4 things we need to understand about depression and anxiety

As Catholics, we need to open up to help those in need.

Although suicide is not in God's plan and is a moral sin, it is important to acknowledge suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the most recent data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression affects around 20 to 25 percent of Americans, and it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Nobody is exempted from experiencing depression or anxiety. In fact, even Christians suffer from this illness. As human beings, we should know that anyone can have a mental illness, and even though there may be factors that can bring anxiety and depression to a person. To learn more about depression and anxiety, with help from Crosswalk.com, here are four things that all need to know about anxiety and depression.

1. Churches don't fix depression

One of the wrong connotations about people with depression is that they will be "fixed" by the church. Those who suffer from depression and anxiety don't need a church but a prayerful, loving, supportive, and an understanding community who will respond positively to people who are going through difficult situations. Depressed and anxious people need to feel they belong somewhere and they are not alone in fighting their battles. They don't want to feel down, because they are judged as too sinful.

2. Depression and anxiety are often not what we perceive

People who suffer from depression and anxiety often don't show signs of their mental problems. They try to hide it by looking okay and happy and they pretend they can deal with their situation on their own. A spiritual community or Church should show encouragement and offer emotional support to people who suffer from mental illnesses, so they won't feel intimidated to open up about their problems and the situation they are in.

3. Mental illness is not a sin

When depressed or anxious people don't admit or address their mental health problems; chances are they get alienated from other people. When we view their depression or anxiety as a sin, this is why they try to avoid counseling or don't seek treatment for their problems. There may be sins that contribute to one's depression, but this happens when depressed or anxious people try to cope up with their situation by going through substance and physical abuse, and neglecting their responsibilities. Going through these situations doesn't make one a sinner, but a victim of anxiety and depression.

4. People with depression need to seek therapy and learn about their condition

When people are depressed, they don't just need a prayer and a Bible verse. They also need to learn about their condition, find out if they need to take medicine and have to talk to a licensed counselor. Through this, people with depression learn to avoid negative thinking and learn how to feel and act towards different situations they encounter.

Let us remember that sadness, anxiety and grief are normal feelings, but we should learn how to take control of such emotions so they don't cripple us from living our lives and achieving our dreams. Whenever you or someone you know is suffering from sad, unhealthy thoughts, turn your focus to praising and worshipping the Lord, or take a moment to pray and ask for His guidance.

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