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The Forgotten Link
A
wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man
of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. (Proverbs
1:5)
So far, the focus has been on health-based
services: psychology, naturopathy, psychiatry etc. What did
occur to me, however, is that the missing and often forgotten
link' when dealing with depressed people and their loved ones
is their relationship with their church, their chosen spiritual
beliefs and/or their spirituality as it relates to their culture.
Depression
as an illness attacks what I describe as the psychological
immune system. By that, I refer to the immunity we gain from
hope and optimism. People don't become depressed because they
question their faith – depression strips a person of
both hope and faith. Certainly, it can be an important part
of their recovery to address issues of a spiritual nature,
but this process in itself will not cure a depressive illness.
This chapter is an acknowledgment of the need for a truly
holistic' approach to the treatment of depression, one that
makes room for spirituality and science.
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