Video link: BREAKING FREE FROM DEPRESSION - SESSION 3
‘BREAKING FREE FROM DEPRESSION’
SESSION 3: UNDERSTANDING THE ROOTS OF EMOTIONAL STRUGGLES
We must identify what is contributing to our emotional suffering instead of simply hiding the symptoms.
Here are possible factors to consider.
1. Generational Patterns
Scripture acknowledges generational patterns: *"The Lord... visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations"* (Exodus 20:5). While this primarily refers to spiritual consequences, we recognize that emotional and psychological patterns can also be transmitted through families.
2. Medical and Physical Causes
Although medicines help eliminate pathogens, they can have side effects—such as destroying the body's healthy cells. The body and mind are deeply connected.
3. Childhood Wounds
If a person was subjected to cruelty or sexual abuse—such as rape, physical assault, abandonment, or rejection—during childhood, an unclean spirit may find an opening to torment them. Childhood is a formative period; wounds inflicted then can echo throughout life.
4. Major Life Changes and Loss
A person may experience depression after separating from a life partner or following the death of someone they relied upon heavily. Other life changes—such as being laid off or fired from a job—can also have similar effects.
5. Lack of Support
When a person facing severe problems lacks a proper source of support, they are prone to depression. Having a network of the right friends—surrounding oneself with trustworthy people—is crucial. Access to the right counselors can also be helpful.
6. Negative Thinking Patterns
Attitude plays a crucial role in a person's life. You may encounter problems if you frequently focus on the negative instead of the positive.
Philippians 4:8 calls us to focus on things that are: True, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
The goal is not to pretend that problems do not exist.
7. Self-Directed Anger
Some people become angry with themselves after making a decision that leads to negative consequences. They may become angry with themselves for the choice they made.
8. Sin, Guilt, and Self-Condemnation
A person in this state may be unable to forgive themselves, even if God has forgiven them. When God forgives you, you must also accept that forgiveness by believing that you have indeed been forgiven.
9. Lack of Love and Positive Experiences
There are people whose life experiences have been solely negative; they have never been shown true love. Many young people who are easily misled are those who never received genuine love from their parents.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
