The suicide rate in New Orleans is almost twice the national average, according to a recent survey (The Times-Picayune A-1, Sept. 22, “Area’s mental health getting worse”). At least 219 New Orleanians have tried to take their lives so far this year. According to health care professionals, our city suffers from a level of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder much higher that pre-Katrina and higher than other parts of the country.

One physician guessed that among Lakeview residents “ninety percent are on anti-depressants.” While I am sure that number is exaggerated, I would agree that suicide rates indicate serious and widespread emotional troubles among our post-Katrina population. This is supported by information from health care professionals working with the city’s school children.

I met with a pastor this week who did not see the article cited above but began the conversation talking about the depression plaguing his people.

We are people of faith. We want to speak the positive, joyful word of hope to our friends and neighbors. We have confidence that God will see us through the rebuilding phase of our terrible disaster.

We also wrestle with doubt, anxiety, and despair despite our strong faith in God. Sometimes we berate ourselves for these emotions, but they are honest feelings that affect us mentally, spiritually, and even physically.

King David struggled with doubt, anxiety and despair. He wrote poems about feeling forsaken, abandoned and alone. He cried out to God in those times with an honest heart.

Honesty is the best policy. God already knows that we are afraid and anxious. He knows when we are down in the dumps. Let’s get honest with God in prayer. Let’s talk honestly with other believers about our struggles. Let’s pray for those we know who are fighting depression. And let’s NOT condemn one another or ourselves for lack of faith in the face of these feelings.

David gave his troubles to God, and so must we. David knew how to repent of sin, and so must we. David eventually climbed out of the pit of despair, and so will we.