Depression - Indignation/Insolvent

“Indignation stresses righteous anger at what one considers unfair, mean or shameful” –(Merriam-Webster)

“Insolvent means a business is unable to pay its debts when they are due, or its liabilities are greater than its assets” (BDC or Business Development Bank of Canada)

I woke this morning with these three words in my mind. I recognize that many may think they don’t match, and are not even terms to be used in the same subject matter. As my disclaimer many times is…I do not claim to be an expert. I do, however, believe that we are often gifted with a unique thought pattern. If we remain quiet these thoughts may shed light on something we are struggling with.

Depression

In most, if not all cases, when we realize that we are in a state of depression, we can be comforted by the truth that if there was a way in, our High Power (God) can help us find a way out.

A mechanic or a builder goes from a mediocre tradesperson to an exceptional one as life and circumstances throw “first time” or unforeseen challenges at him. As he navigates these unpleasant zones in his career, he becomes more relaxed when the next problem hits.

Depression is similar. A person like myself, who is quite familiar with depression, has gained some of this knowledge.  Remember, God has said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, with me you can move mountains”. (Matthew 17:20 abridged) We do not need to feel strong to bring troubles to God. In fact, it may be more effective to be weak.

Indignation

Indignation stresses righteous anger; considered unfair, mean, shameful. Let’s call it “rightful anger”.

At many points in life, we are treated unfairly. Genuinely unfairly. Anger is an expression of an early defence reaction. Often a mother responds in a sharp (angry) tone when her youngster is toddling towards a busy street. Call it urgent. Call it fear. Call it anger. You choose. When events have steered our circumstances into a bad spot, we are rightfully disturbed.  Our dignity does not want to express anger. Society and core values have taught us that anger is an expression of weakness, so, now we need to justify our disappointment in ourselves.

Someone did me wrong.

It made me mad (angry)

Angry isn’t socially OK.

BUT THEY DID ME WRONG!

I have a right to be perturbed.

Now we have a war going on in our heart. A right against wrong war. It’s fueled by disappointment, both in others and ourselves. The mind goes into a tumble. The right and wrong emotions take up combat in one’s mind until it seems the only option is to run. We are now in prime space for depression. (see my Blog on Self-sabotage in December of 2025)

Insolvency

“When the debt is greater than the assets.” Insolvency only happens when things have gone different than planned. (except for organized fraud)

People don’t invest time and energy into a project just to see it fail. Depression and financial insolvency have a common base. People do not set out in life with the intent to be depressed. Financial insolvency starts with an unintended truth. Depression also starts with an unintended truth.

People who become insolvent often start with blaming circumstances (markets), or other parties (spouses or investors or partners or key employees). Basically, in all cases, there is an element of truth to these assessments. At some point we need to get past the emotionally charged truths and face the options of resolution, in order to proceed to freedom from this situation. This requires SOBER thinking. Very often the subject of this dilemma is too upset to think this through on their own. Outside involvement becomes necessary.

In choosing this person, consider their track record, and ensure you can trust them. Not unlike with Depression…in most cases it is helpful to find someone into who we can place our trust. However, this party’s credentials (track record) should be taken into consideration.

Insolvency and depression are not “The End of the World”. Many people who have dealt with insolvency have gone on to be better and stronger business managers. In the same way, many people who have been at wit’s end with depression too have risen from the malady to become strong respected leaders.

When a God-fearing person faces insolvency…It will always go better if their first bankruptcy is to God. Insolvency Prayer – “Dear God things have gone wrong. I want to take my hand off the controls. I want to look to you and those that you choose to help me. I want to be attentive and listen as council and You direct. In Jesus’ Name Amen” A similar prayer is effective for one who is depressed. I doubt that a Christian can successfully navigate the path out of depression without a surrender of their will to God.