Mental Health

Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you so downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons” (1 Samuel 1:8, NIV)?

Hannah struggled with infertility for years. Although her husband reminds her of his endearing love, for Hannah, it wasn’t enough. She wanted the blessing of motherhood. As a result, she became severely depressed. Even during biblical times, depression was real. In addition to Hannah, David was filled with despair and Jeremiah cried all the time. Both Elijah and Jonah were so depressed they felt life was not worth living any more.

In today’s society, depression is a major medical problem. Symptoms of depression include sadness, fatigue, loss of self-worth, poor concentration, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in most activities, loss of appetite, weight loss, and even thoughts of suicide. 

There are two types of depression. One type is caused by a stressful or traumatic event. Hannah’s depression was related to stress of infertility. The other type of depression results from your genes. This means that you are at greater risk to develop major depression if your parents, siblings, or children suffer from depression. Either type can be treated.

Sometimes professional counseling is needed. Don’t be ashamed to take care of your mental health. Remember, God heals our bodies, frees our mind, and nourishes our soul. Our emotional well-being is just as important as our physical well-being.  

“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.” ~Stephan Hoeller

Interested in reading more of my writings:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732039615