What to do When You are Falling in the Black Hole of Depression

by Lester Rennard

The poetic expression of a well known Psalm tells the story very well, "...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,...". I believe that 'valley of the shadow of death' could very well be the black hole of depression that robs its victims of hope and leaves them in the dungeon of despair often questioning the value and purpose of their lives.

Depression is a common emotional low feeling that afflicts practically most of us at some points in our lives. It might range from just a mild feeling of being in the dumps to a more serious form of clinical depression that requires professional help for treatment. Whatever form depression may take in stalking its victim, it is a very unnerving experience that tries the soul and dampens the spirit.

For those who come face to face with depression, there is usually a desire to withdraw from life. It comes accompanied by a feeling that no one cares, that things and circumstances may never change and there is very little reason to continue the struggle. Succumbing to those feelings may plunge one into a state of despair and psychological paralysis in which the victim is being sabotaged by his or her own fears and often irrational perceptions of the reality of their circumstances.

It is helpful to consider, when facing a depression, that despite the feeling of being alone in your circumstances, you are truly not alone. You are not the only person faced with the circumstances to which you are reacting. The chances are great that your fears may never come to pass. There may very well be many others who care about you and are praying for you.

In the biblical Old Testament account of Elijah, he ran away out of fear after hearing the threat of Jezebel to take his life. He had accomplished a remarkable feat just a day before on Mt. Carmel that demonstrated who the true God is. Now he was fearful for his own life, began complaining that he was the only righteous one left who was standing faithful to God, and he wanted to die. One day he was on top of the mountain proclaiming God's supremacy, the next day he was in the deep valley feeling abandoned even by God Himself and wanting to just lie down and die.

In his depression, he was offered something nutritious to eat, water to drink and then encouraged to get some restful sleep. Upon waking up, he was again fed some more and then questioned as to what he was doing in 'the valley'. At his response of being the only righteous one left to defend the cause of God, he was told that there were seven thousand others who were maintaining their integrity and faithfulness and refusing to compromise their loyalty to God. He was therefore not alone and had no rational justification for succumbing to such a depression.

When faced with the temptation to despair and thus fall into the black hole, remind yourself that you are never alone and that many others are either facing or have endured similar circumstances and have overcome. As much as it may be difficult, try to maintain a positive outlook and avoid focusing attention on yourself and your difficulties. Eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of pure water and get adequate rest and sleep. Avoid alcoholic beverages, get some exercise and find someone else in difficulty and offer some encouragement.

Do not suffer in silence, share with someone who can offer encouragement and support and if your depression is clinical, get professional help. Your depression may be clinical if you are having difficulties controlling negative emotions, having suicidal feelings or having abnormal sleeping spells with little desire to wake up. Another sign suggesting the need for professional help is a loss of interest in the normal activities of your life. If you do not know where to find the appropriate help, talk with your doctor or spiritual leader who should arrange for such help or refer you appropriately. Refuse to lose hope, learn the lessons of faith and deep trust while in the valley, and the circumstances that cause your depression will pass.