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The Difference Between Clinical and Situational Depression

The Difference Between Clinical and Situational Depression

Clinical depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. In fact, in 2008, clinical depression was ranked by the World Health Organization as the third leading cause of disability worldwide, and it is projected to be the number one cause of disability by 2030.

Clinical depression, or Major Depressive Disorder, is a whole-body disorder in which there are alterations in the normal function of the brain circuits (critical reasoning circuits are underactive, fear circuits are overactive, etc.); an upregulated immune system with elevated inflammatory factors that contribute to the experience of fatigue, malaise, appetite, and sleep disturbance; alterations in thinking patterns with overly negative, pessimistic, and discouraging current to the thoughts; and cellular changes in the brain with altered gene expression with loss of neurotrophins (proteins that enhance neuroplasticity and keep neurons healthy) and of white matter volume in critical brain regions.

Clinical depression is a physiological condition that alters normal function of the entire person—and there are many underlying factors that increase the risk of developing clinical depression. In fact, any person, regardless of genetics, can experience clinical depression if enough of these factors occur. Factors that contribute to the development of clinical depression include poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, unremitting mental stress, inadequate rest, dehydration, unresolved trauma, substance abuse, certain medications, existential anxiety, relational conflict or loss, unhealthy spirituality, physical sicknesses of various kinds, negative thought patterns, social isolation, and more.

But there is good news—clinical depression is treatable! And the best treatment outcomes occur when a holistic approach is taken and the underlying contributing factors are identified and resolved.

While it is good news that the stigma related to depression has decreased as more people realize that clinical depression is a serious medical condition, and not a spiritual problem or moral weakness, we must be careful not to misconstrue all depressing experiences as clinical. In other words, not all depression is clinical. Not every emotional state in which a person experiences feelings of depression, sadness, tearfulness, discouragement, hopelessness, and despondency is because of an entire brain/body illness. Sometimes, the depressed mood is the appropriate emotional state to a depressing event or experience and the unpleasant mood is part of an adaptive response intended to motivate the person to address the distressing life event and overcome it. When a depressed mood is due to a situational event, the path forward is to work through the event rather than trying to medicate the feeling away, either with a pharmaceutical or alcohol and illicit drugs.

A classic example of this type of depressed mood would be the depression that occurs during grief. Normal grief is associated with depressed mood, yet the treatment is not an antidepressant medication but, instead, is working through the grief and coming to “acceptance.” Only when the loss is processed, the individual comes to an “acceptable” internal perspective, and there is resolution of the loss, does the depressed mood resolve. 

Grief serves as a good example of the depressed moods that are not clinical. Depressed mood in the aftermath of a breakup, after not being accepted to graduate school, after being passed over for a promotion, or after suffering a financial loss are other examples of non-clinical depression. The depressed moods associated with life’s hurts, losses, disappointments, and struggles are not the same as clinical depression, and they do not resolve with biological treatments (medication). These dysphoric moods resolve when the issue that causes the dysphoria is worked through and a new, acceptable, and healthy understanding is achieved. The depressed moods due to distressing situations are designed to motivate us to engage, wrestle through the obstacle, and overcome the difficulty.

The apostle Paul wrote,

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:3–5 NIV84).

Bible examples of people with situational depression, which was only resolved by dealing with the circumstances of the situation, include:

  • King David after being confronted by Nathan and experiencing the loss of his baby
  • The apostle Peter after he denied knowing Jesus with cursing and then went out and wept bitterly

However, sometimes people, rather than working through their situational depression, will instead turn to substances, historically alcohol, to numb their emotional pain. Others will run away into various forms of escapism, such as entertainment or workaholism. But these choices will only enable the problem to fester—and they might even lead to clinical depression if the attempted coping is objectively unhealthy, e.g., overwork, use of alcohol or drugs to numb the pain, failure to maintain adequate nutrition, chronic sleep deprivation, anger at God and no longer engaging in healthy spiritual practices, social isolation, disengagement in physical exercise, or eating “comfort foods,” etc.

Because situational and clinical depression often look similar in the immediate moment—a person with either kind can be sad, tearful, discouraged; voice hopelessness; disengage from normal activities; have impaired ability to concentrate; experience loss of appetite; not sleep well; have feelings of worthlessness, and even contemplate suicide—misunderstanding, confusion, and misdiagnosis can occur that could lead to harm or delay effective treatment.

If a person with clinical depression is viewed as having only a situational depressed mood, they might delay getting effective treatment and suffer longer than they otherwise would’ve had they sought treatment earlier. Worse, well-intentioned family and friends, having seen people with situational depression get better with encouragement, prayer, problem-solving, and addressing the objective issue, may believe that all depression is simply situational and/or spiritual and allege that the person with clinical depression needs only to pray or have more faith in order to get well. Such assertions may cause the person with clinical depression to delay effective treatment, magnifying the suffering, but those family and friends would also add a new layer of mental anguish—the lie that the depressed person doesn’t have enough faith or that seeking medical treatment is a lack of faith, which adds false guilt, activates stress circuits, and increases inflammation, which contributes to more clinical depression.

 

What Can You Do?

If you find yourself in a moment of depressed mood—sad, discouraged, tearful—ask yourself:

  • Is this situational depression? Is it due to a real loss, a disappointment, an injury? Is it something I need to wrestle through that will help me develop?
  • Or is this depressive mood something more? Is it clinical depression, a physiological loss of function that persists for weeks despite my willingness and desire to work through whatever life’s challenges are facing me?

If the depression is clinical, don’t be discouraged—seek professional treatment because clinical depression is treatable!

However, professional clinical treatment is also beneficial for situational depression, especially if the depression isn’t quickly resolved; it is just that situational depression is not treated with biological treatments but by helping the person resolve the cause of their depression.

I have had patients with situational depression for which no medication would help, but they didn’t know how to work through their circumstances, so they benefited greatly from professional counseling that helped them see things from a new perspective, learn new insights, and gain new coping skills that they could apply to their circumstance, leading to resolution of the depression.

So regardless of whether the depression is clinical or situational—both are serious, both interfere with normal functioning, both undermine wellness—both are ultimately treatable. So don’t ever give into hopelessness, but if tempted with hopelessness, if you are not finding relief from the depression, seek professional treatment to identify and treat the cause of the depression.

Depression is treatable, there is hope, there is healing—so don’t ever give up!


If someone you know is struggling with depression and self-help resources are not enough, and professional treatment hasn’t led to the improvement they would like, you can let them know about Honey Lake Clinic (HLC), where I am the medical director of the adult program. HLC is a holistic, Christian mental-health residential treatment program that seeks to identify and resolve the various causes of depression—whether biological, psychological, relational, or spiritual. We are here to help!

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Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 76

Warm greetings from Tanzania! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and your team at Come And Reason Ministries for the amazing work you do. Your teachings have opened my eyes to deep biblical truths and how to live them out in real life. I started following the ministry back in 2018, and ever since, my walk with God has grown so much stronger. I’ve found freedom from fear-based faith and now live with more peace and trust in Him. I’ve also been sharing what I’ve learned, especially through Bible School discussions. Your lessons are so insightful and well-explained that I try not to miss a single one. May God continue to bless the work you’re doing.
Elisha M., Tanzania, Africa

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia