When some people get depressed, they have a pity-party. "Job opened his mouth and cursed his day...Perish the day on which I was born" (Jb 3:1, 3). Others in depression resort to violence. For example, when the Samaritans did not welcome Jesus and the apostles, James and John said: "Lord, would you not have us call down fire from heaven to destroy them?" (Lk 9:54) Neither self-pity nor violence relieve depression, but only make it worse because they focus on self. There are many other ways of coping with depression, which likewise fail because of these same mistakes.

Paradoxically, we must lose our selves to save ourselves (Lk 9:24). Self is the problem, not the answer. We should focus entirely on the Answer, Jesus. He alone is our Savior. We can not save ourselves from depression or damnation, presently or eternally. We need Jesus. When you are depressed, call on His name. You will not be put to shame (Is 54:4).

It's that simple. Jesus loves us. He even died for us. He loves us more than we love ourselves. He can do all things, even the impossible (Lk 1:37). All we need do is give Him a chance and open the door by an act of faith. "When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit He saves" (Ps 34:18-19).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2010

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