Is Depression Always a Medical Problem?

Advertisements for anti-depression drugs are constantly smattered across the tube today. They are accompanied with the possible advantages of taking one drug or another to relieve this common malady. By law such ads are followed with a list of contraindications (possible side effects) some which sound much worse than the depression itself.

Along with these ads is a little noticed disclaimer or shall we refer to it as a simple honest statement about depression. That statement is that the cause for common depression is not fully known. I use the word common here for an important purpose. Surely some depression is in fact caused by chemical imbalance or emotional shock of some kind. No one could argue that point.


It is said that up to twenty million Americans have some sort of depression. It seems to be a modern phenomenon in our history as a nation. There are few records of this malady prior to the early twentieth century. Depression prior to the modern era was often referred to as melancholy. Abraham Lincoln was said to suffer deep bouts of melancholy that were offset with times of joviality and levity. Perhaps a change in his attitude was his own way of making adjustments or a behavioral self medication of sorts.

Few studies conducted on depression include a side by side comparison with other countries or cultures. Some countries have virtually no sizable number of reported cases of depression. Often these are the poorest countries in the world. A lot could be deduced from this about how much money; affluence and materialism have to do with making Americans happy and well balanced.

In thirty five years of studying the Bible I have never heard one preacher or theologian worth his salt ever approach the causes for depression based on a biblical view. Not only does the Bible explain the cause of depression but it provides a complete answer to it as well. No, it is not a miracle or a divine healing it is simply a profound change in a life that pushes the depression out sometimes instantly and in some cases more slowly. First let’s look at the cause for most general depression in people according to the Bible.

Contrary to the general consensus God doesn’t just wink at unbelief but he is actively engaged in convicting the unbeliever to answer his call to salvation. His dogged pursuit is fired not just by the fact that they are sinners but because he loves every human being that is born in a way that is beyond our imagination. God is trying to love people into his kingdom not drag them into it. To do this he has to make them fully aware of their separation from him. It is a present pressure applied by God’s Holy Spirit.

Jesus spoke of this matter and he said in no uncertain terms that it is one of the Holy Spirit’s primary works while he is in the world. He said in John’s gospel “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove (convict) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” Jn. 16:7, 8.

Believers often say they came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and that is what finally brought them to pray and accept the salvation God is offering. Unbelievers say they’re depressed, moody or in some inexplicable state of mind. That the conviction described by the believer and the depression felt by the unbeliever is one and the same thing is verified by the countless millions over the centuries that ceased to experience the depression soon after they yielded to God. I have seen this result countless times in the past more than three decades. This first hand experience and the scriptural support have convinced me beyond doubt that millions of people are suffering needlessly.

I would never advise anyone not to see their doctor for a complete examination of their depression. If it does happen to be a chemical imbalance or related to an emotional experience then the question is answered. If this does not answer the question then seeking God for his salvation should be the next move in their lives. In fact it should be the first move in their lives.

Speaking for myself I think living apart from Jesus’ love and having no certain hope of the future would indeed be very depressing. I’m glad I answered that question many years ago.

Summary:
It is commonly accepted that depression is caused by some medical or emotional problem. Here is a viewpoint that questions this assumption.

20 Pounds Of Lean Muscle In 1 Month?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but 20 pounds of sheer lean mass is just not realistic nor possible. If you are starting off you can probably pull off at-least 5 pounds of lean muscle mass per month. Well what happens when you are eating at a 700 caloric surplus. Your body can and will only use a specific amount of calories produce lean muscle tissue by repairing. Not all 700 calories are going to be used, which is why it is logical to say that you will gain some fat during your weight gain process.

Now a good rule of thumb to follow is to simply-gain 1 pound per week. This will ensure that you gain the least amount of fat and the most amount of lean mass. However note that gaining muscle/fat ratio is solely dependent on how much clean foods you eat. The more clean foods you eat the less fat you will gain.

Importance of Consistency.. 3421

One important thing to stress is motivation. You have to find a way to motivate yourself. Really put emotion into it, positive motivation. Without motivation there is a really high likely chance that you are going to lose consistency. Losing consistency can be one of the biggest factors as to why your not gaining or approaching your goals faster .Always execute whatever your goals are regardless of your emotions. You have to toughen your brain up psychologically. There will always be excuses.

Studies reveal that most Americans engage in physical fitness only once in a while.  Others don't even exercise at all. And yet, about a quarter are able to find time to go the gym and sweat it out to their heart's delight.  How could they?

It's easy to start a lifestyle of fitness. What's difficult is how to be consistent with it.  Most people would spend money to enroll in gym memberships or buy those fitness equipment only to quit as soon as they start. Either they are too busy that they couldnt no longer find time to keep it going or they quickly lose their interest due to lack of motivation.

In order to stay motivated, try to set some fitness goals and write them on paper. Putting them down on paper gives them more weight than just saying things to yourself.  be specific and realistic with your goals.  Instead of telling yourself that “I will start working out in a gym next week and build some muscles,” try writing it down in paper as “I will start working out in a gym next week, 3 times a week, Monday...Wednesday...and Friday, after work.” Setting unrealistic goals may lead to disappointment and frustration.  Exercise can give you a healthier body and add a certain glow, but it won't catch you a lover or turn you into a celebrity or supermodel.

Setting aside a specific regular time for your fitness regimen is important to keep your enthusiasm going. The number one reason why most people, especially women, don't exercise is because they're too busy doing things for other people: their spouse, their kids, their boss. Make a plan or schedule for all the little stumbling blocks that usually get in the way and incorporate your time for exercise into your daily routine. Be sure to follow it and stick to it. Biking to work or taking a walk to do errands make a great deal in adding physical activity to your lifestyle.

Why Cant I Lose Weight??

I keep seeing people complaining and coming up with excuses where "I've tried everything, no carbs or rice, nothing but protein but I still cant lose weight!!," Hearing these complaints especially from a young person is extremely unreal in my eyes. The reason why your not losing weight is extremely simple, your not training hard enough. There is no reason why a young man should not be able to lose weight.

Its all about proportion, you have to have the right amount of carbohydrates, the right amounts of proteins and the right amount of green leafy vegetables. Sure you can go extremely low carb, but your not a freaking body builder. Your goal should be to become healthy and fit and lower your body fat percentage. There is no better way of shedding weight off and keeping it off than by increasing your metabolism.

The most simplest way of raising and boosting your metabolism is by weight training or resistance training where your muscle fibers are engaged. When you break down your muscle fibers there is more work being done by the body which causes you to continuously burn calories while being passive. Remember this is key weight training + cardio. With just the right amount of cardio and a balanced diet of clean nutrient dense foods. There is NO reason why you wouldn't be losing weight.

Here Is a Simple Workout You Can Use As A Reference.

Learn To Do A Muscle Up

Have you ever always wanted to do a muscle up but are just constantly struggling. Watch this video, as there are quite a good amount of techniques that you can actually do to obtain the technique. Of course there are  per-requisites are wide grip pullups and dips on a bar. Once you learn those you are much closer to learning how to muscle up. Their are certain techniques however, for example like kipping.

Pre Workout Supplements - The Truth

Pre Workout Supplements are great. No they wont magically allow you to gain 10 pounds of muscle in a month. The only reason why it would be good option is due to the amount of energy it gives you. It has high doses of caffeine and other stimulants. However some pre workout supplements can't make you crash. The crash can be pretty intense depending on the supplement. However a pre workout supplement should not be abused. The main reason being is that it will cause you to build a tolerance to the caffeine and the stimulant. So each time you use it it becomes less and less useful. Its a good idea to take a good month and a half off the supplement so that your tolerance for it decreases. Some examples of some great pre workout supplements:

 1) CRAZE:

2) Jack3d :

Bulk Effectivly

In order to build muscle efficiently, you shouldn't just rely on supplements. Especially if your nutrition is poor. In order to build muscle the concept is simple. You need to intake more calories than your body requires with proper weight training that is. However this doesn't just mean you eat whatever you eat in sight. Sure you'll be gaining muscle this way but you'll also put some fat on through this process. So how to stay lean while bulking? You can try Intermittent fasting and add some cardio after your workouts. The cardio doesn't have to be gruesome but just enough.