The most common illness in our country today is depression. It affects every age group, both men and women, and even the unwesternised tribal people, as well as modern city dwellers.

Clinical depression takes many forms, and all of them can be, and should be, treated. But whether they are treated or not, they will lift at some time or other. No depression lasts for ever. Yes it can be a most terrible trial while it lasts, because like a broken leg affects our walking, depression affects our feelings.

In this kind of illness we can’t judge ourselves because our feelings are not normal. Instead other feelings take their place, and we don’t know where we are or what we truly feel. Even if I knew the answers to depression I couldn’t give them on one page, but I can give you words for strengthening and encouragement.

1. It is an illness -stop blaming yourself. It’s not your fault if you have depression.

2. It will go. You will come out of that terrible state – so don’t despair.

3.God knows what you feel like and nowhere does. He ever tell you ‘to pull yourself together’. What He does say in the words of Jesus is, ‘Come unto me, all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’.

Now read: Psalm 43.