[Clara Lou]

would suggest that it is normal for ALL people to feel doubt
This statement indicates to me that you, thankfully, have never suffered true depression. True depression isn't about doubt. It's more to do with despair, combined with mental fatigue and more problems than a person can juggle at one time.

[RightOnline]

If someone is convinced that they must deal with these problems themself, then yes............it is quite easy to see why such severe depression can ensue. I know, as a Christian, that I am NEVER alone; that I have the most powerful force in the universe......the Creator........on my side, there for me, and eager to help me.

Not just pretty words, mind you. Been there........and He's ALWAYS come through for me, especially once I get out of the way and let Him.

[frithguild]

(Please understand, this is my understanding. I tried to put this in a delicate wording as possible, yet it still appears to be harsh and judgemental.)

In judgment is the power that you seek. Ignore the mamby pamby crap that makes you want to package your speech in a popular way.

Proverbs 8

Wisdom's Call

1 Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

2 On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:

4 "To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.

6 Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

7 My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.

8 All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse.

9 To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge.

10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold,

11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

12 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.

15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;

16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.

17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.

19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.

20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

21 bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

Now cut it out with this dark moments crap. Do not let your desire to please everybody rule you. Speak in a way that pleases god and you will have power over your darkness!

[IronJack]

The author indicated that many posters were Christian believers who still experienced depression that their faith couldn't seem to shake. I suggested that their faith WOULD conquer their depression (if doubt was its true origin) but that they had to make a choice to believe instead of doubt.

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.

[Ditto]

True depression isn't about doubt. It's more to do with despair, combined with mental fatigue and more problems than a person can juggle at one time.

It's a medical condition caused by chemical imbalances more often than a psychological condition. If one has those imbalances, even life's minor aggravations can drive people into a very dark state. There are medications that help.