The writer of the book called
Qoheleth starts his or her speech with the statement:
הֲבֵ֤ל הֲבָלִים֙ אָמַ֣ר קֹהֶ֔לֶת הֲבֵ֥ל הֲבָלִ֖ים הַכֹּ֥ל הָֽבֶל
While the term used here, havel,
is often translated vanity; it refers to the brevity of everything, especially
human life. However, pessimism and experience of depression lead people to see
life and even themselves as meaningless. Nevertheless, Qoheleth sees life to be
too brief, and it is, but never describes it as meaningless. That does not take
away the fact that the feelings or lack of it in those who suffer depression,
who see life as meaningless are not real. These emotions and at times the
absence of them should not be ignored by the one experiencing it or those
around him/her. Tragically, ignoring it by them and others had led too many
people to stop living.
Seeing yourself worthless or no finding meaning to your life or circumstances in which you
live, can lead to that pessimistic view about your life and even about life in
general. Questioning human existence at all. Why humans are born and then die
after such a brief life? “Is there anything else after this brief meaningless
life?” some may ask. How can we bring meaning to our life or the life of
others? Wait, that is a good question to explore, because thinking that way can lead
out of that horrible dark moment of depression or the hopelessness of
pessimism. At times our selfish world environment contributes to these circumstances. Needless to say, the reality
of depression empowered by negative thoughts concerning one’s own life or even
about life in general is not that easy to overcome. Thinking that tomorrow may
be better, that such an experience will not be forever, does help.
It is not easy to face
depression. Apparently, Qoheleth experienced a deep depression that led him to
write his/her reflections in the book by the same name. So, what could we learn
from him/her? First, contrary to Qoheleth, we must acknowledge that we have a
mental health problem. Nothing to be ashamed. Perhaps, Qoheleth was not able to
recognize this specific detail, but recognized other aspects of the experience
that helped him/her to eventually overcome. In the process discern if the
mental health trouble is cause, for example, by a thought or memory of an
experience. Why is that thought making us feel unworthy, meaningless, destroying
us? What power the individual who said that or was involved in that experience has
or had upon you? Second, look for help. Do not fight depression
by yourself. Many times, this mental health issue does not have its source in
experiences or anything anyone ever said. It can be a clinical problem or
linked to a physical illness. Consulting with a professional counsellor, your
family physician, a Rabbi, your pastor, or priest, or psychologist and
psychiatric doctor (or all of them) is wise. Sadly, many religious approaches by pastoral
counsellors, especially nonprofessional, tend to be condemnatory, hence,
unhelpful. Making things worse. Blaming your decisions or choices does not
help. If that is the case, do not give up. Seek counselling from someone else. Of course, if a drug addiction or alcoholism
may be part of the experience of depression, then start looking for help to
overcome this addiction. That’s a good step.
Depression is one of the main
obstacles to enjoy a meaningful life, obviously. But it can be treated and, in
many cases, we have seen people becoming healed from this mental
illness. While it is important to follow medical instructions and use the
proper medicines, in many cases. Be careful not to become addicted to the
prescription drugs. Keep in communication with your physician or mental health
practitioner.
Third: Do not give up.
Think of those who love you and even when sometimes depression leaves you
without feelings, no emotions at all, remember that you do love them too. Look
up from this deep ocean where you feel drowning and let love empower you to
swing back for life, to enjoy life in its fulness. To find happiness. To
experience joy again. Even if those who you love are not there to help, because
they do not understand what you are going through during depression.
Fourth: During times of deep
depression, still trust God’s love and faithfulness. Yes, God seems so
far away, as Qoheleth experienced. Yes, God is a transcendental being. Beyond
our imagination and this universe. The Source of life, the Eternal Living
Being, who cannot be described by our words in any language. The One who
remains for eternity a mystery. To the point that there are times when we ask
if there is such a Being. However, with our small faith, believe, believe
one more time. Don’t give up. Trust God, even within your doubts. Following
the current book of Qoheleth, although these words were probably not in the
original speech, I must conclude:
ס֥וֹף דָּבָ֖ר הַכֹּ֣ל נִשְׁמָ֑ע
אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִ֤ים יְרָא֙ וְאֶת־מִצְוֺתָ֣יו שְׁמ֔וֹר כִּי־זֶ֖ה כׇּל־הָאָדָֽם׃
Tomorrow the sun will shine again.
Just have a little faith, I tell myself. After all, it is a wonderful world.
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