Demons of Depression; Enemies of the Soul

Demons of Depression; Enemies of the Soul

One of the most misunderstood plagues of our times resides under the alias of depression. Many suffer from diseases that we as a society understand; we know that cancer frightens and often kills, diabetes debilitates; we realize the frustration of immune disorders, and the painful journey many take when they suffer with arthritis and other excruciating diseases. Yet, how many people shut their mouths, turn away, or make judgemental statements when someone reveals they are dealing with depression?

How heartbreaking it is for one who suffers with such a disease to be told to 'buck up,' 'get a hold of yourself,' 'just choose to be happy,' or better yet, 'you must repent.' At times, those very phrases can plunge a sufferer even deeper into the depths from which they are seeking to escape. Like any other illness, depression is a disease. Because of its variations and causes, it can be difficult to treat. People frequently turn to medications which often do not work or have side effects, some of which are of themselves, challenging to deal with.

Depression effects young and old, rich and poor. It is no respecter of persons. Like cancer, it can destroy life by suffocating hope; similar to an immune disorder, it gradually breaks down spiritual barriers of defence, as an emotional diabetes it debilitates the soul, and truly, it causes deep and oppressive pain.

For some, depression may be caused from sin. Repentance then is the most effective treatment. Richard G. Scott, in his talk The Path to Peace and Joy, in the 2000 Semi-Annual General Conference, referred to repentance as , “...a conduit to the reforming power of the Lord and, when understood and used, a dear and precious friend.” In such circumstances, repentance becomes a releasing balm to a troubled soul. With true and complete repentance, sin related depression will dissipate as dew on a summer morn; for repentance entails a turning of ones heart to God and a renunciation of ones sins. And with God is found peace and the release of sins is greater even than the breaking of shackles.

However, people experience depression for other reasons as well. Depression may be triggered from difficult times; loss of a job, death of a spouse or child, financial stress, or loved ones making destructive and dangerous decisions. Yet, for others it is a chronic and unexplained oppression, an enemy whispering to the soul to keep them from reaching their potential, a demon whose mission it is to stop an otherwise noble spirit from believing they have a purpose.

We live in a day where Satan pulls out his instrument of depression on a regular basis. Ezra Taft Benson said, “As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression (1974 Semi Annual General Conference, Ensign).” The power of depression can paralyze ones actions. In an effort to thwart the work of the Lord, Satan will often send his demons to whisper the ugly lies of failure, fear, and defeat, or worse, unworthiness or inability to accomplish a given task. They pull out their swords of destruction and strike. The result leaves one trembling and temporarily lost and confused. The effects of depression cause misery and Satan's mission is to pull others down to join him in his own.

Let it not be misunderstood that depression is a result of ones weakness. On the contrary, many noble people have suffered with depression and/or anxiety to debilitating levels. One great national leader, Winston Churchill dealt with depression which at times paralyzed him with despair, binding him to a bed, robbing him of energy, obliterating his interests, and refusing him the ability to concentrate. He called it his 'Black Dog.'

Another great man and religious leader, George A. Smith, also lived with a depressive disorder. Known as a kind and gentle man, few realize the many times George A. Smith found himself home bound and even bed bound because of the oppression of anxiety and depression. He also suffered physical illness and weakness as a result of the plague of his mental ailments. At the same time, George A. Smith was beloved by those who knew him and considered him a very great man.

Winston Churchill is known to have been one of the greatest political leaders during WWII and perhaps one of the most effective war leaders in known history. Did his depression weaken him? Or perhaps it is more true that because of his depression he became that great leader.

Regarding George A. Smith: Was he viewed as a weak man? On the contrary, he was noted for his kindness and understanding; his compassion and gentleness - all characteristics that are the essentials of a great man. Not allowing the mental illness to win him over, he was able to understand the heartaches of the people who followed him for he had himself knelt beneath oppression and trod the wine press of despair. He knew and understood that deepest of all pains, even the pain of the soul..

If one were to study the lives of these men, it would be discovered that they became better because of the battle they fought with each waking moment. Consider then, by recalling these two examples, if those who are suffering with depression are not in the fires of refinement, being prepared for greater things than yet are seen by human eyes or understood by mortal ears; becoming prepared for battles threatening not only life of the body but also life of the spirit. No wonder Satan wants to tear them down - they threaten his kingdom and his power. These will be the warriors on the battles front.

Such threats are always a target to the adversary. He will twist at their hearts to hurt them, lie to deceive them, degrade them to blind them of their potential, and threaten them to cause them to cease their forward progress. He does not want these noble spirits to succeed only to become his greatest oppositions.

For those who suffer with depression, keep in mind that you are precious in the sight of God. He loves you and understands your greatness. In ancient times the Israelite were told that “The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you (Deuteronomy 1:30).” Today we are battling with unseen demons rather than physical enemies, yet the promise remains. The enemy of our souls desires us to believe otherwise and perhaps that is his biggest lie - to tell us we are alone and abandoned. But he is wrong - we are not alone. God will send his angels to protect and defend us. Take comfort knowing that the battle is real and by conquering each fight you become stronger. Curse not the day of your trials, rather embrace the opportunity to grow. Do not listen to the lies of discouragement, rather focus on the still small voice that supports and strengthens. With Christ and time you will rise above the heat of refinement and witness your perfected beauty and strength.

And to those who stand on the sidelines witnessing the deep and oppressive trials, know that they who suffer are uplifted by your love. They need your support, your strength, your hope, and your example. They too need you to stand and help them fight the enemies which they face. Do not blame God for turning His back on your loved one; rather realize that He is right there with them, understanding their pain and hurt, and knowing their potential to rise above it. Allow them to strengthen you. You have your own trials to face, allow their experience to give you the power to fight your battles.

Jesus Christ knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and felt their pain as well as yours. He understands far better than anyone, the difficulty of their fight. It can not be said that He leaves the sufferer alone to bear his own cross, for He Himself, even Christ bore it and much more.

Some people suffering from depression may not win the battle - they succumb to the fight. Again, blame should not be placed upon God. He loves His children, and with this love comes agency. To expect Him to remove the battle or to withdraw that agency would be asking Him to remove ones ability and opportunity to grow and become the amazing and glorious souls they were born to become. Each must face their battle and choose to fight or to be conquered. It is not God's choice – it is ours.

Depression is a real battle, tangible to those who receive its fiery kiss. Please be compassionate to those who deal with such dangerous enemies. Judge not those who one day have not enough strength to get out of bed and respect those who still rise and put on a smile to cover their pain.

The disease of depression runs far deeper than what is understood by man. It spills over from a time before this mortal existence and continues into this life. There are many treatments for depression and much hope for those who have the helping aids available to them. Remember too, that Christ is the Master Healer and his balm is complete and perfect. Jeffery R. Holland summed it by saying, “Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend....Believe in miracles (Like a Broken Vessel by Jeffrey R. Holland, 2013 Semi Annual General Conference).” Turn to the Savior and call upon Him to help you fight your battles and He will send the angels from heaven to surround you. He will also give you the angelic support of family, friends, and even acquaintances and strangers.

As one who knows this battle I testify that my Savior, Jesus Christ, has never left me alone. When I have fallen He has lifted me back to my feet, He has wiped my tears, and He has given peace to my Heart. I have felt the angels of Heaven surrounding me, carrying me when I faced my demons and felt I did not have the strength to go on. He has sent me earthly angels too(Will, Patty, and my parents to name a few) to walk beside me when I was trembling and weak. At times, I have turned my back on Him, I have blamed Him, and I have been angry because I could not understand my plague. But always He has welcomed me back to His arms. He has never given up on me, and He has never told me that to Him I was hopeless and useless. Likewise, His arms are always outstretched to you and His love is unconditional. Trust in Him. Hope in Him. Believe Him.