I believe that some depression is biochemical in nature, and that there are pharmaceutical solutions to these "funks." However, for folks whose despair arises from a crisis of faith, I maintain that the solution lies within their own grasp.
Very good points here. When I was a teenager I had two episodes of major depression, two suicide attempts. It was a combination of physiological and circumstancial. I did not really respond too well with medication or counseling(I was a very private person)but I did respond with a dietary change, exercise, and supplements, especially the B vitamins.
For the circumstantial reasons for being depressed, journaling and intensive Bible study and prayer helped me to understand the power of forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 were life changing for me. It gave me perspective. It was the God of all comfort passage in which I understood that when we go through suffering, God comforts us and then we can comfort others with the same comfort we ourselves received. The other passage that helped with the circumstancial reasons was Philippians 3:13-14 forget what is the past and look ahead.
It was God who led me through the valleys in finding the answers that worked for me. As long as I follow my diet, supplements, exercise and journaling I have never lapsed back into the major depressive episodes. Journaling helps to monitor moods and see if there is a cycle or what triggers things. Therefore, I am in control and if I notice a pattern developing I do something about it.
I also think that people today are simply burnt out with the constant activity and busyness. It's easier to stay busy than deal with the emotions and pain. However, most people can't keep up the constant adrenaline rush. We compensate with food, drugs, alcohol, internet, sex, etc. all to numb the pain.
We as conservatives have a hard time it seems dealing with the emotional side of things, we pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and don't reach out because we don't want to be like the emotional liberals. Most of the time that is what is best, but there are times when we need to tend to the emotional side of things too.
This too is covered in the Bible, in the passage from Ecclesiastes where it says "There is a time to every purpose under Heaven."
Emotion isn't wrong. It's just sometimes inappropriate. But so is reason. It's a wise (or well-guided) person indeed who knows which to use when.