Social consequences of depression as a challenge for pastoral work Cover Image

Społeczne konsekwencje depresji – wyzwaniem dla duszpasterstwa
Social consequences of depression as a challenge for pastoral work

Author(s): Marcin Niesporek
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion
Published by: Księgarnia Świętego Jacka
Keywords: depression; fear; marriage; sexual life; alkoholism; drug addiction; gambling; liturgy; Satan

Summary/Abstract: Depression and its impact on a human are usually identified in regard to some psychosomatic disorders. People with depressive personality disorder often admit to mental problems. With a growing number of the afflicted the society starts getting used to the fact that the problem is here to stay. The article is an attempt to discuss social problems the afflicted persons have to face, although the subject is too complex to be exhausted in a relatively short text. The author referred to the most urgent problems of the depressed, like merital ones (both in the aspect of relations and of sex), different sorts of addictions (alkohol, drugs, gambling, which may be the reason but also the result of depression), and the last but not least – to the problems the participants of liturgy might have (the participant’s disorder which is causing his/her unusual behaviour may be perceived negatively due to unawareness and lack of understanding). All the above indicate the complexity of the problem and the necessity to increase social awareness of it. Depression becomes also a challenge for pastoral work of the Church which should develop empathy, sympathy, mercy, individual approach to each and every person, more leniency towards one’s neighbour and giving up judgments.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 12
  • Page Range: 245-266
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Polish