导读：截至2022年，中国抑郁症患者数量约为9500万人‌，仅次于心脑血管疾病，其中18岁以下患者占总数的30.28%，超过2800万人‌。抑郁症的发病率在全球范围内为3.1%，而中国的发病率高达5%～6%，并且呈逐年上升趋势，女性抑郁症患者数量高于男性，但男性的自杀率更高。
    此外，年轻人、城市居民和受教育程度较高的人群是抑郁症的高危群体‌。抑郁症的成因在个体的工作、学习、人际关系和社会适应等方面表现得尤为明显‌。
    很多朋友认为自己不会和抑郁这个词有什么关联，可眼见着周围的同事、朋友甚至是家人被诊断为‘抑郁状态’、‘抑郁症’之后才会发现患有‘抑郁’这种被称之为‘病’的人越来越多。抑郁，我个人的理解就是强大的自我对更强大的理性的无奈妥协甚至是败退；按信仰的视角看抑郁就是处于对带领你的那位造物主旨意阻挡之后的滞留状态。

    《抑郁的力量》是由日本精神心理专科医院院长泉谷闲示撰写的一本深刻的心理学著作。基于他二十多年的临床经验，这本书重新审视了抑郁症，颠覆了传统的抑郁认知，认为抑郁不仅仅是一种需要克服的疾病，更是一种人生觉醒的契机。通过这本书，读者可以了解抑郁症的病因，学会如何与抑郁共处，并最终实现内心的成长与重生。

    书的副标题“蛰伏、觉醒、破茧成蝶”完美地表达了泉谷医生的核心理念：抑郁是人生中的一个特殊阶段，它是生命蜕变的前奏，经过这段蛰伏期，我们可以在觉醒后迎来内心的平静与新生。

    之所以推荐这本书，原因有两个：首先，不是因为我看过这本书，而是因为一个偶然的机会朋友给我的一个该书讲解录音，书中的内容深深的吸引了我，我反反复复听了好几遍，深有感触；其次，这些年在我的工作和生活中陆续有4、5个身处不同程度抑郁状态的朋友，他们的经历让我对待朋友的方式发生了很大变化。要知道，我们当中的很多人是被不断的‘鼓励’声音陪伴成长的，我也是这样，以为鼓励别人就可以帮助他们克服困难或疾病，但抑郁症不一样，患者最需要的是内心世界的认可而不是漫无目的鼓励，耐心的跟随和陪伴才是最适合的方式。从这些经历中我发现了最需要帮助和改变的还有一个人，那就是患者身边的亲人，我们何尝不是他们身边那个需要改变的一员呢。

    本书最主要的特点是它的名字及其背后的主导思想，书名不是疾病的治疗而是抑郁的力量，这表达了作者对抑郁患者的关爱和对他们依靠其方法重新找回自己的期望，取名“力量”不无道理，和作者一样，我推荐此书的目的也是如此，愿有需要的弟兄姐妹从抑郁状态中看到造物主的恩典和保护，靠信仰获得力量，找回自己。

一、书中的详细观点：抑郁的病因与治疗要点

    泉谷闲示医生在书中提出了两个革命性的观点。首先，他认为抑郁是有价值的，是现代社会中人们觉醒的契机。在快节奏的生活中，我们往往忽略了内心的需求和感受，而抑郁则像是一个警钟，提醒我们要停下来，倾听内心的声音。通过抑郁，我们可以更深入地了解自己，发现内心深处真正的渴望和追求。
    其次，泉谷闲示医生强调，抑郁患者应该充分休息，放弃把抑郁当作敌人来攻克的念头。他指出，抑郁并非是一种可以通过意志力来克服的疾病，而是一种需要时间和耐心来疗愈的过程。在这个过程中，患者需要学会放下一切压力和义务，让自己沉浸在休息和恢复中。只有这样，患者才能真正地走出抑郁的阴霾，重新找回生活的乐趣和意义。其观点简要如下，如需详细了解请阅读原著或多听几遍后面的解读：

1. 抑郁的病因：对自我过高的要求

    泉谷医生指出，现代社会中的抑郁症常常源于人们对自我设定的过高要求。许多人在职场、家庭和社交场合中试图完美表现，以迎合外界的期待，甚至为了不让别人失望而忽视自己内心的真实需求。这种持续的自我压抑最终导致精神崩溃，陷入抑郁。通过试图达到不切实际的标准，患者给自己设下了无形的枷锁，丧失了面对真实自我的能力。

2. 治疗要点：放下对自我的高标准，接纳现状

    泉谷闲示强调，治疗抑郁的关键在于放下对自我过高的要求，并接受现实中的不完美。他提出，抑郁症并不是通过简单的意志力可以克服的，它需要一个蛰伏期，在这段时间里，患者需要学会休息、调整和反思。通过释放自己对外在完美的追求，患者能够更好地接纳自身的局限性，重新找到内在的平衡。

3. 抑郁的不同解读：从负面到觉醒

    与传统的抑郁治疗思路不同，泉谷医生认为抑郁症并非完全负面的情绪，而是一种重要的警示，提醒我们停下来，审视生活中的不合理压力与矛盾。他强调，抑郁是一段必须经历的觉醒过程，帮助我们认识到内心真正的需求，并通过反思与调整，找到一个更健康的生活方式。下面是朋友提供的书籍介绍，请花些时间耐心听完。

二、抑郁中的重生与信仰的契合

    借助抑郁状态重新审视自己的人生和信仰是一个人找回自己的难得机遇，这种修复后重生的力量让一个人更懂得如何面对生活，并且，这样的观念会让人联想到人们在信仰生活中的经历。
    我们从小到大受到的教育和经历就是一个不断的“学习知识---遇到挫折---修复认知---提升自我认知”的过程，不断反复。我们人生路上遇到的每一个与我们认知和底线不同的人和事都在教会我们如何与这个世界相处，克服了的叫阅历，克服不了的便会成为每个人内心抑郁情绪的种子。这种看起来似乎很勇敢的奋斗其实是缺少了造物主的带领与帮助，完全是一个人在独自面对一切。
    如此，一个人内心的思想便会成为不良情绪的种子仓库，它们会在我们的负面情绪中生根发芽，最终成为我们与这个世界之间不可逾越的墙。推翻这堵墙是一个循序渐进的过程，是重新梳理自己的认知的过程、是学会放手的过程。这本书的题目与其说是“抑郁的力量”不如说她暗含了信仰的力量在帮助人们走出抑郁状态，弟兄姐妹可以依靠耶稣基督的救赎将内心一个个负面情绪的种子碾轧在自己的脚下。

    泉谷医生在书中提到的“重生”理念，与圣经中的“重生”观念不谋而合。在基督教中，重生意味着通过神的引领，摆脱旧我，迎接新的生命。这与泉谷医生提出的“放下自我要求，找到适合自己的生活状态”的治疗理念高度契合。

1. 对自我标准的枷锁与信仰的平衡

    抑郁患者往往因给自己设定了过高的处世标准，陷入内心的枷锁中。这些标准不仅可能不切实际，还可能与自己的信仰不相符。泉谷医生提醒患者，不要强迫自己去适应那些不适合自己的要求，而是要客观评估自己的能力与极限，做出明智的取舍。这一观念与基督教信仰中的“依靠神的力量而非自己的聪明”十分契合。

    在信仰的框架内，我们被教导要依赖神的引导，而不是试图用自己的力量去控制一切。《箴言》3:5教导我们：“你要专心仰赖耶和华，不可倚靠自己的聪明。”当我们学会衡量自己的承受能力，并将不必要的压力交托给神，我们便能减轻内心的负担，从而走向更自由和健康的状态。

2. 抑郁的蛰伏期：灵魂的休整与重生

    泉谷医生提出，身处抑郁的状态是一段蛰伏期，这与基督教中的重生理念密切相关。在这段蛰伏期内，人们不应急于恢复“正常”状态，也就是那个靠一己之力、独当一面的‘勇士’，而是应当利用这段时间反思内心，放下对世俗成功和外界认可的执念，专注于精神上的治愈与成长。同样，圣经教导我们，重生不仅是身体的恢复，更是灵魂的更新。通过这种重生，我们可以找到新的生活意义，重新面对世界。

    这个“重生”的过程，实际上是帮助抑郁患者找到一种平衡的生活方式，而这种生活方式并不是完全逃避社会，而是回归到一个适合自己的状态。与此相似，圣经中的重生意味着通过神的恩典，我们摆脱对世俗的过度依赖，进入到神所预备的平安与自由状态。

    耶稣曾在《马太福音》11:28中说道：“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。”在抑郁的蛰伏期中，患者可以通过信仰找到安息，从而获得精神的重生与治愈。

    这种通过信仰获得的自由，不是逃避现实，而是通过神的带领，找到与自己、与社会、与神和谐相处的方式。这与泉谷医生所强调的“不要强行适应社会标准，而是找到适合自己的平衡状态”吻合。

3. 信仰与心理治疗的结合：回归神造人的初衷

    基督教认为，神创造人类是为了让我们享有与祂亲密的关系，并在祂的带领下找到真正的自由与快乐。然而，现代社会的压力和诱惑让我们偏离了这一初衷，我们被教导成为某一类人，比如善良、正直、做事严谨、恪尽职守、对领导言听计从等等，一旦遇到了自己无法改变的因素便无所适从，抑郁症可以被看作是神提醒我们停下来，反思自己生活方式的一种途径。通过信仰，我们可以认识那位造物主，重新找到自己的灵魂标杆，重新与神----那位造物主建立联系，找到内心的平安和喜乐，回归神造人时的初衷。

    泉谷医生所提出的重生理念，与圣经中的重生观念相通，都强调放下旧有的执念，通过反思和调整找到新的生活方向。这种回归不仅是对个人的治愈，也是一种对神的敬拜，彰显了神在我们生命中的恩典和引领。

结语：信仰带来的双重治愈力量

    对于正在经历抑郁的朋友，《抑郁的力量》为我们提供了一个全新的视角，提醒我们不要被自我设定的高标准所束缚，而是学会在蛰伏期中找到适合自己的生活节奏，与自己和解。如果你已经是基督徒，那么结合圣经的教导，你可以在信仰的光照下更加深入地理解抑郁与重生的过程。

    圣经教导我们，通过基督的重生，摆脱旧有的枷锁，迎接新的生命。这在《抑郁的力量》的理念中有所体现，抑郁不仅是人生中的一道坎坷，更是神引领我们走向觉醒与自由的过程。虽然不清楚作者的信仰倾向，但其专注研究的领域无不在述说上帝的力量，愿每一个目前暂时身处抑郁状态的朋友，都能够借助这本书以及信仰的力量，找到那个适合与这纷繁复杂社会和谐相处的临界点，享受真正的平安与喜乐，回归神造人时那种自由和快乐的状态。

    请弟兄姐妹们一起为此祷告！
    如有问题请联系[email protected]。

Unleash the “Power of Depression” and Find Yourself

Introduction: As of 2022, it is estimated that around 95 million people in China suffer from depression—second only to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases—with patients under age 18 making up 30.28% (over 28 million). Globally, the incidence of depression is about 3.1%, but in China it reaches 5%–6% and is rising year by year; while women account for more depression cases, men suffer from a higher suicide rate. Additionally, young people, urban residents, and those with a higher level of education are particularly at risk. The causes of depression are notably apparent in the realms of work, study, relationships, and social adaptation.

Many friends believe that depression will never affect them. Yet, when colleagues, friends, or even family members are diagnosed with “depressive state” or “depression,” one cannot help but notice that more and more people are identified with what is called a “disease” of depression. Personally, I understand depression as the powerful self’s capitulation—or even retreat—in the face of a much stronger reason; from a faith perspective, it is the state of being stalled after encountering obstacles in the very purpose and will of the Creator who leads you.

“The Power of Depression” is an insightful psychological work written by Dr. Shanze Izumitani, the director of a Japanese psychiatric hospital. Drawing on more than twenty years of clinical experience, this book reexamines depression and subverts traditional notions. Dr. Izumitani argues that depression is not merely an affliction to be overcome but also an opportunity for awakening. Through this book, readers can understand the causes of depression, learn how to live with it, and ultimately achieve inner growth and rebirth.

The subtitle “Dormant, Awakening, Emerging as a Butterfly” perfectly encapsulates the author’s core idea: Depression is a unique stage in life—a prelude to transformation. By undergoing this period of dormancy, we can, upon awakening, welcome the tranquility and renewal of our inner being.

I recommend this book for two reasons. First, not because I have read it all, but because a friend once shared with me an audio explanation of its content. I found the material deeply engaging and listened to it many times with great reflection. Second, over these years, I have seen four or five friends, each in varying degrees of depression, whose experiences have greatly changed the way I care for others. Many of us have grown up being constantly “encouraged” and believe that offering encouragement can help others overcome their difficulties or illnesses—but depression is different. What people in such a state truly need is validation from within, not aimless cheerleading. Patient, empathetic companionship is the most suitable remedy. I have come to realize that the person most in need of help and change might very well be someone close to the depressed individual; we, too, must learn to change ourselves to better help those around us.

The most distinctive aspect of this book lies not in treating the disease but in “the power of depression.” This title expresses the author’s deep care for those struggling with depression and his hope that they can, by relying on the methods he outlines, eventually reclaim themselves. Naming it “the power” is no accident. In the same spirit, I recommend this book so that any brother or sister in need may see the grace and protection of the Creator, gain strength through faith, and ultimately find themselves again.

I. Key Points from the Book: Causes of Depression and Main Treatment Concepts

In the book, Dr. Izumitani makes two revolutionary points. First of all, he believes that depression is valuable and an opportunity for people to wake up in modern society. In a fast-paced life, we often ignore our inner needs and feelings, and depression is like a wake-up call to stop and listen to our inner voice. Through depression, we can get to know ourselves more deeply and discover our true desires and pursuits deep inside.

Secondly, Dr. Izumitani emphasized that patients with depression should get enough rest and give up the idea of treating depression as an enemy. He pointed out that depression is not a disease that can be overcome by willpower, but a process that takes time and patience to heal. In this process, patients need to learn to let go of all stress and obligations and allow themselves to immerse themselves in rest and recovery. Only in this way can patients truly get out of the haze of depression and regain the joy and meaning of life. The views are briefly as follows, for more information, please read the original book or listen to the following interpretation several times:

1. The Cause of Depression: Overly High Self-Expectations

Dr. Izumitani points out that much of modern depression stems from people setting impossibly high demands on themselves. In the workplace, at home, and in social situations, many strive to perform perfectly in order to satisfy external expectations, even going so far as to ignore their inner, true needs so as not to disappoint others. This constant self-repression eventually leads to mental breakdown and depression. By trying to meet unrealistic standards, individuals create invisible chains that prevent them from facing their genuine selves.

• Key Treatment Point: Letting Go of High Standards and Embracing Reality

According to Dr. Izumitani, the key to treating depression lies in relinquishing these unrealistic self-demands and accepting life’s inherent imperfections. He emphasizes that depression is not a condition that can be overcome through sheer willpower alone; it requires a period of dormancy in which patients learn to rest, recalibrate, and reflect. By releasing the relentless pursuit of external perfection, individuals can better accept their limitations and rediscover inner equilibrium.

• A Different Interpretation of Depression: From Negativity to Awakening

In contrast to traditional views that see depression solely as a negative state to be conquered, Dr. Izumitani argues that depression serves as an important alarm bell—a call to pause and examine the irrational pressures and contradictions in life. He stresses that depression is an essential awakening process, one that helps us uncover what our hearts truly desire and, through reflection and adjustment, discover a healthier way to live.

II. Rebirth in the Midst of Depression and Its Concordance with Faith

Embracing depression as an opportunity to reassess one’s life and faith is a rare chance to reclaim oneself. The process of healing after such a rupture empowers one to better face life. This idea echoes the broader experiences common in faith journeys.

From our childhood onward, we learn through a repeated cycle of “learning—facing setbacks—repairing our understanding—rising in self-awareness.” Every encounter with a person or situation that challenges our preconceptions serves as a lesson, gradually building our resilience. However, what cannot be overcome through mere effort may plant seeds of depression in our hearts. This is especially true when we try to endure life’s challenges by our own means rather than accepting help from our Creator.

In this way, one’s inner thoughts can become a repository for destructive emotions, gradually taking root and eventually erecting an impassable wall between us and the world. Tearing down this wall is a gradual process—it involves reassessing one’s beliefs and learning to let go. The title “The Power of Depression” suggests that the strength of faith can help people emerge from depression. I hope that brothers and sisters may, through Jesus Christ’s redemptive work, crush every seed of negativity underfoot.

Dr. Izumitani’s concept of “rebirth” echoes the Biblical notion of being “born again.” In Christianity, rebirth means that through God’s guidance, we put aside our old selves and welcome new life. This idea aligns perfectly with his view that overcoming self-imposed high demands—finding a balanced state—is critical to healing.

1. The Shackles of Self-Imposed Standards and the Balance of Faith:

Depressed individuals often confine themselves with unrealistic expectations. These standards may not only be impractical but also inconsistent with one’s faith. Dr. Izumitani reminds patients not to force themselves to conform to requirements that do not suit them; instead, they must realistically assess their abilities and limits to make wise choices. This perspective is entirely consistent with the Christian teaching that one must depend on God’s strength rather than one’s own wisdom.

Within the framework of faith, we are taught to rely on God’s guidance and not to try to control everything with our own power. Proverbs 3:5 NKJV teaches: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;” When we learn to measure our capacity and surrender unnecessary stress to God, we can lighten the burden on our hearts and move toward a freer and healthier state.

• The Dormant Phase of Depression: A Time for Spiritual Rest and Rebirth:

Dr. Izumitani asserts that the state of depression is a period of dormancy—a time for the soul to recuperate and rebirth, very much akin to the Biblical idea of renewal. In this phase, one should not rush to revert to the old state of self-reliance, but instead use the time to reflect, let go of the obsessive drive for worldly success and external validation, and focus on inner healing and growth. The Bible teaches that rebirth is not just physical recovery but spiritual renewal. Through such rebirth, we can discover new meaning in life and face the world with a fresh perspective.

This process of “rebirth” is actually to help depressed patients find a balanced lifestyle, and this lifestyle is not a complete escape from society, but a return to a state that suits them. Similarly, biblical regeneration means that through God’s grace, we are freed from our over-dependence on the world and into a state of peace and freedom that God has prepared.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “In the dormant period of depression, patients can find rest through faith, so as to obtain spiritual rebirth and healing.

This freedom through faith is not an escape from reality, but a way to live in harmony with oneself, with society, and with God through God’s leading. This is in line with Dr. Izumitani’s emphasis on “not forcibly adapting to social standards, but finding a balance that suits you.”

• Integrating Faith and Psychological Healing: Returning to Our Original Purpose as God’s Creation:

Christianity teaches that God created us to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him and to live in the freedom and joy that come from His guidance. Modern pressures and temptations, however, have led us astray. We are often molded into being people who are dutiful, proper, and obedient to authority. Yet when we encounter factors we cannot change, we become disoriented—and depression can be seen as God’s gentle reminder to stop, reflect, and reconsider our lifestyle. Through faith, we can come to know our Creator once again, reestablish that anchor for our soul, and rediscover the inner peace and happiness with which we were originally endowed.

Dr. Izumitani’s idea of rebirth resonates with the Biblical concept: by letting go of our old obsessions through reflection and adjustment, we find new direction in life. This return is not only personal healing but also an act of worship to God, manifesting His grace and guidance in our lives.

Conclusion: The Dual Healing Power of Faith

For those currently experiencing depression, The Power of Depression offers a fresh perspective, reminding us not to be bound by our unrealistic self-expectations, but to use our dormant period to find a rhythm that suits us and reconcile with ourselves. If you are a Christian, integrating Biblical teachings can help you more deeply understand the process of depression and rebirth.

The Bible teaches that through Christ’s rebirth, we break free of old chains and embrace a new life. This idea is mirrored in Dr. Izumitani’s perspective—depression is not merely an obstacle, but a process by which God leads us toward awakening and freedom. Although the author’s personal faith orientation may be uncertain, his extensive research all speaks of the power of God. May every friend who currently finds themselves in a state of depression, through this book and the strength of faith, find that critical point of balance to live harmoniously in this complex society, enjoying true peace and joy, and returning to the freedom and happiness with which God originally created us.

Please, dear brothers and sisters, join together in prayer for this cause!