According to the journal, Social Indicators Research, Americans appear to be more depressed now than they have been in years. Researchers examined data from 6.9 million teens and adults in the U.S., and found that contemporary Americans report more symptoms of depression that affect the body, such as trouble sleeping and concentrating, than people typically did in the 1980s. This study also shows an increase in symptoms most people don't even know are connected to depression, which suggests adolescents and adults really are suffering more.
Today's teenagers are 38 percent more likely to report problems with memory compared with their 1980s counterparts. They are also 74 percent more likely to have trouble sleeping and twice as likely to have seen a specialist for mental health issues. Contemporary college students in the study were 50 percent more likely to admit that they felt overwhelmed, while adults were more likely to say that they were restless sleepers, had a poor appetite and that, on top of that, everything else was an effort. All of these issues are often manifestations of depression.
"Despite all of these symptoms, people are not any more likely to say they are depressed when asked directly, again suggesting that the rise is not based on people being more willing to admit depression," a psychology professor said.
It sounds pretty depressing, doesn’t it? Is there a remedy other than the use of antidepressants which has doubled since the 1980s? The medications may have helped people with the most severe problems, but they have not stopped a rise in depression symptoms.
Well… According to the survey done by the Barna research Group, there is a remedy other than taking medication. Those who read the Bible say they feel peaceful (45 percent), encouraged (41 percent), and hopeful (35 percent), according to a phone survey of 1,012 Americans and an online survey of 1,024 Americans conducted by the Barna Research Group.
Are you living a discouraged and depressed Christian life or hope-filled and upbeat, exciting life? Are you depressed because you don’t know who you are? Ephesians 1:4-6 says that God chose you and adopted you as His child and made you equal to Jesus. And He loves you dearly. Are you depressed because you feel like you’re stuck? Paul said (v. 7) Jesus paid the price with his life to set you free, and He will show you the way out. Are you depressed because you don’t know the clear purpose of your life? Jesus gave you a new plan for your life according to God’s will (v. 9), and God wants you to claim it and enjoy it. Are you depressed because you lack influence or power? Paul says Jesus gave you the Holy Spirit (v. 13) because you’ve been baptized with the Holy Spirit the moment you came to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and this power is guaranteed, and it neither can be revoked nor canceled! (v. 14) The lists can go on and on.
So why don’t people read the Bible more often? Does it seem like you’re doing your best, only to have one crisis after another come upon you? Do you feel like the world is crashing on you, and there’s not much you can do about it? Do you just want to give in? God’s Word has plenty to say about discouragement and depression and how to deal with them. Jesus said (John 15:11), “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Jesus is the only One who can bring you out from your discouragement or depression completely. The Bible says it so.
From Pastor Neil’s Heart
April 12, 2015