Depression weighs heavily on many, as the horrors of the world—abductions, abuse, murders, and societal perversions—bring deep discouragement and despair. This pervasive sadness is not new; even biblical figures like Noah, Moses, David, Elijah, and Jeremiah experienced profound depression, some even longing for death. Yet, they found ways to escape through accessing the right power and resources, emerging emotionally and spiritually stronger by overcoming discouragement. Depression manifests in various forms, unbound by intelligence, wealth, culture, or age. It afflicts young children and drives a shocking rise in adolescent suicides, with rates increasing 200 percent over the last 40 years. Suicide now stands as the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds, with thousands succumbing yearly and many more attempting it. Surveys reveal a tragic reality: many teens feel misunderstood and unheard by their families, exacerbating their emotional turmoil. At its mildest, depression appears as a fleeting sadness after bad news or loss, often resolving quickly. At its severest, it becomes a chronic state of hopelessness, futility, and emptiness, draining joy and energy, and sometimes leading to suicide. It begins with specific losses or fears, spiraling into collapsed self-worth and immobilizing despair. Serious depressives often feel trapped, seeing no way out, viewing the future as bleak and unchangeable. Manic-depressives swing between extreme optimism and pessimism, while masked depressives function below their potential, unaware of the subtle depression causing their emotional and physical struggles. Physical and mental exhaustion, improper nutrition, and other bodily imbalances contribute to depressive states, altering brain chemistry and producing painful emotional and physical responses. Overwork, poor diet, and prolonged stress drain the strength needed to cope with life's challenges. Depression is not always a direct spiritual issue, though underlying spiritual problems can play a role indirectly. Elijah's story illustrates how even the strongest can fall into despair. Despite witnessing miracles, he spiraled into depression under fear and exhaustion, focusing on threats rather than divine power, succumbing to self-pity. Yet, a remedy emerged: rest and refreshment to combat fatigue, a renewed focus on reality to dispel feelings of isolation, adjusted expectations to recognize divine work in subtle ways, and obedient action to move beyond emotional paralysis. How one handles life's pressures determines whether depression or victory prevails.

The events following September 11th have deeply affected the American psyche, introducing a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity that has led to widespread depression among many. Americans now grapple with a shocking and disturbing realization of vulnerability, feeling a kinship with others worldwide who live under constant threat. This sense of being besieged has stripped away the carefree ignorance once prevalent, replacing it with a somber awareness of global realities. Depression also stems from a loss of control, a feeling that can be countered by the assurance that God is in charge. Understanding His sovereignty provides peace of mind, pulling individuals out of depressive states with the knowledge that He desires the best for us. This perspective fosters satisfaction, alleviating the stresses and pressures that contribute to depression by affirming that everything happens for our good under His guidance. Another source of depression is the loss of hope, often fueled by excessive pessimism about the future. Envy of others can lead to discouragement, making one feel unfairly treated by God. However, maintaining a constant awareness of His sovereignty, power, and love continually feeds hope, reminding us that there is more to life than the present. Our hope is certain, backed by the Almighty, ensuring that not all expectations must be met now, as greater promises await in the future. When hope is deferred, it can make the heart sick with disappointment and frustration. Yet, this should not lead to depression, as the timing of future events remains in God's hands. Without a proper vision of the future as revealed by Him, individuals risk falling into self-destructive behaviors. Following His instructions leads to a blessed life, free from the pain and fears that fuel depression. Returning to God's light and truth can restore hope and combat discouragement. By revisiting His promises and maintaining the right perspective, one can overcome depressive states, finding renewed strength to face life's challenges with the assurance that He is working for our ultimate good.

The constant stream of bad news through radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and the internet is deeply depressing and ominous, draining energy and fostering hopelessness. This overwhelming negativity, more accessible to this generation than ever before, can weigh heavily on the spirit. However, there is a cure for this despair. The overwhelming amount of depressing news must be counterbalanced with positive, edifying, and hopeful information. The only absolutely sure source of this counterbalance is the Word of God, though its effectiveness depends on truly believing what He says. Without this belief, it offers no benefit. The words spoken by Him are spirit and life, pointing to and supporting life, in stark contrast to the words from worldly sources that often carry a spirit of death and depression. To achieve a better balance, it is essential to spend more time filling the mind with the good and uplifting content found in His teachings.

The stress of living in today's America is driving tens of millions to the point of illness, depression, and self-destruction. Fully one third of the nation's employees suffer chronic, debilitating stress, and more than half of all Millennials, young adults aged 18 to 33, experience stress that keeps them awake at night with depression and anxiety disorders. A poignant example is the chronic depression of a 38-year-old Chicago police officer, overwhelmed by the constant pressures of his job, which ultimately led to his suicide as he saw his problems as unsolvable.

We are coming on times that are so overwhelmingly stressful that even people in God's Church are feeling a crushing weight of so much stress. It is bringing many dangerously close to chronic depression. This is a trap we cannot allow ourselves to fall into. Perhaps these days are even more stressful for those in God's Church because we have seen this coming, and we know that the natural and man-made disasters we are seeing are only the beginning of things. Satan will try to use our God-given understanding as a tool to defeat us as we stand on the edge of the next step in God's plan and purpose. Just as some are battling cancer, diabetes, and a myriad of other genetically linked diseases, so too a few are battling depression and will not climb out without a united effort in corporate faith before the very throne of God. God has allowed every one of us to go through personal afflictions that push us to the limits of our personal faith, and it is in these afflictions that God is expecting to see a unified body lifting up the feeble hands of every one of us that cannot do it alone.

Depression is gripping America and the world, contributing to a profound mental health crisis that spans all age groups and demographics. Amid social isolation, economic instability, political turmoil, racial violence, death, sickness, and uncertainty about the future, depression and anxiety levels are soaring. According to a 2018 survey from the American College Health Association, more than 40% of college students felt so depressed they had difficulty functioning. Among younger children, 3.2% of those aged 3 to 17 have diagnosed depression, with some studies suggesting this figure could be as high as 5%. This pervasive emotional struggle reflects a broader decline in mental well-being, leaving society vulnerable to mounting stresses and challenges.

Life on earth has always been stressful, but the level of stress has increased over the last two decades with technological advancements and the flood of information combined with instant communication. This real-time, always-on, always-connected, and much less active lifestyle has taken its toll on mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic and political turmoil have accelerated this decline through isolation, job loss, fear, anxiety, and bereavement. Failing to maintain a positive, thankful outlook can open the door to mental illness. We must choose to work towards positivity and thankfulness through sickness and health, prosperity and poverty, joy and sorrow.

Loneliness can bring on a sense of emptiness and discouragement, disconnecting individuals from family, friends, and the church, often accompanied by sadness, resentment, and anxiety. This separation makes it difficult during good times and especially in bad times when facing disappointments, tests, and trials. Many find themselves alone, particularly after losing a mate, or as single parents struggling to raise families by themselves, or as young people unable to find a mate to marry, feeling isolated in their personal battles. Yet, there is a promise of strength and courage, for God assures His presence, saying, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." God remains faithful to His people through all ages, never leaving nor forsaking them, as He emphatically promises, "No, I will not leave you. No, nor forsake you." This assurance stands as a source of comfort, reminding all that no matter the trial or difficulty, they are not alone, for they have a God who loves and strengthens them even before they ask.

Suicide is a profound tragedy, claiming over 800,000 lives globally each year, with one death every 40 seconds. In the United States, it ranks as the 10th leading cause of death across all ages, and the second for those aged 15-24. The pain extends to an estimated quarter of a million Americans who become suicide survivors annually. Social factors like family breakdown, substance abuse, and media influence contribute to the rising rates, particularly among teenagers who face emotional devastation from early sexual relationships and lack the brain maturity to cope, as development may not complete until the mid-20s. Cluster suicides and copycat behaviors among teens further exacerbate the issue, often fueled by media sensationalism. Psychologists view suicide as both self-hate and a perverse form of self-love, termed selfism, where an excessive focus on self leads to despair when one fails to meet perceived standards. Satan seeks to depress and discourage, but through trust in God, who delivers from trials, one can find strength. Jesus Christ offers healing to the brokenhearted, transforming a death-wish into a joyous song of life.

In these last days, marked by danger and stress due to the influence of evil men under satan's sway, we, as members of God's church, bear a personal responsibility to overcome anxiety, fears, depression, and doubts. A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the path to victory, as doubt destroys faith and blocks the fruit of faith from being produced. Spiritual depression often arises from temperament and human reasoning, especially in those with energetic and impulsive natures, leading to violent fluctuations between highs of enthusiasm and lows of despondency. Such individuals may act without sufficient thought, failing to consider consequences, which can result in a faith that does not sustain them through trials. Doubts can lead us into anxiety and depression when we focus on the raging waves of our troubles rather than maintaining trust in God. We often produce our own doubts by engaging in matters beyond our depth or by allowing afterthoughts to revisit issues already settled by faith. This vacillation between trusting God and relying on the world or personal abilities can swiftly turn opportunities into crises, deepening our sense of despair. The antidote to this spiritual depression lies in cultivating a great faith, grounded in a steady trust and confidence in God's sovereignty and love, ensuring we persist in looking to Him rather than being overwhelmed by the chaos surrounding us.