The only real cure for Anhedonia, Depression, Melancholia, and Schizophrenia
Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure or sustain happy thoughts. Those who have it avoid socialization or leisure activities. They would rather stay at home and do nothing. In short, they have no more hope.
French philosopher Théodule Armand Ribot introduced it in 1896. People who suffer from it appear to have their brain’s “pleasure circuit” turned off. [Everyday Christian Parent]
CHRONIC DEPRESSION IN THE BIBLE.
How science deals with anhedonia
Certain brain parts contribute to our mood; the prefrontal cortex is linked to the ventral striatum tied to motivation and reward; the amygdala is for decision making. If there’s an imbalance, the connection shuts down.
To fix it, doctors may prescribe ketamine-based antidepressants or other drugs. Supplements known to increase serotonin may help. Generally, medications and psychotherapy don’t always work. Even the Mayo Clinic acknowledges it.
HOW THE APOSTLE PAUL OVERCAME DEPRESSION.
A hopeless life ahead, might as well quit?
Anhedonia is a hopeless state of “Saudade.” It can be triggered by a nostalgic or profound longing for something or someone. It’s simultaneously having a positive outlook on the future. However, anhedonia does not look at life positively.
Neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl is the father of Logotherapy. He had his own battle with anhedonia. Frankl asserts that mental depression is a battle of the mind. However, external circumstances can never break the spiritual self.
HOW TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION IN THE BIBLE.
Anhedonia: A stronghold of Satan
If we look at the scriptures, it is clear that Satan uses hopelessness and unbelief to lure God’s children. When a person succumbs to anhedonia, the enemy has gained a foothold which is really Demonic oppression. [Signs of Demonic influence]
Satan has a strategy. He is organized. He is the father of lies who’s out there waiting to devour someone. He steals our joy. (John 8:44)
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
MAIN CAUSE OF DEPRESSION IN THE BIBLE.
Spiritual Warfare: The only known cure that works!
We have an enemy after our destruction (John 10:10). We have an enemy after our defeat (John 10:10). Spiritual warfare and deliverance are the only recourse should anhedonia set in. The deliverance process is not new, but many Christians are ill-equipped to do so. [Dr. Richard Ing] and deliverance are the only recourse when anhedonia sets in a person. The deliverance process is not new, but many Christians are ill-equipped to do so. [Dr. Richard Ing]
However, the hurdle of Spiritual Warfare is the faithlessness of a person to believe in God. There is no hope for unbelievers who embraces atheism and reject Jesus. The reason we must share the Gospel.
Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.
There is no hope for those who reject Jesus.
WHAT TO DO IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE?
The hope for those suffering from anhedonia
To believe in a god is easy, but there is only one true God—Jesus Christ; the rest are counterfeit. He is the “living waters,” and those who abide in the ‘true vine‘ will never thirst.
The seven promises of God for the hopeless
- Jesus said, “The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” (John 7:38)
- “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)
- If you believe that Jesus can raise the dead and that He is the resurrection and life (1 Corinthians 15:12-20), He too can lift you out of your depression, but you need to believe.
- In Him, we have hope, we have peace, and we have life. (John 3:36)
- God tells you, “For I am the Lord who heals you!” (Exodus 15:26 ).
- Let not your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
- Jesus promised never to leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)
Hello – It’s been 43 years since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord AND savior. Then biological depression and anxiety became my constant companion. This is organic – somewhere in my DNA. I’ve had excellent medications from very good doctors. The meds combo have changed through out the years as better ones come along. I’ve read everything I could from the secular world. The Bible is my constant “go to” source daily. But foremost, it is Jesus Christ who converses with me daily. In 1986, the medicos knew absolutely nothing about mental depression. For decades, any pastor I told about my illness immediately labeled me a sinner with a spiritual fault! Baloney. I pray they never tell a PMS sufferer, she has a spiritual problem, not hormones!!! They are not psychiatrists and my doctor doesn’t pretend to be a pastor. I want to alert depressed people not to go to pastors for treatment of depression. That’s like telling a diabetic they don’t need insulin because it’s a spiritual weakness! Of course I’ve prayed and begged Christ to remove my illness, as Paul did three times for his thorn in the flesh. Jesus gave me the exact answer, when I am weak, then HE IS STRONG. I accepted that and when I did, a wonderful spiritual power became my newest companion. God has a terrific plan for ME and YOU, my fellow sufferer of depression or other mental illness. Through it, Jesus has developed a most unique personal relationship with me enabling me to reach over 100 people who showed signs of mental illness. When I needed Him to put my feet on the bedroom floor in the morning, he also gave me the words that day to testify to everyone who came into my life. Now, I’m an evangelist with boldness and power because “when I am weak, Jesus is strong.” Doesn’t Jesus want us to rely on him daily? Not once in a while? My friend, we ARE the lucky ones. Christ has an extremely special plan for your life, like no one else. Give it ALL to him.
I relate completely to you, sister in Christ. Thank you for sharing this. The Lord also has shown me that His grace is sufficient for me, for when I am weak, He is strong. He is my strength and my all-in-all daily.
Kathy