The Journey Through Faith and Depression

Introduction

Imagine a young lady, bored and restless. She sits on the riverbank, perhaps pondering the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow. Suddenly, she spots a peculiar white rabbit. This rabbit is unique for a few reasons:

1. He wears a waistcoat.

2. He checks a pocket watch.

3. He mutters in English, "Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I shall be too late!"

   
   

In her boredom, she decides to follow him. Before she knows it, she tumbles down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world. This is how Lewis Carroll's beloved tale, Alice in Wonderland, begins.

Depression often feels similar. Unlike Alice, who made a choice to follow the rabbit, most people don’t choose to follow depression. It sneaks up, knocks you over the head, and drags you down that rabbit hole without warning.

The Story of Elijah

The Prophet Elijah had a remarkable career. He performed miracles, resurrected the dead, and boldly confronted King Ahab about his evil ways. By the end of 1 Kings 18, Elijah was at the peak of his powers. He should have expected a wave of repentance across the nation, starting with Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. A ticker-tape parade and marketing deals seemed like a given.

But what happens next is shocking. Ahab returns home and tells Jezebel everything Elijah has done, including how he killed all the false prophets. Does Jezebel recognize Israel's God as the true God? Does she invite Elijah to the palace and shower him with riches? No. Instead, she sends a messenger to warn Elijah, "May the gods judge me severely if by this time tomorrow I do not take your life as you did theirs!" (1 Kings 19:2).

We want Elijah to stand tall and call her out. He should point to the dead bodies of her priests and boldly declare, "Bring it on!" But instead, we see a different side of him in 1 Kings 19:3: "Elijah was afraid, so he got up and fled for his life."

What’s going on here? After such a monumental victory, why would he run? We can only speculate, but it seems to be a mix of three things:

1. He was emotionally drained from the spiritual battle with Baal's prophets.

2. Jezebel wielded immense power and had previously targeted the Lord's prophets.

3. Elijah likely felt deep discouragement. After God's powerful display, he expected repentance, but life continued as usual.

   
   

We may never know the exact reasons for Elijah's flight, but we do know he fell down a rabbit hole into a new, daunting world.

The Journey of Jennifer

Now, let’s turn to Jennifer. She left her home in the North to start anew in the Mississippi Delta. She felt accomplished, having rebuilt her identity and pursuing a Social Work degree. With her wedding just six months away and a strong faith, she expected smooth sailing into marriage and a fulfilling career.

But life had other plans. Instead of navigating the challenges of college and marriage, anxiety became her constant companion. It whispered fears of enemies and crises lurking around every corner. Money misplaced turned into accusations against friends. A poor grade sent her into a spiral of tears and anger. The confident woman who had moved 900 miles to tackle challenges now struggled with the simplest of life's hurdles.

Why did this happen? Like Elijah, we can't pinpoint the exact cause. Jennifer’s past was relatively clean—no deep secrets, no substance abuse, and no physical ailments. Looking back, we can see signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Every spring, she faced emotional struggles, but nothing she couldn't manage. The grief of losing both grandmothers in quick succession weighed heavily on her. The stress of life changes, college, and relationship difficulties compounded her challenges.

The rabbit hole truly began when she started taking the PILL.

Six months before her wedding, Jennifer began using birth control. At the time, this was the norm for a young woman who wanted to delay starting a family. The doctor mentioned few side effects, and any concerns were brushed aside. The prevailing attitude was that birth control was the best option, and any dissenting opinions were quickly dismissed.

Only recently have we begun to understand the impact of hormonal birth control on young women's mental health. A 2019 article from Harvard Health highlighted these concerns. A 2023 study from the UK found that the first two years of oral contraceptive use increased the risk of depression by 79%. Jennifer found herself dragged down the rabbit hole by the very advice that was supposed to empower her.

Understanding Depression

Depression is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It can strike without warning, leaving individuals and their loved ones unprepared. The rabbit hole appears, and the descent begins, with no clear indication of what lies ahead.

The Impact of Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can significantly affect mood and mental well-being. Many women experience shifts in their emotional state due to hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Understanding these changes is crucial for recognizing the signs of depression.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seeking help is vital. Therapy, medication, and support groups can provide the necessary tools to navigate this challenging journey. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for healing.

Conclusion

Depression often arrives unannounced, catching us off guard. It pulls us into a dark place, where we may feel lost and alone. But like Alice and Jennifer, we can find our way back. Understanding our experiences and seeking support can help us emerge from the rabbit hole into the light once more.

Next week … A Strange, New World