Types Of Depression - How Suffering Heals - The Orthodox View The real reason for depressive disorders usually lies in the sins a man has committed. The holy Fathers believed that the basis of all mental suffering is pride. Therefore, in order to get rid of neurotic depression we should strive to acquire humility.
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What kind of Bible does the Orthodox Church use?
The Bible of the Orthodox Church is that of most Western Churches, except that its Old Testament is based not on the Hebrew, but on the ancient Jewish translation into Greek called the Septuagint.
What is Orthodoxy?
Orthodoxy is belief or adherence to traditional or affirmed creeds, notably in religion. In the Christian sense, the term means, "conforming to the Christian faith as represented in the creeds of the early Church." The first seven ecumenical councils were between the years of 325 and 787 A.D. with the purpose of establishing accepted doctrines.
What causes depression in the Bible?
The death of a loved one is a common trigger. Sustained stress, wintertime, and even a busy life can also lead to depression (Psalm 143:3-4). Personal choices play a role in depression. It's been said that depression is sin, but it's more accurate to say that sin leads to and feeds depression.
Do Christians suffer from depression?
Millions of people, including Christians, suffer from depression every day. Depression can manifest as sadness, low energy, frustration, and extended misery. Very often, men manifest depression through anger and aggression. There are many different sources of depression and several types.
Who described depression as dejection?
The Church Fathers described depression as dejection. About 1400 years ago St John Cassian wrote: “But first we must struggle with the demon of dejection who casts the soul into despair. We must drive him from our heart. It was this demon that did not allow Cain to repent after he had killed his brother, or Judas after he had betrayed his Master” (Philokalia I).
What is the most accurate description of depression?
In “On the Eight Vices”, he described dejection as: obscuring the soul, keeping it from good works, preventing it from praying and reading, the inability to be gentle and compassionate toward our brethren, instilling hatred of work, undermining resolutions and persistence, and captivity to despairing thoughts. The contemporary scientific criteria that describe depression include: feeling sad or empty, diminished interest or pleasure, agitation, energy loss, and inability to think (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
What is the cognitive behavioral model of depression?
Modern psychological research adds a quantitative dimension to St. John”s insights, especially the “Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Emotional Dysfunction” (Beck, Rush, Shaw & Emery, 1979; Ellis, 1962; Morelli, 1987, 1988. 1996, 2006c). According to this model, emotions such as depression are produced by distorted or irrational beliefs, attitudes, and cognitions. Situations (some event that has happened or something that someone has said or done) do not produce or cause emotional upset. Instead, we upset ourselves by our irrational interpretations of the situation.
Why does emotional reasoning require special cognitive intervention?
Emotional reasoning requires special cognitive intervention because depressed patients tenaciously cling to the irrational belief that their feelings prove the truth or falsity of an event. How many times has a parishioner or patient said something like: “I just feel I will never (get better … find a job … get over this … make friends, etc.)”? As mentioned above, these patients make the mistake of concluding that the way they feel about casino online a situation functions as the proof that situation really is that way. The standard of proof is not an objective appraisal of the facts, but the feeling one has about the event regardless of the facts. Feelings replace the facts in this scenario.
How does behavioral practice help with depression?
Behavioral practice accompanies the cognitive restructuring procedures. This includes filling out restructuring charts (see Burns, 1980) as well as to invivo (real life) exposure to challenging social and environmental events related to the depression. For example, Jack, our erstwhile patient introduced above, may be encouraged to consult his supervisor for feedback regarding other projects he has worked on. Behavioral assignments decrease depression by providing realistic information that can be processed through veridical (truthful, non-illusory) cognitions. Further, increased behavioral activity has been shown to ameliorate depression (Beck, et. al. 1979). It is hypothesized this activity may affect the biochemistry of the brain in ways that alleviate depression.
Why did Linda become depressed?
Linda became depressed after a business meeting (attended by about 25 people) when her supervisor mentioned that some participants were not team players. Linda immediately personalized the statement by assuming the supervisor directed the comment at her even though no evidence supported the conclusion.
Who wrote "For the state of spiritual knowledge heals the mental dejection produced by the storm of trials and temptations?
Other Fathers touched on the same theme. In his commentary on Acts, St. Maximus the Confessor wrote: “For the state of spiritual knowledge heals the mental dejection produced by the storm of trials and temptations” (cf. Acts 28:1-4; Philokalia II). St. Peter of Damaskos revealed what spiritual knowledge is:
What is the best treatment for depression?
Therapies come in three different modes, used individually or in combination. These therapies are drug therapy , psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT). The drug therapies have become quite refined and specific, generally managing to stabilize the depression in two to five weeks. The two major categories of drugs for unipolar depression (depression not including manic phases) are tricyclics and MAO inhibitors. What can be said about these drugs is that, generally speaking, they work. The psychotherapy which seems to be the most effective is a cognitive, short-term approach which sets about changing some of the depressed person's thinking and explanatory system. Electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT), usually used with a mild anesthetic and muscle relaxant to minimize muscular response, has declined in use in recent years. As drug therapy has become more precise and efficient, ECT has been needed less. However, ECT is the treatment of choice for a person who is severely depressed, at high risk for suicide, and either does not respond to drugs or has a drug intolerance.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Common complaints of depressed persons are feelings of unworthiness, guilt, helplessness, inability to concentrate, excessive fatigue, slowed thinking, or the reverse, agitated behaviors. The symptoms are rather the same, and, depending upon the person, the clinical condition would be defined as mild, moderate, or severely depressed.
What does it mean when someone is depressed?
The depressed person is in pain, often suffering acutely, and desperately needs help understanding and support. This does not mean fostering helplessness or assuming responsibility for the depressed person's happiness. This does mean understanding) and accepting the illness, and loving the depressed person for the real person he or she really is, illness and all. It is more accurate and energizing to view the" depressed person as needy rather than manipulative or slothful or of bad character.
Is depression a mental illness?
Depression is a mood disorder which affects persons of all ages and classes. It is the most prevalent of the mental illnesses and the most responsive to treatment. Many depressed persons do not get treatment, usually because they or their family expect the blue symptoms to disappear. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that fully 25% of all American women and 11.5% of all American men will have a depressive episode in their lifetimes.
How does depression affect the Christian faith?
It can be one of Satan's tools to take Christians out of the work of the Kingdom. Depression can affect our view of God and sap our joy. It is impossible to live a Spirit-guided life without joy ( Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4 ).
How does depression manifest?
Depression can manifest as sadness, low energy, frustration, and extended misery. Very often, men manifest depression through anger and aggression. There are many different sources of depression and several types. Situation depression is, as the name implies, brought on by adverse situations. Generally, the depression clears with time, as ...
What to do when depression strikes?
When depression strikes, the victim needs to make discovering the cause and treatment of the depression a priority. Sometimes, the victim of depression can just ride it out, trusting that God will bring comfort and that the situation will change. Other times, counseling and medication are required.
How does clinical depression affect your life?
Clinical depression interferes with day-to-day life at work, school, and home. Sleep habits are also disturbed. Clinical depression can be triggered by trauma, but it is not caused by medication or a medical condition. Chronic depression is less intense than clinical depression, but can last much longer—two years at least.
What does the Bible say about thoughts?
The Bible exhorts us to take thoughts captive ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 ), to concentrate on the truth of a situation and not a faulty perception ( John 8:32 ), and to rely on God's Word and not our feelings ( Psalm 56:4 ). What a person thinks, feels, and chooses to believe, true or not, can have physical repercussions.
What causes depression?
Depression can be caused by alcohol and drug abuse, indulging in anger and self-centeredness, and other self-destructive behaviors. Sin always has negative consequences, and part of any therapy for depression should include an analysis of what sins could be exacerbating the situation ( Psalm 32:3-5 ).
How long does depression last?
Chronic depression is less intense than clinical depression, but can last much longer—two years at least . It's characterized by fatigue, sadness, and general malaise, and it can be punctuated by bouts of clinical depression. Chronic depression doesn't feel good, but it doesn't typically affect lifestyle or the ability to work.
What is Orthodox belief?
Orthodoxy is belief or adherence to traditional or affirmed creeds, notably in religion. In the Christian sense, the term means, ...
What is the meaning of the word "orthodox"?
In historic Christian use, the word orthodox relates to the collection of doctrines which were accepted by the early Christians. Several ecumenical councils were gathered over a period of several centuries in an attempt to establish these doctrines.
What is the Homoousian doctrine?
The Homoousian doctrine, which characterized Jesus as both God and man with the canons of the 431 Council of Ephesus, won out in the Church and was referred to as orthodoxy in most Christian purposes since this was the understanding of early Christian Church Fathers and was confirmed at the ecumenical councils.
What is the most important season of the Orthodox Church?
Easter is the most meaningful and holy season of the Orthodox Church calendar. Orthodox Easter primarily commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ with a series of celebrations or movable feasts. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the spiritual preparations begin with Great Lent, 40 days of introspection and fasting (including Sundays), which starts on Clean Monday and finishes on Lazarus Saturday.
What is the wisdom of the Fathers of the Church?
The wisdom of the Fathers of the Church is fundamental to the Orthodox way of life as today's successors of the "true faith and Church" passed on in its most authentic form. By maintaining the virtue of the received teachings of the apostles, followers are more conscious of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit being present both in history and in ...
When did the Orthodox Church split?
Although originally the Eastern and Western Christians shared the same faith, the two sides began to separate after the seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 A.D. and is generally considered to have ultimately divided over the dispute with Rome in the so-called Great Schism in 1054.
What is Eastern Christianity?
Eastern Christianity emphasizes a way of life and belief that is manifested especially through worship. By preserving the conventional method of worshipping God, passed on from the very beginnings of Christianity. Eastern Christians maintain that they acknowledge the true doctrine of God in the right (orthodox) way.