International conference on depression.

Vatican City -- Depression is a disorder causing immense personal suffering throughout the human family, particularly in the so-called "developed world." The Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers organized a conference Nov. 13-14, 2003, to address aspects of this problem.

Among the contributors, Bishop James Wingle of St. Catharines, ON, delivered a paper connecting the phenomenon with modern man's rejection of suffering and personal sin. He said that, although the causes of depression were complex, it could not be understood "without the inclusion of the human capacity for relationship with God."

He continued, "Efforts to understand depression draw upon the best of our scientific and medical knowledge but sometimes they flag in not adverting to the totality of the human person.... Each of the aspects of the human person, the biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, needs to be considered." The bishop recommended pastoral church programs, particularly with some of the new ecclesial movements which evince the healing power of the Christian community, as aids to regular treatments for the problem.

One consequence of acute depression could be suicide. According to Dr. Bengt Safsten, a Swedish clinician, one suicide is committed every 40 seconds around the world, many of the victims being adolescents. This does not include suicidal attempts or the "silent suicide" of the depressed elderly. One thing he specifically noted was that depression symptoms may be reduced by medication, yet without reducing the tendency to suicide.

Dr. Safsten enumerated the many known risk factors relating to suicide. He noted that, in general, parenthood and a stable social network, including belonging to a defined religious population, can protect against suicide. He recommended extended efforts in suicide prevention, starting with education and interdisciplinary, not merely medical, efforts.