Attempting to Understand Depression and Anxiety

In the book Turtles All the Way Down, you meet 16-year-old Aza Holmes, a high school student with OCD and anxiety.  While still grieving the loss of her own father, Aza and her friend Daisy undertake a search for the boy next door’s missing father.  In dealing with her mental struggles, Aza observes, “We don’t really get to pick the painting of our lives; we do, to some extent, get to pick the frame.”

What does this statement mean?  That unexpected things impact our lives, such as our parents dying, car accidents, crime, marriages breaking apart, and COVID rock our world.  Regrettably, the list of things that can crash into our lives is endless.  No one wants an adverse event to happen; no one includes unfortunate circumstances in their life’s plan.  Aza presents the option, though unplanned and maybe unwanted, we can influence how we incorporate the events into our life.  

Anxiety and depressive disorders are complex.  Some of us live with mental illness struggles from childhood.  In speaking about the novel, Green reflected, “This is my first attempt to write directly about the kind of mental illness that has affected my life since childhood, so while the story is fictional, it is also quite personal.”

Many scientific studies look at the topic of anxiety and depressive disorders.  Recently, it was reported that nearly 40% of adults in the United States described having symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.  That is, four out of every 10 people struggle with anxiety and depression.  

Scientists have studied how our genetic makeup affects our mental health.  Some studies have examined environmental causes and their role in anxiety and depression.  Medical imaging has been used in studies to study the brain’s structure.  The studies’ findings range from increased activities in certain parts of the brain to investigations that revealed smaller or decreased volume in some brain regions of individuals with depression symptoms from individuals with no depression or anxiety symptoms.

Brain chemistry is another area that scientists have explored in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the whys of anxiety and depression.  They have found that certain chemicals allow communication between parts of our brains.  We have a protein that enables the brain to change and adapt as needed.  A lower amount than the average amount of this protein and the brain stops sending signals to our body to produce certain other chemicals.  These other chemicals are the chemicals that control our sense of happiness.  Antidepressants work to increase the release of this protein in an attempt to relieve depressive symptoms.

People have struggled with depression and anxiety since Biblical times.  King David was troubled and battled deep despair.  In many Psalms, he writes of his anguish, loneliness, anxiety, and guilt.  The prophet Elijah, even after great victories, was discouraged and afraid.  Elijah prayed, “I have had enough, Lord.  Take my life; I am not better than my ancestors.”  (1 Kings 19:4)  Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet and wrestled with despair and a sense of failure.  

Today, we are still faced with internalizing our anxiety and depression.  The good news is that facing our reality and seeking help is more acceptable.  Carson Daly, a man of faith and a TV celebrity, talks about how difficult it is to explain to others the panic and chaos he felt while performing.  NBA star Kevin Love’s sharing his anxiety struggles led Carson Daly to open up about his story.  Both found help for their depression and anxiety in therapy. 

Hopefully, the honesty about their weakness that both the Biblical characters and current people shared gives you hope.  Reach out to a Biblical counselor to walk with you and support you in finding the right tools to help you deal with your depression and anxiety.  Even though the painting of our lives may not be what we would have chosen, we can pick the frame we place around our life. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.  John 14:27  

Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin.  Call us with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions; our phone number is 434-808-2637.