October 10 is World Mental Health Day, a time to raise awareness globally about its importance.  In his commentary on 2 Corinthians 1, Warren Wiersbe wrote on the subject of depression:[1]

“’You seem to imagine that I have no ups and downs, but just a level and lofty stretch of spiritual attainment with unbroken joy and equanimity. By no means! I am often perfectly wretched and everything appears most murky.’
So wrote the man who was called in his day ‘The Greatest Preacher in the English-speaking World’ – Dr. John Henry Jowett. He pastored leading churches, preached to huge congregations, and wrote books that were best sellers.

‘I am the subject of depressions of spirit so fearful that I hope none of you ever get to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to.’
Those words were spoken in a sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon whose marvelous ministry in London made him perhaps the greatest preacher England ever produced.”

Depression is real and is not a sign of spiritual failure, as shown by these quotes by people we might consider spiritual giants.  Therefore, how should we respond?  This next quote points us in a good direction:

“People don’t fake depression…they fake being ok.  Remember that.  Be kind.” – unknown

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[1] Wiersbe, Warren.  Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians) (1994).