Just because it’s invisible doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Just because it’s invisible doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.
Just because it’s invisible doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.
Just because it’s invisible doesn’t mean it should be ignored.
Depression.
Yes, I’m talking about depression, the invisible illness.
There, I said it.
Don’t worry, you can’t catch it just by talking about it. But discussing depression helps bring much-needed awareness to this often misunderstood struggle.
You can make a difference, and you can help tear down the stigma by joining the conversation and admitting it is a problem.
Some don’t realize it is a problem. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t.
Even the Bible says “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). And people are dying every day because of lack of knowledge, lack of compassion, and lack of appropriate help.
It’s my desire to be part of the solution, because each day people are dying and families’ lives are being torn apart. In response, I wrote Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Journey Through Depression, published by Revell in 2016, to provide help and hope for those who suffer in the valley of depression.
Depression as an Invisible Illness: Why It Deserves Our Attention and Support
Since its release, Hope Prevails has reached countless readers, offering them encouragement and practical insights for navigating their journey through depression. It is my hope that understanding depression, an invisible illness, can help tear down the stigma, making it easier for those suffering to find compassion and support.
Although someone once suggested that the “market” for my book was “too small”—not as big as, say, the weight loss market—I didn’t write it for a “market.” I wrote it for the person in despair, the one who has lost hope, because I wanted them to know that real, lasting hope exists and is accessible. Hope Prevails continues to show that compassion and support can resonate far beyond any market limitations.
If you have not ever suffered with depression, may I say, count yourself fortunate. But may I also say, I can guarantee you know someone who has—and someone who is—dealing with depression as an invisible illness. Understanding depression begins with recognizing that it affects many around us, often without visible signs.
Understanding the Real Impact of Mental Health Stigma on Invisible Illnesses
As depression continues to be a significant health challenge, it affects nearly 5% of adults worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of disability globally, according to recent reports from the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, approximately 21 million adults (8.4%) have experienced a major depressive episode, with the impact particularly high among younger adults and women.
Despite its prevalence, mental health stigma and barriers to treatment still prevent many from accessing the support they need. By reaching out with compassion and practical help, we can continue making a positive difference in the lives of those affected and work together to tear down the stigma surrounding depression.
These statistics don’t include lesser cases of prolonged blues, sadness, or grief nor does it include those who don’t seek help.
When someone battling depression becomes desperate and feels there’s no escape from their pain and despair, it’s not uncommon for them to consider suicide. This is a tragic reality of depression, though an invisible illness, where the internal struggle may not be apparent to those around them.
Why Compassion Matters for Those Facing Depression
Posts often circulate on social media claiming that suicide is a “selfish” act, suggesting that those who attempt it don’t care about the people they leave behind.
Yet when someone attempts suicide, they may actually be thinking about ending their own pain (even if they truly think others would be better off if they weren’t there). What they aren’t capable of seeing, in their pain, is how much pain others will experience when they are gone.
This misunderstanding shows a lack of understanding and compassion for the depth of despair someone who is suicidal is experiencing.
Steps to Tear Down the Mental Health Stigma of Invisible Depression
I believe that as part of the body of Christ, for the church to be a hospital to the hurting, we must do what we can to tear down the stigma associated with certain taboo subjects, mental health – specifically depression, being one of them.
That’s the reason I wrote my book Hope Prevails. Invisible depression is a devastating condition. No one asks to be depressed. No one wants to be depressed.
I’ve been there. I didn’t ask for this to be my ministry field, but it’s a territory God has given me, and as long as I have breath and He has me there, I will do what I can to help the hurting, and share the hope that prevails.
Stigma is perpetuated by a lack of understanding, a lack of compassion, and a lack of willingness to step in and be part of the solution. Depression, as an invisible illness, calls for an extra measure of empathy and awareness, as its effects may not be immediately visible.
No one would choose to be depressed. But often, they get to the point they don’t know what else to do.
Instead of turning away because you can’t relate or don’t understand, take that first step toward understanding depression, and offer a compassionate embrace. Each of us can help tear down the stigma and walk with those who suffer.
Somehow I think that’s what Jesus would have done.
“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15)
#HopePrevails #EndStigma #Hope4MH
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Depression is often an Invisible Illness, but just because it’s unseen doesn’t mean it’s not real. Let’s break down the stigma, offer compassion, and remember: real hope is accessible. Share on X Depression doesn’t have visible symptoms, but it deserves our support. By talking about Depression as an invisible illness, we can help others understand and tear down mental health stigma. Share on X
Depression doesn’t have to become a permanent part of life.
There is hope.
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the companion Hope Prevails Bible Study help the reader understand how depression comes to be, recover their joy, reclaim their peace, and re-establish their true identity, while knowing their worth, remembering their secure destiny, and being confident that nothing separates them from God’s love.
Hope Prevails and the Hope Prevails Bible Study are must-reads for anyone suffering from depression or knows someone suffering from depression.
Thank you for taking a bold stand to speak up for the hurting. I trust our God that because of your courage, He will deliver the hurting from the oppression breaking those chains setting them free, by His grace & mercy in Christ our Lord. May the Lord bless the work of your hands. Love you my friend!
Shonda, we both know that we don’t often get to choose our area of ministry, but that it’s an honor and privilege to be chosen by the Lord to serve Him. I pray that He blesses the work for His glory, and that as a result, others will feel less alone, and not listen to the lies of the enemy who delights in telling us in our valleys that we are alone and that no one understands. I’m here to share that they are not alone, and I do understand those depths of despair. But more than that, because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Well said, Michelle!
Thanks Mitch! Glad to see you stopping by! Blessings to you.
Strong advocates are in short supply. Those who need your voice are grateful for your passionate support.
Thank you Lisa. I have no intention of quitting. I’m just getting warmed up!
The scariest part for me about depression is the hopelessness the person feels. May God continue to work through you and teach others how to help those who feel so alone and empty.
Carrie, that is my goal: both to encourage the one who is feeling hopeless and to equip those who are walking along side. Thanks for your encouragement. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I love your passion for this! My husband has bipolar 2 disorder and educating people about mental illness is vital. Thank you for your work! Visiting from Mommy Moments.
Angela, in all honesty, I’m not sure any of us truly ever chooses our ministry, but are called and placed by God. But when we are obedient to His call, it is there that we find our greatest joy. My heart’s desire is to follow closely after His leading and to help those He tells me to help to the best of my ability. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I am one of the fortunate ones who doesn’t suffer with depression. (The two times I’ve experienced depression, of course, was after the death of a loved one, but it passed quickly. Even in that brief time I hated it!) I often think about people who live with this day in and day out. Thank you so much for writing a book that gives Hope to those who are suffering. What a blessing that will be!
I have two friends that suffer with it terribly. One who has accepted it and times he has spent in a psychiatric ward, God has used and he has witnessed to other patients. The other friend who does not accept her diagnosis and is always trying to find every other reason for her symptoms rather than the fact that she has bipolar, and believes the stigma. It is so very sad to watch her suffer.
The Lord will bless you mightily for your work to give hope to those who suffer with depression.
Thank you for your encouragement Karen. I can’t do it alone. So many people suffer, whether they acknowledge it or not. They need friends like you to encourage them, comfort them, and speak truth into their life. Thankfully, God’s truth is of great comfort, help and hope. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
realizing that people don’t choose to be depressed is certainly a good place for us to start in dealing with friends/family/acquaintances who struggle with depression. but once they are dealing with it, we do need to encourage them to work with someone to help them deal with the causes…whether it is chemical, lifestyle, medical or combinations of the above. simply comforting them and allowing them to stay in their misery doesn’t help.
i have been on both sides of the fence. i had a parent who struggles a lot with depression but didn’t want to make the changes needed to actually deal with the causes. later, when i was dealing with it myself, i realized that the work needed to deal with it, even to admit i was depressed, took courage. dealing with the causes took a lot of work to make changes in some intrenched thinking patterns. it definitely took more than simply starting to take an antidepressant.
It reminds me of something i read a few months ago: Don’t believe everything you think! it definitely applies to depression doesn’t it?
Martha, you are so right. We need to accept that they can’t help it, but then encourage them to do the hard work to change it! They don’t have to stay in that misery, but it IS hard work. And you are so right: “Don’t believe everything you think!” Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Such a great read. Far too often we hide depression for fear of weakness and the stigma attached to it.
That’s very true Sacha, and it’s my goal to help put an end to such a stigma.
I was diagnosed a year ago with depression and I’ve been very open about it. The conversations help because most people assume no one wants to talk about it, and it relieves the tension when someone takes a stand. I appreciate this post and I look forward to your book.
I’m proud of you for being open about it. The more people are willing to be open, the more others will realize that it’s very real, normal people who struggle…that will help eliminate the stigma and help others understand it better and even learn how to help! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I am surprised how little people understand about depression…… until they come face to face with it when a loved one or friend is diagnosed. It is an insidious condition that destroys families and lives and there should be more recognition about how serious it is. The fact that it is a hereditary problem, when low seratonin levels are concerned, makes it even more of a concern.
I agree with you Leanne. Depression is so very common, that you’d think more people would know about it, but there is so much shame attached to it, that open dialogue doesn’t occur very much. There’s also a lot of misconception attached to it. I’m hoping posts like this will help. Thanks for stopping by and being part of the conversation! Every little bit helps! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
thanks so much for facing this and for your courage to write your book. I know too many who suffer with depression (almost as many who need to lose some weight!) (: next to you in CA this morning where it’s finally raining! YEA!
I know this is an older post, but I came across it this morning after reading a recent post. I hate depression. I live with it and struggle with it and have been battling it for years. I have been in counseling, been hospitalized, been (and am now) on medication that just makes other areas of life suck…it has nearly taken my life more than once. People avoid me…I’m not “happy enough in my faith” for them. I have had some reprieve at times, but mostly it is a constant companion…and the only one I have it seems. You say it is hard work to rise above it. Yes, it is, and hard work while in the grip of depression is damn near impossible. Do I believe God is near? Sometimes. Do I wonder why he allows this? All the time. Do I trust him? Completely. I just wish I had someone who didn’t give up on me after realizing how deep depression can run.
I’m so, so very sorry that you have walked this valley of depression. I KNOW how hard it is. I’ve been there. That’s why I’ve written the book “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression.” I tried all the things that I had suggested to my patients, and surprisingly, they didn’t help. It wasn’t until I addressed the spiritual root of the problem. It is hard work, and at times it did feel impossible. Like you, I had times when I struggled to believe God was near. And I had times that I wondered why He allowed it. And I had times when I didn’t trust Him completely. But LOOKING BACK, I can tell you that He IS faithful. And while people will let us down, HE won’t give up on you. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!