The second step is to commit your body to God as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1), which may mean “Go see your doctor.” Depression is a multi-faceted problem that affects the body, soul, and spirit. Consequently, a comprehensive cure for depression will require a wholistic answer. There are many forms of biological depression which can be diagnosed and treated. A disorder of the endocrine system can produce depressive symptoms. The endocrine system includes the thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, pancreas, and adrenal glands. The endocrine system produces hormones that are released directly into the blood system. The thyroid gland controls metabolism. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) will cause changes in mood including depression. The metabolism of sugar is especially important for maintaining physical and emotional stability. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) will likely be accompanied with emotional instability.

The fact that women suffer from depression more than men may be due to their biological nature. Archibald Hart said, “The reproductive organs of the female are extremely prone to creating mood swings. The depression at the onset of menstruation, the premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the use of contraceptive pills, pregnancy, postpartum reactions, and menopause all revolve around the female’s reproductive system. And as we currently understand it, the system is fraught with depression pitfalls.”

Many of the symptoms of biological depression can also be eliminated when we assume our responsibility to live a balanced life of rest, exercise and diet. To live a healthy life, we must be health-oriented, not illness-oriented. It is the same dynamic of winning the battle for your mind. The answer is not to renounce all the lies. The answer is to choose the truth. But if you aren’t aware that there are lies, and if you ignore what your body is telling you, then you will likely fall victim to disease and the father of lies. Whenever you start to sense that you are physically and mentally slipping back into a depression, don’t just succumb to it, take charge of your life by praying as follows:

Dear Heavenly Father, I submit myself to You as your child, and I declare myself to be totally dependent upon You. I yield my body to you as a living sacrifice, and I ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I renounce the lies of the evil one and I choose to believe the truth as revealed in Your Word. I resist the devil and command all evil spirits to leave my presence. I now commit myself to You and my body to You as an instrument of righteousness. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen.

Dr. Neil

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