Modern Cultural Pressures that lead to Depression November 27, 2011
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Brief notes from a chapter by Edward Welch – Depression a Stubborn Darkness
1. Decisions
We are bombarded by many decisions. At a young age. There is a pressure to make the right decisions and a fear of making mistakes. What results is a fatigue and helplessness as we try to control the uncontrollable (life). We feel that we have somehow failed if we do not have all that we had planned or hoped.
2. Individualism
Loss of community and family. Self-driven life, rather than one in which you have companions on the journey.
3. Self-indulgence
Whatever “feels good”. “Follow your heart.” Resultant emptiness, dissatisfaction. We think that indulging our desires will somehow satisfy.
C.S. Lewis: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
4. “One more”
Achieved something and found it empty. Reach for the next thing that will “make me happy”. Had delayed gratification for future happiness, but it wasn’t worth it in the end.
5. Self-esteem
Need to feel good about ourselves. Cognitive dissonance when we discover that we are not the best, can’t do everything and can’t have it all. The only options are depression or denial.
6. Happiness idol
Happiness becomes the purpose of life. Avoid suffering at all costs. If suffering exists, something must be wrong. If there are hardships in a relationship – end it. If there are unpleasant emotions – medicate it. Unable to handle disappointment. But suffering is a part of life.
7. Entertainment and Boredom
Inability to tolerate peace. To meditate (on God, Phil 4:8). We must fill life with “stuff”. We never take time to relax and enjoy.
Blaise Pascal: “The sole cause of man’s unhappiness is that he does not know how to stay quietly in his room.”
7 Questions that will define your life November 11, 2011
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We are creatures of HABIT. We are the product of what we keep doing.
1. What are your UNHEALTHY HABITS?
2. What are your HEALTHY HABITS?
We are creatures of CHOICE. We are the result of the decisions we make.
3. What are your PRIORITIES (or values)?
4. What are your BOUNDARIES?
The difference between what goes IN and what comes OUT is who we are. Like photographic film you become what you are EXPOSED to and IMMERSED in.
RE: FAT MESS
5. Where do you DWELL?
Rest & Reflect (Do you sleep well? Do you meditate? Do you relax?)
Environment (Where do you spend your time? Who do you surround yourself with? What situations do you allow yourself to get into?)
6. What do you PUT IN?
Food & Drink
Activity (Physical Exercise)
Thoughts
Media (Eyes and Ears – What are you watching, reading, listening to?)
7. What do you PUT OUT?
Emotions (Feelings)
Speech (How do you communicate?)
Service (Do you live for and love others or yourself?)
Dr Darren Morton’s SMILERS: Speak right, Move right, Immerse in the right environment, Look at the right things, Eat right, Rest right and Serve right.
(Seven Secrets for Feeling Fantastic)
