[Cerek the Barbaric]

Originally posted by Aelia Jusa: I'm a heretic [img]smile.gif[/img] . What's with all the questions about being depressed? Is it a sin to be sad?

It isn't a sin, Aelia, it's a symptom that reflects your belief system (or lack thereof, as the case may be).

Depression occurs when a person is overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. They feel this way because they don't see any prospect of their situation ever getting any better. In their eyes, it will only get worse.

Those of us with "blind faith" suffer from clinical depression far less (for the most part). Because when things get so bad that we can't handle them anymore, we just believe that God (or the diety of your choice) will make the situation better somehow, someway. This is a central tenet of the Christian faith, but it isn't restricted to Christianity. As long as you believe in ANY "higher power", you will always have some sliver of hope that things are going to improve.

Remember, the test is simply evaluating and identifying your belief system...not judging how diligently you follow it.