Depression Rising? Look for Strength in the Joy of the Lord

Have you heard that more people are getting depressed each year?  Is depression really on the rise?  
--  According to CBS News, from 1980 to 2014, the use of anti-depressants in the United States doubled.
--  According to NBC News, major depression diagnosis rose 33% in four year period (from to 2013 through 2016) based on 2018 BCBS report and charts.
--  According to NAMCS survey, since 1987 the number of depression diagnosis had 450% increase plus 2020 Happier Human reports the estimated cost of depression is $100 Billion per year.

Why?  Some blame technology and social media because it builds a barrier to people being close and continual communication.  Others say it is situational because there are lots of different types of depression.

"... For this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; 

for the joy of the Lord is your strength." - Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)

Could the increase in depression be related to the decrease in church attendance or Christian faith in America?  A correlation in the statistics does make it seem very likely this is part of the problem. Church not only provides a basis for faith, it provides a fellowship with other Christians.  Prayer to God and physically having someone to talk with is an important part of recovery.

-- According to 2014 Religion News article, from 1997 to 2012 the drop in religious activity [like church attendance and dedicated prayer] was double what the drop was during the "free love" hippie culture of 1960s through early 1970s.
-- Was the leveling of religion from the 70s to late 90s  due to Christian conversion turnaround in history of the Jesus Movement from late 1960s through 1970s?  There was a church attendance spike and another religious awakening after the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001.  What will it take to bring the USA back to one nation under God?

Find out ways to help in 2018 column from Everyday Health that offers 5 ways faith can help depression.  Belief Net shares 6 truths about depression and faith.  Compelling Truth also posts ideas on types of depression and multiple Bible references.