffering from depression, as well as pastors, religious, spiritual leaders, and doctors who are by their side to help them.
Growing faith can free you from the pain of depression? Or depression has nothing to do with religious life? The writer points out that these tips worsen rather than alleviate depression. It's advice that does not understand depression as a disease or the impact of depression on the spiritual life and faith.
Psychiatry and psychology have taught us a lot about depression, but the whole picture of this suffering is complex. This is because biological and psychological factors as well as all kinds of social, cultural and spiritual factors are caused and influenced by them.
The word 'depression' has the meaning of 'a hollow on a flat road'. Therefore, in order to properly understand the causes and aspects of depression, which is multifaceted, and to treat it appropriately, we have no choice but to talk with philosophy and theology.
The author is visited by many Catholics, including priests suffering from depression. To meet mental health professionals who share their faith. The causes of depression are complex, and each person is born with strong genetic factors and environmental factors early in life. Genetic and environmental factors manifest their influence regardless of our living circumstances or choices, no matter how earnestly we pray or how moral we are.
"Religiously devout people, and even saints suffered from severe depression." The author approaches depression from two perspectives, holding on to the Catholic view that there is an essential unity between the soul and the body, and between the mind and matter. While examining the medical, psychological, social, and spiritual causes and treatment methods of depression from the 'top'; and from the 'bottom', that is, genetic and other biological factors and treatment options for depression are discussed.
Pope Saint John Paul II, in his speech at the 18th International Conference of the Pontifical Council for Health and Pastoral Affairs held in November 2003, said: "With his infinite love, God is always near to those who are suffering. Depression can be a 'path to discovering a different side of you', and it can be a new encounter with God." Exploring depression from a Catholic point of view may serve as a lure for readers seeking clues to new encounters with themselves and with God.
