PMS: Mental Health, Feb 5, 2005, 10am, Newton Campus. By Mary Lum.
Our theme this year is PMS: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health. We are currently looking at Mental Health.
On Saturday, 2/5, Mary Lum came to speak to us about Depression: Facts and Myths. Mary is a licensed mental health counselor at South Cove Community Health Center. She graduated from Trinity Evangelical Seminary in Chicago in 1997 with an MA in Counseling Psychology. Mary is married to Pastor Jack and is the mother of Jack Jr.
According to Mary, mental illness is often not addressed in Asian culture as it is a taboo subject; many women are not educated on what depression is and what it is not. We were therefore very grateful to have Mary come to correct our thinking and also so we can help others. The following are some FAQ's gleaned from the talk and from other resources. If you wish to seek treatment for depression, or want to talk to someone, please read the last FAQ.
Note: These FAQ's are provided for education only, and should not be used for diagnostic purposes. You should see your clinician or doctor for professional help.
Q: How common is depression?
A: Depression affects 19 million people per year in the US, which accounts for 9.5% of the population. Women are more likely to have depression than men.
Q: What are some common symptoms of depression?
A: Common symptoms include sadness, withdrawal, sleeping more, loss of interest, loss of motivation, feelings of guilt, and/or suicidal thoughts. Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Mary pointed out that because many Asian do not like to admit that they are depressed, their symptoms may manifest themselves as physical symptoms such as nonspecific aches or pains.
Q: How do I know if I am depressed or if I just have the blues?
A: Not everyone who is sad or blue is depressed. Someone might just be feeling blue due to financial or marital problems, or due to bereavement; in those cases, it is normal to feel unhappy. In order to be diagnosed as clinical depression, certain criteria needs to be fulfilled, and usually the symptoms persist for weeks at a time. A clinician or doctor should be consulted for this diagnosis.
Q: What are some forms of depression?
A: The three most common forms of depression are: Major Depression, Dysthymia, and Bipolar Disorder. Major Depression is the most common and is usually indicated by the persistence of four or more symptoms over a two week period. Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression during which a person feels more often unhappy than happy over a two year period. In Bipolar Disorder a person cycles between severe highs (mania) and severe lows (depression).
Q: Should you seek treatment for depression?
A: Yes. However, in the Asian culture, many people do not seek treatment for depression due to embarrassment, or else they think they can get over it on their own. Depression is not normal (i.e. "Everyone goes through this once in a while!") and cannot be willed away. It is a medical condition and not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. Depression, if left untreated, causes loss of quality of daily life and can lead to medical complications. Luckily, depression is very treatable, with an 80% success rate.
Q: What causes depression?
A: Depression may be caused by genetic factors, biological reasons (such as faulty neurotransmitters), medical problems (such as Parkinson's, etc), negative thinking, or difficult life events. It is not clear if certain people are more predisposed to depression.
Q: Is depression a spiritual attack or a punishment from God? If so, why should we seek medical (earthly) treatment?
A: It is true that the enemy does attack us, and it is very possible that there is a spiritual component in depression. Depression, as with all other illnesses, is a result of a fallen world. When sin came into this world, all creation fell along with man, and death and disease also came to be. Yet God gives us many tools to fight against the enemy and against the consequences of a fallen world, and medical science and psycho-cognitive treatment are some such tools. While it is true that God is the only true healer, if He has given us means within our reach to be healed, we should thank Him for blessing us with them, and use them. Depression is not a sign of spiritual weakness or hidden sin, nor should it be seen as a punishment from God that we have to passively accept. Even strong Christians experience depression, and depression is not always directly correlated with sin. It is good practice anyways to be self-reflective and confess our sins to God, but if you are depressed, you should seek treatment whenever possible, and also ask people to pray for you. Ultimately, our final salvation and hope lies in Jesus Christ, with whom we need to have a personal relationship in order to have divine and final healing when Jesus comes again.
Q: What are some hindrances in the Asian society for people to seek treatment?
A: Some hindrances include:
Q: What are some hindrances within the church for people to seek treatment?
A: Some hindrances within the church include:
(Note: Please read FAQ above on "Is depression a spiritual attack or a punishment from God?")
Q: How can we help others who might be dealing with depression?
A: We need to support one another and pray for one another. Here are some suggestions:
Q: Where can I find out more information about depression?
A: Try some websites:
http://my.webmd.com/medical_information/condition_centers/depression/default.htm
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Depressionmenu.cfm
You can also ask your doctor.
Q: I think I might need to seek treatment for depression, or I really need to talk to someone. What should I do?
A: The first step should be to see your primary care provider who can rule out any possible physical problems. He or she may then refer you for a psychological evaluation. You can also talk to anyone who has experience in mental health, such as a doctor, nurse, therapist, social worker, or pastor.
The pastoral staff at BCEC has a list of referrals for those who wish to speak to a Christian counselor. Please call to make an appointment with any of the pastoral staff. We suggest seeing a counselor who does not attend the same church or church service as you.
Please also respect the personal time of those who are engaged in the mental health field; they should not be viewed as walking consultations. They are happy to help you as a brother or sister in Christ, but since counseling or medicine is their job, they do need some time off. It is best to speak to your own doctor or therapist.
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