Turning the tide of depression

Discovering A Better Life
P.O Box 1540, Albany Western Australia 6331
Phone/Fax: (08) 98 418 418
E-mail: abl-alb@omninet.net.au

Turning the tide of depression
Rural Australia has experienced an unprecedented downturn in recent years and many farmers are at a loss as how to cope. Often there is no discernable external target, so whole families bear the brunt of depair and disillusionment. Too often, I am seeing individuals, families and communities experiencing feelings of guilt, failure and despair. Marriage breakdown is growing. I've seen people become so angry that they totally lost control - trembling uncontrollably or throwing things or telling someone off or becoming physically violent. That's one way of losing control. Another less volatile, but every bit as damaging, is to be caught in the grip of depression. It's important to realise that depression doesn't just happe. It's the result of bottled-up feelings (or, in some cases, chemical inbalance). You may be angry because you are disappointed with yourself or someone else or some circumstances in your life. You may be angry because you've been rejected or insulted in some way. And whatever your source of distress, there is a strong possibility that it is being multiplied by any bit of self pity that you may have allowed yourself. It is obvious that depression is a real and serious problem for many people. It may even be, as you are reading this column today, that you are in a depressed frame of mind. If so, perhaps you are asking, how can I deal with it? Is there any solution? Before looking at solutions let me make a couple of observations. First, many of our "home remedies" are not very effective, especially when depression is severe. It doesn't help much to "whistle in the dark", smile or ignore it, hoping it will go away. Second, avoid oversimplification. I've heard people say: "Become a Christian and it will solve all your problems." Email me or write to me at P.O Box 1540, Albany W.A 6331. Telephone / Fax (08) 98 418 418

Rural Australia has experienced an unprecedented downturn in recent years and many farmers are at a loss as how to cope.

Often there is no discernable external target, so whole families bear the brunt of depair and disillusionment. Too often, I am seeing individuals, families and communities experiencing feelings of guilt, failure and despair. Marriage breakdown is growing.

I've seen people become so angry that they totally lost control - trembling uncontrollably or throwing things or telling someone off or becoming physically violent.

That's one way of losing control. Another less volatile, but every bit as damaging, is to be caught in the grip of depression.

It's important to realise that depression doesn't just happe. It's the result of bottled-up feelings (or, in some cases, chemical inbalance). You may be angry because you are disappointed with yourself or someone else or some circumstances in your life. You may be angry because you've been rejected or insulted in some way. And whatever your source of distress, there is a strong possibility that it is being multiplied by any bit of self pity that you may have allowed yourself.

It is obvious that depression is a real and serious problem for many people. It may even be, as you are reading this column today, that you are in a depressed frame of mind. If so, perhaps you are asking, how can I deal with it? Is there any solution?

Before looking at solutions let me make a couple of observations.

First, many of our "home remedies" are not very effective, especially when depression is severe.

It doesn't help much to "whistle in the dark", smile or ignore it, hoping it will go away.

Second, avoid oversimplification. I've heard people say: "Become a Christian and it will solve all your problems."

Email me
or write to me at
P.O Box 1540,
Albany W.A 6331.

Telephone / Fax (08) 98 418 418