Is depression a mental or spiritual illness? I have suffered with it since childhood.?

Answer 1

Depression is a mental illness.

Answer 2

It can be both. Mental Illness is a chemical imbalance and many people suffer with chronic depression. If you had a tragic childhood, many of the things you need to let go of can lead to being depressed and just not knowing how to let go. I suffered for years, and always go the winter blahs. I finally found the right therapist that forced me to deal with something I kept locked away. I have not had any problems with depression since. Sometimes others (medical and mental professionals) really do what is best for us.

Answer 3

This is a very good question, one have asked my self. I am in no way an expert, but did suffer with depression for a couple of years. I didn't understand what made me unhappy or moody, some things just did, sometimes. I took anti-depressants for a while, but thought these just masked the issue and offered no long term help. I quit them suddenly, (big mistake), I found myself in a much worse state than before.

I put my self on voyage of self discovery and the depression slowly disappeared. I asked God for help and fealt much better for accepting him in my life. I read a lot of self discovery books, which were very helpfull too. ( I reccommend Life Strategies - Stop Making Excuses by Dr Phillip C McGraw). I also tried yoga and meditation. I don't know what did the trick, but I've had success after success ever since. I completely changed career and have now just started my own business.

Doctors would not call depression a spiritual illness, since doctors can't proove spiritualism. In hind site I believe depression could very well be a spiritual disease. Since opening up my spiritual gateway, (for want of a better description), I feel much more at peace with myself and the world and best of all my depressions gone.

I often ask myself if depression is God's way of bringing you to him, or forcing you to take the path you were destined to take, I guess I'll never know for sure.

What I do know though, is you have the power within yourself to bring yourself out of your depression. You can do anything you want if you set your mind to it. Be honest to yourself, explore different ways of finding spiritual peace, it can't do any harm.

Definately read the book and do the exercises. Try Yoga it's very funny trying to balance on 1 leg with your foot on your knee with your eyes closed. What-ever you do, do something. Sitting dwelling on things only makes them worse. Open up to yourself and be what you were destined to be. You can overcome anything in life if you are willing to adjust and have determination to succeed.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Mental

Answer 5

While depression could be a mental illness (e.g., chemical imbalance), it also could root in spiritual world. Note that I am not calling it "Spiritual Illness" as you called it.

Sometimes experiencing spiritual incidents and/or experiences, and not being able to recognizing it and understanding the experience, one could become depressed. This is the case that people feeling depressed are not even comfortable to talk to others about their experiences, hence adding to depression.

Sometimes, even our past life experiences could be a reason for unknown depressions, which again this is rooted to spiritualism.

One can write books on this subject. Let me suggest for you to read the book of "Many lives, Many Masters" by Brian L. Weiss, M.D. (a Psychiatrist). The book explores how he accidentally found out how our problem of today's life may root to spirituality and our past life, and how this discovery changed the life of this Jewish psychiatrist and his practice.

I do not suggest for you to take the matter in your hand, as you are not expert to recognize whether your depression is cause by medical factor or spiritual. However, I strongly suggest to seeing an expert (psychiatrist) who is open minded and is not in the habit of writing prescription --- Someone who also is open to alternative healing and practices.

Check Dr. Weiss' website and find out whether or not he accepts new patients, if not whether or not he recommends someone in your area.

Answer 6

In my opinion,, it sometimes can be a mental illness..my sister is 18 years old and she has suffered from depression from the age of 14.. she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder...thats when you have extreme mood swings..and sometimes cannot control your actions... you should ask your doctor about it... he/she may look into to a physciatrist you can see..you may need medicine to regulate your anxiety..but remember..this is an opionion and you can take it to heart if you want..but you should really ask your doctor before trying yourself to get rid of the depression problem

Answer 7

its a mental illness you are letting yourself be like this. i used to be the same way until i read the 'SEDONA METHOD' book by hale dwoskin.this is whats it about
The fastest, easiest, and most powerful self-improvement technique available. The Sedona Method can allow you to effortlessly release limiting thoughts and feelings that have plagued you for years. After over 25 years of helping tens of thousands of people worldwide, this book offers the revolutionary Sedona technique in an easy-to-learn format, teaching you to reach your goals by letting go. The Sedona Method offers a simple yet highly effective way to eliminate the painful emotions and limiting thoughts that sabotage your success, happiness and well-being. Master the releasing process and learn how to achieve your goals, improve your relationships and experience the life you've always wanted. Modern personal development techniques, such as affirmations, positive thinking and NLP have focused on changing our thinking and reprogramming the mind. With such practical techniques and enlightening true stories, this book shows you how to manifest what you want, while being at ease with what you already have.;With the Sedona Method you can: / Experience dramatic shifts in self-esteem and self-confidence that will improve your career, ignite passionate romances, create wealth, launch businesses and much more / Enjoy deep feelings of inner peace that bring more joy and happiness to everyday life / Discover boundless energy, radiant health and sound sleep / Experience freedom from long-standing emotional challenges such as fear and anxiety, anger issues, stress, depression and emotional traumas / Put an end, once and for all, to the struggle of quitting smoking, drinking, overeating and other impulsive, addictive, self-defeating behaviour

Answer 8

It is a mental health problem. It is something that you can control with the help of your doctor.
When I was younger I was a member of a church who told me my depression was spiritual, in their words demonic! They tried all sorts and made me feel terrible because the demon was not leaving, they convinced me it was because I wanted to keep hold of the demon. I can only presume that is what you mean. It is not demonic or spiritual, it is a chemical imbalance. Talk to your GP, if you already have, talk to him/her some more it's what they are paid huge salaries for.

Answer 9

depression is a mental status that needs to be dealt with... If you will use an open mind for a second I will tell you a secret. Hypnosis is a great way to deal with depression... give it a try!

Answer 10

Depression is a mental and physical illness and if not treated can be harder and harder to deal with. Please seek the advice of your doctor. It can be treated as simple as a pill a day or even by talking through things with someone outside your familiar surroundings.