Depression: Leisa Aitken Master Class

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Depression a mental illness categorized by ongoing feelings of sadness, irritability, emptiness, apathy, with appetite changes, sleeping changes, tiredness, troubles concentrating and self-critical and negative thoughts that stop someone from functioning normally for two weeks or longer.

Depression is most often caused by life stressors such as relationships, financial troubles; however it can also be caused by neurological chemicals or genetic pre-disposition.  In a small percentage of the population psychotic depression which causes them to lose touch with reality entirely. Another form of depression is Bipolar Disorder, periods of depression followed by manic periods where the person has a sudden and excessive burst of energy followed by another depressive episode.

Recovery begins with reaching out. To those suffering from depression, speak to someone you trust and explain to them how you’re feeling, remember that depression isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of humanity. On the other hand, if someone you know is displaying signs of depression talk to them and suggest going to a doctor together. When deciding what treatment to take, your GP should suggest a psychologist or anti-depressants that may work for you. Whilst, anti-depressants may not work completely, they may provide enough of a push to help you see the bigger picture, recognise the negative thoughts and to deal with them in a healthy way.

Leisa doesn’t distinguish between the physical and the spiritual when asked about, especially when dealing with depression, “in the bible we are one whole.” Often Christians suffering with depression lose their sense of worth before God and the hope in their future. “We should be compassionate to ourselves, we’re in a fallen world, with fallen people” says Leisa, we cannot always be happy despite what society tells us. God created us for relationships, thus our relationships with other Christians should be encouraging and supportive and reminding each other of the perfect heave where this is no depression or brokenness in heaven. Leisa encourages that you do not need to be perfect to live in Gods community, but stay connected and balance your commitments; often God uses these times to teach compassion, gentleness and sensitivity.

For further information on depression websites like Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute provide insights and guides on how to cope with depression and where to go next. Some books, such as Robert Whitaker’s Anatomy of an Epidemic, can give more information on different treatments and long-term solutions. Lisa has other Masterclasses on Mindfulness, Boundaries and Anxiety for Open House.