Depression: a problem also amongst devotees

Most passages of the Upanisads sound very mysterious, or sometimes even nonsensical, until we get the proper conclusions, which are the keys to understanding the text.

Depression and suicide are problems not only in the general society but also amongst devotees. Modern life creates an artificial and unhealthy lifestyle, which separates us from the deep social interactions that are supposed to be the foundations of our mental health. Some are more susceptible than others, but it can definitely take a serious toll.

Although we have the opportunity of practicing Krsna Consciousness and having relationships with self-realized souls, we are still not free from the influence of the three modes, and all the problems associated with them. Practicing the spiritual process makes us purer and happier than we would be otherwise, but this doesn't necessarily mean we will be completely pure and happy. There are many traps on the way.

One may have difficulties in his or her marriage, difficulties with other family members, traumas from the past that are difficult to heal, difficulties in the spiritual practice, challenges in dealing with fellow devotees who may act in hostile or envious ways, and so on. The list can quickly become extensive.

What can we do in this situation? What to do if someone is pained enough that it can affect his or her mental health, or even take one's own life? What to do if we find ourselves in this situation at some point?

True friends are our first line of defense. Is there anyone whom we really consider a well-wisher? Someone with whom we can open our hearts without fear? Someone who can hear us without being judgmental? If such a person exists, he or she is the best candidate to ask for help during difficult times. If not, it may be just the case of looking around: we have some very amazing people in our movement, but we need to learn how to find them. Often, the best devotees are the last ones we notice. Often, we are too distracted by the flash neophytes to notice the true gems amongst us.

A second line of defense is our spiritual practice. It may sound cliche, but the holy names do have power, and often difficulties can give us the power to chant sincerely. This sincere chanting can, in turn, connect us with Krsna, and Krsna is the source of all transcendental bliss. If we can establish this connection with Krsna, even if partially, our problems will look much smaller. This will be the support we always looked for.

General association with devotees, like going to festivals, can also be good, but it may be treated with more caution, because it can be a double-edged sword. The key is quality: quality association with like-minded devotees is always positive, and it can help us enormously in all situations. The problem is that this type of association is often rare, and if we are facing serious difficulties in our spiritual practice, it is usually a symptom that we are not getting it.

Often, superficial association with devotees who don't really care about us is one of the sources of our problems, and if that's the case, more of it will just make the problem worse. In this case, part of the solution may be to reduce this type of association and instead try to associate more personally with any individual devotees we may have affinity with and who we see care about us.

If the previous steps didn't help, seeking professional help may be the next stage. Depression is also a form of disease, and therefore, there is no dishonor in seeking a doctor when we battle it, just as we would do in any other disease. Although doctors can't solve the original problem, which is our material conditioning and forgetfulness of Krsna, they can often help us to deal with the symptoms and imbalances that may be causing or exacerbating it. Although light cases of depression can be treated with just some philosophical introspection, serious cases may demand professional help and medication.

One factor to avoid, on the other hand, is simply negation. To think that depression is just Maya, that we are just being mental, etc., and continue trying to do everything with a fake smile, pretending that nothing is happening, can make things a lot worse. A few months ago, in Mayapur, the case of the suicide of a brahmancari who was living in the asrama shocked the community. No one could imagine he was so desperate that he could take his own life. He seemed ok, performing his services, until the day he wasn’t. When dealing with depression and other similar issues, the first step for a solution is to admit that there is a problem.

If everything else fails, there is something that can be tried as a last resort: A few days of fasting can often lead to miraculous healing. On the other hand, food (especially sugar and starches) can exacerbate symptoms of depression. When we feel depressed frequently, our first reaction is to eat sweets, but in most cases, this just makes us feel worse. Fasting, on the other hand, leads to physical and mental healing. It can help one to find his own answers, with help from the Supersoul, especially when combined with sincere chanting.

One can just stop eating and spend two or three days just doing whatever can keep their mind distracted. As time passes, the depression may reduce, and the emotional wounds start to heal. When one is ready, he or she can start eating again and resume his life with new perspectives.

Depression can also lead to deep philosophical introspection. Even books and classes that we have already heard before can bring much deeper realization when we hear them during a process of healing. Often devotees describe how reading the same verses and purports from Prabhupada's books would bring them much deeper realizations when read again in a difficult time.

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