What is the danger of despondency and how to deal with it

Why is despondency dangerous?

Falling into a state of melancholy, sadness, despondency, sadness, a person does not think at all about the possible consequences that these destructive emotions are fraught with.

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Some even attribute to this state some subtlety of the mysterious Russian soul. But psychiatry experts say that when a person is in a depressed state for a long time, depression develops, which means a serious danger to his health and even life. Various researchers put the figure at 20% - exactly the same number of people around the globe who suffer from depressed morale.

As for the church, it has long added despondency to the list of major sins. Next we will figure out what caused this.

Unfocused

Fatigue also comes from lack of focus, when we take on everything, fuss, and simply exhaust ourselves. We cannot separate the important from the secondary, we rush around, we forget everything, we are late everywhere, but we cannot refuse anything. We forget to “charge our battery” on time, we want to heat the entire universe, instead of paying attention to really important things.

And we cannot separate where our area of ​​responsibility is and what is not included in it. What is outside of it, we can transfer to other people for execution or refuse to perform at all. Then we can get rid of the chaos in our lives and stop getting tired. First of all, I help my clients focus on the most important thing in their lives, discard the unnecessary, and then despondency dissolves like smoke in the light of joy from new victories and achievements.

What is despondency in Orthodoxy

Let us turn to the statement of Victor Trostnikov, professor of the Russian Orthodox University John the Theologian, who says the following:

“Despondency is classified as a mortal sin exclusively in Orthodoxy. For comparison, Catholics included sadness in this list, but only Orthodoxy singles out despondency as a separate sin.

It is for this reason that in Orthodoxy there are only 8 mortal sins, and not 7. At first glance, it may seem that sadness and despondency are one and the same. If we look in more detail, we establish that sadness is a passing sensation related to some unpleasant incidents, but this feeling is temporary, passing in nature.

And if we are talking about despondency, we should note that it appears in the form of a protracted, chronic condition, and there are often no obvious factors for it. Dejection is precisely a state of mind; it is quite capable of visiting you, even if outwardly everything looks quite well. At the same time, a person will not be able to give himself an intelligible answer to the question of what he really needs.

Be that as it may, the Church calls both sadness and despondency mortal sins. A layman must perceive all types of tests sent to him, having a complete soul, being filled with faith, hope and love in his soul. In the opposite case, he begins to renounce the whole, does not recognize this whole, and therefore condemns the teaching about God, the world and humanity. This is one of the variations of lack of faith. When the spirit is left to its own devices, and the individual is automatically doomed to various pathologies and suffering.”

All mortal sins have a destructive effect on the physical and spiritual shell of a person. It is not for nothing that despondency is known as “evil laziness.” When an individual begins to be influenced by this passion, he becomes lazy and finds it difficult to motivate himself to perform any actions. He also does not experience any joy or consolation, and loses faith and hope in the best.

It is not for nothing that there is a saying that “a dry spirit can dry up the bones.”

Conquering the disease

How can you overcome despondency? This can be done through three basic practices that can help a person cope with this condition.

1. Help from a specialist, namely a psychologist. If a person is depressed, the doctor may prescribe special medications. They will help you get out of this situation.
2. Religion and faith in God help people reassess values ​​and look at life differently.
3. Supporting the spirit through sports activities. It is necessary to exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Dejection is a state in which a person feels depressed and unwanted. At the first manifestations, an effort should be made to get out of apathy. You can’t give in to despondency; you need to force yourself to switch to other activities and stop self-searching.

A sad spirit withers the bones

Next we will look at the main signs that indicate the beginning of destructive processes in the body:

• sleep is disturbed (a person suffers from insomnia or excessive drowsiness);
• appetite changes (increases or loses);
• there are problems with the intestines (constipation);
• sexual potential is noticeably reduced;
• the general energy state decreases, the person begins to become more tired of the usual physical and mental stress;
• Various types of uncomfortable pain sensations arise in the torso.

As a result of such a conflict with oneself, even organic pathology can arise. In this way, sin begins to penetrate the human physical body.

Modern medicine offers methods of healing from depression, but the famous specialist in this field, Yuri Polishchuk, who is a Doctor of Medical Sciences, also advises using spiritual and religious methods of psychotherapy.

He expresses the following opinion about treatment for despondency: “If someone who suffers from depression came to me and asked for a way out of this state, I would definitely recommend that he not only visit the temple of God, but search for his personal spiritual mentor in one of the monasteries.

Of course, this option will be more difficult, since it requires effort to search, but as a result, they will not just listen to you for a couple of minutes, but will try to establish the true source of mental suffering. Conversations with spiritual mentors last for several hours, and sometimes the convert is offered to stay within the walls of the monastery for a certain time in order to endure fasting and begin to heal his soul.”

Father Anatoly (Berestov), ​​who is a hieromonk and the head of the Orthodox Counseling Center of John of Kronstadt, as well as a doctor of medical sciences, is confident that a person who dreams of healing this ailment not only on a physical, but also on a spiritual level, must definitely seek help from holy church.

After all, it is Orthodox medicine that is called upon to save a person, to free him from internal sins that destroy body and soul.

Although, on the other hand, believers who have suffered from depressive conditions should not neglect official medicine, because according to St. Theophan the Recluse, “medicine and medicines were given to us by the Almighty, and to refuse them means to reproach the Creator.”

What to do if you start to feel depressed

If this is a one-time temporary condition that does not in any way affect your behavior and ability to work, then you should not pay attention to it, look for something you can switch to and the depression will go away on its own.

Most likely, the cause of such a depressed state is an external factor (stress, psychological trauma, overwork, etc.) and therefore this is a normal mental reaction that does not require treatment.

If a depressed mood lasts more than a few days, arose for no apparent external reason and affects your activities (productivity has decreased, too much stress is required to achieve normal results, absences from work or school), then you should seek help from a specialist, since, most likely All in all, this is already a painful condition.

What can lead a person to the mortal sin of despondency?

It becomes clear that despondency can seriously harm both the physical body and cause damage to our immortal soul.

But why does this passion arise? The main factors that provoke despondency include the following:

1. Loss of meaning in life.
2. A condition when a person has no control over his life.
3. Lost faith in yourself and in the Almighty.
4. Laziness.
5. Lack of responsibility.
6. Loss of joy.
7. Disappointment (in oneself, other people, ideals, life in general, and so on).
8. Constant feeling of guilt.
9. Reluctance to admit one's own mistakes.

Of course, perhaps the most important point of all listed is the meaning of life. Until a person has found the answer to the question of why he lives on Earth, what his true purpose is, all attempts to achieve happiness will fail.

As a result of this, internal blocks of consciousness begin to arise, manifesting themselves in the form of irresponsibility, lack of faith in one’s own strengths, self-hatred and a complete refusal to move forward, neglect of one’s capabilities.

How to help someone who is depressed

Offer your help, try to assess the cause of suffering yourself and assess whether you need to wait out this condition or require the help of a doctor.

In some cases, you can “escape from depression” by switching to another problem or changing your attitude; in other cases, you should, on the contrary, look for the cause of depression and speculate on this topic.

Don't leave him alone with you. Be persistent if you are faced with refusal to see a specialist when your condition worsens.

Sleep disturbance and weight loss are critical indicators for arranging a consultation with a specialist. Alcohol is a bad and dangerous way to help when you feel depressed or depressed.

For what reasons does the sin of despondency arise according to Orthodoxy?

The Orthodox Church names its specific factors for the emergence of this passion:

• tests sent to man by God so that he could improve spiritually;
• wounded pride;
• vanity;
• loss of faith;
• godlessness;
• little spiritual life.

Due to a disrupted lifestyle and unwillingness to observe morality, people find themselves in a state of spiritual crisis, from which getting out is already quite problematic.

Dejection provokes a vicious circle: the individual is in a depressed state, he has no desire to perform any actions, such idleness plunges him even more into a state of despondency, forces him to do even less, which ultimately is fraught with an even greater state of despondency.

The Holy Fathers claim that from time to time each of us may encounter a state of natural melancholy. Thanks to mental suffering, moral virtues are cultivated in the individual. And when a person copes with a state of despondency, he begins to improve himself spiritually and becomes closer to the Creator.

Therefore, we can consider the sin of despondency as a test sent from above that must be overcome.

Overcoming despondency and melancholy on a spiritual level

According to religious teachings, despondency is a sin. And overcoming it should be the initial goal for every person.

Sadness comes from fear of the future and death. You can get rid of it if you learn to live in the present tense. Try not to look 2,3,5 or 10 years ahead. Worrying will not lead to anything good. It is better to leave this time for self-development, filling the soul with knowledge and good qualities.

How to deal with despondency

If you do not take any action, then a state of despondency can provoke deep depression. Doctors note that often getting out of depressive states is quite problematic (sometimes impossible) without outside help.

Modern psychology and medicine offers various methods and means that eliminate such conditions. But the church has always advised people who have experienced despondency to find a way out in prayers. But, as a rule, all prayers are said alone, which means that a person unconsciously withdraws even more from the world around him. Loneliness is also complemented by an internal feeling of guilt. The effect of such “therapy” will ultimately be very doubtful.

What do modern doctors advise people in the fight against despondency? Famous psychoanalysts, psychiatrists and psychologists strongly recommend improving your life through active activities - relaxation, acquaintances, entertainment. It is very easy to trace the effect of such a recommendation - you simply do not have enough time to be sad and yearning.

Of course, there are especially advanced situations when a person came to the doctor too late and already requires drug therapy. In the fight against despondency, one should not forget that it often leads to protracted depression, and it can end very badly.

Therefore, contact a specialist as soon as you notice the initial symptoms of this pathology in yourself or one of your family or friends.

Symptoms of apathy

Symptoms of apathy vary. Often a person:

• volitional activity decreases;
• joy is not felt from ordinary actions and things;
• moral suffering appears.

If we talk about the external manifestations of an apathetic state, then these are:

• detachment from the outside world;
• indifference to what is happening;
• passivity;
• sadness for no reason;
• desire to be alone;
• reluctance to give and receive love.

With apathy, people are deprived of emotions, becoming lifeless creatures without any aspirations or desires. However, everything can be returned if the symptoms are recognized in time and measures are taken.

People with apathy are not tense or irritable. A person becomes indifferent to what is happening around him. He sees no point in any action. Apathy destroys every aspiration and desire, as well as any human emotions.

With its help, a person protects himself from the unfulfillment of his needs. Some researchers suggest that it can transform into a character trait of a modern personality.

Apathy eliminates will and love. It can provoke violence.

A person who is covered with deep apathy has no vision of the future, he does not plan his life, does not hope for the best, he is depressed and sad.

Causes of apathy

The most common causes of apathy are fatigue and bad mood. However, this list also includes a number

other reasons:

• Restlessness, anxiety. The fact is that the human psyche is fragile and vulnerable. And she needs something to protect herself from various threats and strong irritants. One of these mechanisms is an apathetic state. In this way, the brain attempts to reduce stress levels.
• Another reason may be insufficient rest. Rest makes it possible to restore the balance of energy and vitality. When a person devotes himself fully to work, he may not notice his fatigue. Even though he gets a good night's sleep, fatigue can gradually accumulate. Active and emotional relaxation in your free time can help you fully restore your energy.
• The presence of emotional tension in society. Sometimes the cause of an apathetic state may be pressure from someone close to you or from strangers or other people in a public place. In this case, a protest against any action arises inside a person, in his soul. He loses all desire to do even what he previously wanted to do. And here our defense mechanism comes into play, which allows us to ignore public opinion and all the demands of the surrounding world.
• Problems and stressful situations load and overload the human psyche. People who have to constantly be exposed to stress completely waste their energy and may experience apathy.
• Diseases and exhaustion of the body are also another good reason. Any serious health problem, both at the level of the physical body and mental organization, can provoke an apathetic state.
• The cause of apathy may be a side effect of the medicine that a person is taking. These can be drugs with a sedative, antibacterial or other effect.
• Emotional burnout. Each person has his own hobby, hobby, favorite thing, which can almost completely “absorb” him. Often people become immersed in such activities and work, devoting all their free time and energy to them. After all, all this brings them pleasure, pacifies and pleases them, and practically becomes the meaning of life, but for the time being. However, gradually a person feels a fading interest. He burns out emotionally and may experience apathy.

Signs of apathy

Apathy, the signs of which are indifference, lack of initiative, and insensitivity, has no external manifestations. It is also called emotional paralysis. Very often its companion is abulia, which is expressed as a general decrease in mental activity. People begin to lead a sedentary lifestyle, communicate little with other people, and do not want to take initiative. An apathetic person feels sluggish in his movements and speech, and suffers from memory lapses and thinking failures. Such people stand out from the crowd. These changes are especially noticeable for close people who know their character and habits. After all, their loved one may begin to behave differently than before.

Read our article “Breathing practices: characteristic features of basic techniques.”

Detachment, indifference and lack of activity are difficult to miss, especially in those who previously behaved in the opposite way. Of course, if such manifestations persist for a long time. Such people stop showing interest in what is happening, even important events and things in their lives. They no longer share their emotions with those close to them; it’s as if someone has frozen them, depriving them of the need to love and communicate. But sometimes, instead of understanding and helping, loved ones are offended by this attitude towards themselves.

You cannot ignore the following in yourself or your loved ones:

• deterioration in health, lack of strength, drowsiness (even with normal sleep), constant fatigue;
• loss of interest in what is happening around, indifferent reactions to any events (good and bad);
• the desire to be alone with oneself, the lack of desire to leave the house or enter into conversations;
• lethargy, slowness in speech and actions;
• almost complete absence of emotion in statements;
• reluctance to take care of one’s appearance, perform hygiene procedures, and pay attention to issues of well-being;
• the emergence of “nervous” habits.

If such people are helped in time, they can quickly return to normal life.

How to deal with depression?

Apathy, a state of indifference to everything around, must be fought. But you can win this battle only by knowing the mechanism of its appearance. It's all about human emotionality. Indifference arises from an excess or lack of emotions. They tend to gradually become dull. After all, it is impossible to be at elevated levels all the time. The strength to rejoice does not last very long. But even without positivity, without receiving pleasure, a person has nowhere to get vital energy from. The body needs a break, a certain time to replenish the energy deficit. It is during this period that indifference, passivity, and weakness arise.

If such manifestations are temporary, then they do not harm a person. And many of us periodically face such apathy. This is considered almost the norm.

But in cases of a condition where it begins with boredom and ends with a complete indifference to what is happening, appropriate measures must be taken. Otherwise, you can get seriously and permanently ill. And no one really has insurance against this. The worst thing can happen when an apathetic person has no one to help, and he reaches the point of indifference to himself, and not just to the world around him.

How to overcome apathy?

If a person cannot cope with his apathy alone, specialists will help overcome it. They will help

understand the problem situation and build an individual algorithm for subsequent actions.

But for everyone it is recommended:

• ensuring proper rest;
• any physical activity;
• adherence to sleep and diet;
• eliminate sources of unpleasant communication;
• do not abuse alcohol.

Yoga, meditation, a new hobby, or expanding your social circle can help cope with the problem. In addition, you can start doing things that were put off before. But provided that the activity brings positive emotions. You need to work on yourself, develop spiritually.

There are effective methods to get rid of despondency:

1. Change in environment.

• You need to go outside every day and show your face and limbs to the sun to get vitamin D. A 20-minute walk is enough.
• You should set aside a day for your personal goals and enjoying the pleasant moments of life.
• It is necessary to periodically radically change the environment in your home or office. This can help you see things and the world in a new way.
• When depressed, you should not go on social networks or watch TV for a long time. It is better to give preference to social activity and doing what you love.
• It is useful to go outside the city, into nature. This should not be regarded as running away from the problem. You just need to enjoy the contemplation of natural beauty and the benefits for the body from the freshness of the air.

2. Making physical changes.

• You need to spend at least an hour every day playing sports. You can change the types of training.
• It is necessary to abandon transport for a while (within reasonable limits). Walking is beneficial for every person.
• If you have abused alcohol or taken drugs, you need to remove them from your life. This not only does not help in the current situation, but is also fraught with aggravation of the problem.
• You need to get up early. A morning jog or walk before work is a great way to start a productive day.
• You should periodically pamper yourself with visits to beauty salons, massages or spa treatments.
• You need to switch to proper nutrition for at least some time.

Read our article “Meanings of the Major Arcana of the Tarot.”

3. Correction of the emotional sphere of life.

• You should set goals yourself or use the help of a specialist. When a person has no desires, aspirations, or lacks motivation, he may become despondent and depressed. Everyone should have a dream that they will pursue without being distracted by negative manifestations.
• It is necessary to analyze your relationship with your environment. Then try to minimize communication with negative, cynical people who can contribute to the loss of incentives and desire for life. Such influence is of no use, especially to a person who is despondent and indifferent to everything that happens in his life.
• You need to try to renew contact with loved ones and important people. They will be able to help return to normal life and awaken the best in a person.

How to protect yourself from despondency?

The most effective remedy for despondency is moderate physical activity and maintaining an active lifestyle. When a person is exposed to stress, he gets rid of all the negativity accumulated in the body and becomes calm, plus more confident in himself and his abilities.

In addition, in the life of every athlete, no matter whether he is a professional or an amateur, there is always a goal. In some cases it does not manifest itself as clearly as in others, and is more of a struggle with oneself.

But even beginner athletes, when they leave the gym, think: “Today I managed to complete such and such a load. And tomorrow I can do even more (run faster, lift more weight, etc.).” This is the goal that serves as the main salvation from the state of despondency. And it is completely unimportant what purpose is in mind.

Also try to surround yourself with positivity in all its forms - let there be exclusively cheerful people, good movies and exciting events in your life. If life sends you little positivity, start attracting it yourself.

Prayers for loneliness

• The only way out is constant prayers and avoiding loneliness.
• In no case is it recommended to withdraw into yourself, but, on the contrary, to begin to lead a more active lifestyle.
• Visit new places, relax in nature with friends, go to the movies, theaters or exhibitions.

What psychologists advise

• Psychologists agree that incipient depression can be avoided only through sports activities and an active lifestyle.
• Physical exercise can relieve the accumulated negative load on the brain, helping to become a self-confident person.
• The Church, for its part, calls to let faith into your heart, sincerely turning to God daily with words of prayer.

In the church canons there is a special prayer for this:

Risk of suicide

Lack of confidence in our abilities, refusal to try to improve things, or inability to change our lives paralyzes us so much that we ourselves give up the fight.

If these feelings penetrate deeply into our brain, then there is a risk of suicidal tendencies.

How not to lose heart in a difficult life situation and learn to cope with the adversity that arises, which it is not clear where it comes from and where it goes? And it is imperative to do something, because ultimately, the thought may become deeply ingrained in our minds that all attempts made are useless, and nothing can be changed.

Find the cause of depression

Before you begin to get rid of negative emotional outbursts, you should identify the reason for this state of affairs.

It can be quite serious:

• long-term illness
• falling down the career ladder,

or the most common one:

• a daily routine at work or at home that no longer makes you happy.

How to atone for sin - examples

There are several steps to atone for sin:

• sincere repentance;
• a prayer asking for forgiveness of sins, as well as to get rid of the temptation to again step on the wrong path.
• helping others (collecting donations, charity, volunteer work in nursing homes).

Prayer is not a magical shield that repels any temptation. It is a way to show the Lord your desire to cleanse your mind and heart from unclean thoughts and desires. A prayer of repentance is a promise to God to avoid actions that stain the soul.

Sin is a foreign body in the body, a deadly virus. Only the Lord can finally deliver humanity from it. But even now, with His help, thanks to repentance and good deeds, every person is able to fight his sinful inclinations.

Victor Glebov

Additions to the list of sins

In March 2008, Bishop of the Catholic Church Gianfranco Girotti added seven more social sins to the traditional mortal sins:

1. Violation of bioethics, in particular birth control;
2. Scientific research that raises many questions about morality and ethics (for example, related to stem cells or genetic engineering);
3. Environmental pollution;
4. Growing difference between rich and poor;
5. Excessive wealth;
6. Drug abuse;
7. Bringing people into poverty.

Shortly before his death, the bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II (1929-2008) proposed adding abortion and civil marriage to the list of mortal sins. There are currently discussions on this matter.

“Sins of the generation” - how to understand?

Some are convinced that God punishes children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for the sins of their ancestors. This is why small children allegedly get sick, and adults have no luck in their personal lives or at work. This opinion is based on the following words of the Old Testament:

“You shall not make for yourself an idol or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth below, or that is in the water under the earth;

You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I am the Lord your God, a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me.”

(Ex.20:4,5)

Note that it does not say here that the Lord will punish innocent children and grandchildren for sins that they did not commit. Punishment is reserved only for those descendants who will hate God in the same way as their ancestors. This suggests that He will never change His attitude towards sin, no matter how many centuries people have sinned.

“Ten Plagues of Egypt: The Death of Pharaoh’s Firstborn,” painting by Alma-Tadema. Ten plagues of Egypt according to the book of Exodus: 1. Punishment by blood.2. Invasion of toads.3. Invasion of blood-sucking insects (midges, lice, bedbugs).4. Punishment by dog ​​flies.5. Cattle pestilence.6. Ulcers and boils.7. Thunder, lightning and fiery hail.8. Locust invasion.9. Unusual darkness (Egyptian darkness).10. Death of the firstborn.

But He does not punish innocent people. In chapter 18 of the book of Jeremiah it is said that if the son of a righteous man becomes a robber and murderer, then all the merits of his father will not help him. Likewise, the son of a sinner, leading a holy lifestyle, will not bear guilt for the crimes of his father.

At the same time, the words from chapter 20 of the book of Exodus warn parents how destructive the example of a sinful life that they leave for their children can be. The hearts of newborns are as pure as a sheet of paper.

Many learned to drink, smoke, swear and be cruel in their families. Isn't it better to set an example of piety for children?

Test of the soul after death

How to beat depression

One of the main methods is often proposed to cultivate fortitude, which will help one become active and achieve a certain position in society.

Story about a monk

There is a well-known story about one monk, described by Saint Ignatius. It tells how a servant of God became despondent and attempted to give up his prayer instructions. The feeling that befell him was so strong that he did not have the strength to continue his monastic activity. For advice, he turned to the elder, who told him a well-known parable.

Parable of Mortal Sin

“One man’s field was overgrown with thorns. He called on his son to help him remove the weeds until the time of sowing. The young man was about to get down to business with enthusiasm, but when he looked at the state of the field, he became upset and fell asleep right on the ground.

The father, who came to check how the work was progressing, saw his sleeping son and began to wake him up. He accused the young man of disobedience and suggested clearing the field every day, at least in small parts. The son listened to his father, and soon the field was sown and a large harvest was obtained.

At the end of his story, the elder said to the monk: “So you don’t need to be discouraged, take small steps to do godly deeds, then your previous state will return to you.”

This story and the elder’s recommendations allowed the servant of the Lord to rethink his actions and actions, he found peace of mind and succeeded in his monastic feat.”

Who is guilty?

Despair is one of the mortal sins. Mortal sin brings a person’s soul into a state of spiritual death, when the opportunity to repent and change one’s life is lost. Sadness and despondency are very close to despair and suicide; these are links of the same chain.

Modern life is thoroughly saturated with the stench of despondency. Look how many people are depressed now! In the USA, the population completely uses antidepressants and is seriously addicted to chemistry.

A person in a relatively comfortable life is in idleness; it is the mother of many sins and vices. In the spiritual sphere, one thing stems from the other: no matter what sin you take, each one pulls the others along with it. Sadness is the initial link of despondency, the smallest in severity. Gradually the condition worsens, and the person reaches a stupor.

Saints on why sadness is a sin:

“Excessive sadness usually leads to either doubt or destructive blasphemy” (St. John Chrysostom).

“If someone thinks that he has no passion for some thing, but having lost it, his heart grieves, he completely deceives himself” (St. John Climacus).

“Melancholy comes from offended pride or from something that is not done according to our standards; also from vanity, when a person sees that his equals enjoy great advantages” (St. Mark the Ascetic).

Dejection paralyzes a person’s soul; he is unable to repent, pray properly, or do a good deed. Everything is falling out of hand, the meaning of life is lost, everything is bad, everything is lost. A despondent person can be compared to a patient who has suffered a stroke: he is completely incapacitated. This is a very difficult spiritual state. On the other hand, the holy fathers write that despondency is the companion of every ascetic, especially a monk. “The Noon Demon” is exactly about him. Experienced confessors have noticed that somewhere from 10 a.m. to three in the afternoon, monastics experience temptations, which result in sadness, despondency and doubt.

What other reasons do sadness and despondency have? - idleness, anger, irritation, dissatisfaction with sinful passion. You need to fight them, and under no circumstances indulge them. A despondent creature is a blasphemer against the Creator. Dejection is a hidden blasphemy. The person seems to be saying: “Why do I need this life?” Suicide is a terrible sin precisely because the one who kills himself throws the gift of life in God’s face: “Why did you give this to me? Don't want!" This is a spit in the direction of the Creator.

The Holy Fathers give various examples of despondency. Saint John Chrysostom remembers Judas. The devil darkened him, betrayed him to such excessive sadness that he hanged himself. He persecuted him until he deprived him of his intention to repent and led to suicide. There was sadness, but active repentance, like Peter’s, did not happen. The Apostle Peter is an example of the opposite behavior: he repented all his life, shed tears, even to die, like his Teacher, he considered himself unworthy.

Saint John Climacus writes: “The mother of despondency is vanity.” A person fantasizes something about himself, and then, when some stumbling blocks, falls, disappointments happen in life, he cannot come to terms with it. Saint Theophan the Recluse stated: “The state of despondency is one of the crosses that we inevitably have to bear throughout our lives.” And further he adds: “Complain to the Lord and Guardian Angel about the spirit of despondency, and he will run away. But endure everything kindly.”

Even sadness about a sin committed can be a sin:

“Those who sin are those who consider excessive sadness after sin a virtue, not realizing that this comes from pride and conceit, from the fact that they rely too much on themselves and on their own strength” (St. Nicodemus the Holy Mountain).

However, it happens that sadness helps to destroy sin:

“Sadness, born of sin, destroys sin when accompanied by repentance” (St. John Chrysostom).

What is the conclusion? - there is no need to run away from this state, because it will catch up and cover you. You need to meet halfway and figure it out, just like with any other spiritual issue. Modern man is afraid of everything - lack of faith, weak character, cowardice. Age, infirmity, loneliness are falling on him, and it is impossible to talk to him about anything, it is impossible to stir him up.