I'm depressed. Does that mean I lack faith?

Summary

In this powerful reflection, Bo Sanchez shares his personal experience with depression, emphasizing that it is not a lack of faith but a human struggle. He highlights how persistent grief, compounded by personal and professional challenges, led him into a deep sadness. Despite feeling overwhelmed, Sanchez stresses the importance of continuing to act on faith, even when emotions suggest otherwise. With support from friends and a commitment to prayer and service, he gradually experienced healing. The message encourages those going through depression to hold onto faith and keep doing what is right, even in the darkest times.

Takeaways

• 😀 Depression does not signify a lack of faith; it is a human experience that can happen to anyone.
• 😀 Experiencing depression is often tied to external factors, such as personal losses or overwhelming responsibilities.
• 😀 Grief can sometimes hit later, even after seemingly initial acceptance of loss, as shown by the speaker's delayed response after his mother's passing.
• 😀 The speaker's depression began with a sense of profound sadness and a desire to avoid daily activities, which persisted for several months.
• 😀 Support from friends who offer understanding and empathy, rather than judgment, is crucial when dealing with depression.
• 😀 Even when feeling down, it's important to continue doing what is right, like praying, working, or serving others, to maintain a sense of purpose.
• 😀 Following faith, not feelings, is vital during tough times; feelings of sadness or grief should be acknowledged, but faith should guide actions.
• 😀 Verbalizing feelings and sharing one's struggles with trusted friends is a key part of healing during depression.
• 😀 Depression is not a sign of weakness but a challenge to hold on to faith even more deeply.
• 😀 Over time, persistence in faith and doing the right things can lead to gradual healing, with moments of light and joy breaking through the sadness.

Q & A

What is the main message the speaker is conveying about depression?

The speaker emphasizes that depression does not signify a lack of faith. It is a human experience, and while it may feel overwhelming, it’s important to hold onto faith during such times.

How did the speaker initially respond to their mother’s passing?

The speaker grieved, cried, and acknowledged their sadness, but initially thought they were okay, believing that they had handled their mother’s passing in a similar way to their father’s death.

What was the turning point that made the speaker realize they were experiencing depression?

The speaker woke up one morning and felt an overwhelming sadness that lasted for several days. This repeated sadness made them realize it was something deeper than just temporary grief.

What advice does the speaker give for dealing with feelings during a depressive episode?

The speaker advises that it’s important to acknowledge and feel your emotions, but also to continue following your faith and doing the right things, even if you don’t feel like it.

How did the speaker’s friends support them during this time?

The speaker’s friends supported them by not judging them but instead being there to listen and visit. Their support allowed the speaker to share their struggles openly.

What was the role of faith in the speaker's recovery from depression?

Faith played a central role in the speaker's recovery. Despite feeling sad, the speaker continued to pray, work, and serve, trusting that faith would guide them through the darkness.

What process did the speaker go through to overcome their depression?

The speaker slowly began to experience less sadness each day. Over time, moments of joy and a sense of God’s light began to break through the overwhelming sadness.

What does the speaker mean by ‘follow your faith, not your feelings’?

The speaker means that while it's important to acknowledge your emotions, you shouldn't let them dictate your actions. Instead, you should rely on your faith and continue doing what’s right.

What is the significance of the statement, ‘depression is not a sign that you lack faith’?

The speaker suggests that experiencing depression doesn’t imply that you’re lacking in faith. It’s simply a human experience, and what matters is holding on to faith during such times.

What final message does the speaker convey to those experiencing depression?

The speaker encourages people going through depression to hold on, keep doing the right thing, and trust that things will gradually improve with time, as they did in the speaker’s experience.