How Depression Affects the Whole You: Mind, Body, and Spirit

Depression can seem daunting and intense, even scary. Perhaps you’ve wondered whether you or a loved one struggles with depression. Understanding how depression can present and the effects it can have can prove to be empowering.

Symptoms of Depression

Maybe you’ve been asked a series of questions by a doctor or provider to determine if depressive symptoms are present. Some common depressive symptoms include:

• Little interest or pleasure in doing things
• Excessive tiredness/exhaustion
• Lack of appetite or overeating
• Feelings of sadness
• Hopelessness
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Negative self-talk/self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating
• Abnormal movement cadence
• Suicidal tendency

Some additional symptoms can be social isolation, lack of motivation, irritability, negative self-talk, negative thoughts about others, or the world. It is important to note that the presence of any of these symptoms does not automatically mean you are depressed.

The Whole You

Mind, body, spirit – multiple intricate parts make up the whole you. Our Creator made us “fearfully and wonderfully” (Psalm 139:14) in our mother’s womb. Anyone who has studied the human body and all its intricacies can conclude that the body works together to achieve homeostasis.

Consider how a “problem” or “issue” in one part of you can affect others. It is common to hear how a defective or weak part of the body can negatively impact another part of the body entirely. The same can be true with mental illness. As we examine the symptoms of depression, let’s look at how other areas of our lives may be feeling the toll as well.

The Mind

Depression can be a result of improper brain functionality, whether it be a “hardware” or “software” issue. Let’s think of “hardware” as the biological components of the brain and “software” as the thoughts. Both can be contributors to symptoms of depression.

Our thoughts can have a direct impact on our mood/emotions, physiological responses, and behavior. Additionally, our thoughts can form neural pathways over time; so, the more we think negatively, the more reinforced that pathway becomes in our mind. These repeated negative thinking neural pathways can impact the brain’s functioning in various areas.

First, overactivation of the amygdala (i.e., the part of the brain that detects threats). In fact, according to Harvard Medical School, increased activity in the Amygdala is common for people who are clinically depressed. Additionally, this overactivation can cause the amygdala to enlarge.

Second, the prefrontal cortex (i.e., the part of the brain that helps with rational thinking) can become less active due to negative thinking. Thirdly, negative thinking can cause shrinking of the hippocampus (i.e., the part of the brain responsible for forming memories and learning). Other negative impacts from negative thinking include increased cortisol levels, reduced brain plasticity, and decreased levels of neurotransmitters (i.e., serotonin and dopamine).

The Body

Lack of motivation and energy have been linked to depression as common symptoms that can negatively impact our desire to move our bodies. Physics informs us that a body in motion stays in motion, however the alternative can be just as true.

Often, when someone is struggling with depression, they can feel incredibly stuck, as if there is a mountainous barrier preventing them from acting. The challenge becomes overcoming the barrier to becoming productive.

Sometimes, the longer the lack of motivation and decreased energy, the more difficult it can be to overcome the barrier, which can then lead to negative thoughts and views of oneself. In more severe cases, depression can even cause difficulty in completing personal hygiene tasks, which can also negatively impact our physical health.

Depression has been linked to various physiological issues impacting the digestive, cardiovascular, and immune systems. It can also negatively impact our appetite, often causing a lack of appetite or emotional overeating. Additionally, depression can cause chronic aches and pain.

The Spirit

Lastly, depression negatively impacts our spirit. Consider what the Bible says in Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Hopelessness is a symptom of depression and takes a terrible toll on the spirit. Hope is a vital need for our spiritual well-being, 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

We also know that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), so of course, there is an attack on our hope. Without hope, it is easy to take on a defeated posture. Someone who feels defeated no longer has the will to keep fighting. Without hope, we remain stuck, trapped, bound by depression.

Lack of motivation negatively impacts our drive, which can create stagnation or stalemate. It can seem impossible to achieve goals. Combined, lack of motivation and hopelessness can negatively impact our ability to want better for ourselves, our ability to dream. How sad is that?

Additionally, depression can cause us to want to isolate, often neglecting our relationships. However, we are told that it is not good for man to be alone, Genesis 2:18. We all have an innate need for social connection, people to do life with. Without adequate social support, we can feel alone. How terribly painful it is to feel trapped and alone.

The Remedy

The Mind

First, it is important to tune into our thoughts and notice how our thoughts are contributing to our depression. Often people with depression have a negative skew of themself, others, and the world. It is important that we take control of our thoughts and submit them to the Lord. Romans 12:2 commands us to renew our minds so that we may live out His perfect will for our lives.

Isaiah 26:3 tells us that when we set our minds on the Lord, He keeps us in perfect peace because we trust in Him. Reminding ourselves of who God is can often help us relinquish control and provide a sense of safety and security. He is our refuge and strength, Wonderful Counselor. It can also be helpful to change the tune of our inner thoughts to trend more positively.

The Body

To break free from the stronghold of depression, it is important to overcome the mountainous barrier of lack of motivation and decreased energy. Start by making small goals for yourself, whether it be completing a personal hygiene task, going for a short walk, or completing a household chore.

Then complete them one at a time. Once there is a sense of accomplishment, even for the minor stuff, you can build on this and gain momentum. Additionally, physical exercise has been linked to positive outcomes for mental health. When we do physical exercise, our brains release endorphins.

The Spirit

Acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you overcome depression. Ask for the restoration of hope and meditate on Scripture. Here are a few verses: Jeremiah 29:11 informs us that the Lord has plans for us that are designed to prosper us; Isaiah 41:13 tells us that those who hope in the Lord will have their strength renewed; Psalm 37:4 says that delighting in the Lord will provide the desires of our hearts.

Set up small get-togethers with friends and family. Usually, the thought of this can be overwhelming, but once you are there, you notice an improved mood. Using the power of yet allows for hope that things will change and reminds us that our current unfavorable circumstances are temporary.

If you find yourself struggling with depression or would like someone to walk alongside you through this process, please reach out to schedule an appointment. It would be an honor to partner with you on your self-forgiveness journey.