Studies indicate a rise in depression among clergy. The first things for a judicatory or congregation to recognize are the signs of depression. This is a medical condition but it can be exacerbated by inappropriate attitudes and responses. A pastor who is experiencing this condition is under enormous pressure to both deny it personally and to hide it from others.
The following symptoms, when they occur nearly every day for at least two weeks, are strong indicators that a person needs help:
* Depressed mood most of the day; feeling sad or empty, tearful
* Significant loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable
* Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain; decrease or increase in appetite
* Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
* Agitation; or slowing down of thoughts and reduction of physical movements
* Fatigue or loss of energy
* Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
* Poor concentration or having difficulty making decisions
* Thinking about death or suicide
It is very scary to have any of these symptoms. It is enormously helpful for clergy to know that there is a safe place where they can explore what they are experiencing. Tomorrow, we will look at possible presbytery or congregational responses to a clergy who is experiencing depression. Later we will look at milder forms often referred to as seasonal affection disorders.
