Israel Centeno

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In a world overflowing with diagnoses, therapies, and labels, many believers face a crucial question: “Am I experiencing depression… or am I going through a Dark Night of the Soul?” This isn’t a minor distinction. Misunderstanding the difference can lead to spiritual confusion or neglect of necessary psychological care. Let’s walk this road of discernment with clarity, faith, and hope.

What is the Dark Night of the Soul?

The “dark night” is a spiritual process, not a psychological one. St. John of the Cross gave us this profound term. It doesn’t refer to ordinary sadness or emotional pain, but to a deep purification where the soul, led by God, is stripped of attachments and prepared for deeper union with Him. During this phase, one may experience spiritual dryness, loss of consolation, and a painful silence from God — yet all of this has a redemptive purpose.

Key traits:

• The person continues to seek God, even without spiritual feelings.
• Faith remains, though it walks in darkness.
• Long-term fruits include humility, detachment, and deeper charity.
• It is not self-destructive or paralyzing, though it is painful.

What is Depression?

Depression is a psychological condition that affects brain chemistry, emotions, and one’s perception of life. It is not a lack of faith, nor a punishment from God. It may require medical attention, therapy, or medication, along with spiritual support. It’s a real suffering, often overwhelming, and can cloud every area of life.

Common symptoms:

• Loss of interest in everything, including spiritual life.
• Feelings of emptiness, guilt, or worthlessness.
• Fatigue, sleep issues, appetite changes.
• Suicidal or self-destructive thoughts.

How to Discern Between the Two

Dimension	Dark Night of the Soul	Depression
Origin	Spiritual (God’s work in the soul)	Psychological or biological causes
Desire for God	Present, though without feelings	Often absent or weak
Faith	Dark but active	Faded or disengaged
Thoughts	No despair or self-harm	May involve despair or suicidal ideation
Long-term fruit	Deeper humility, love, and trust in God	Worsens without professional care
Treatment	Spiritual guidance	Psychological + spiritual support

What if I’m not sure what I’m experiencing?

1. Don’t isolate yourself: Speak to a trustworthy spiritual director. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a mental health professional as well.
2. Pray even without feelings: Faithfulness in the dark is more precious than a thousand spiritual highs.
3. Care for your body: Sleep, nourishment, and exercise are spiritual acts when the soul is suffering.
4. Avoid cruel self-judgment: Neither depression nor the dark night means you’re failing. They are different invitations to trust.
5. Don’t be afraid to seek help: Many saints found support in human friendship and wise counsel. You are not alone.

Final thoughts

The Dark Night is not depression. And depression is not the Dark Night. But both can be lived with Christ. He, too, cried out: “My God, why have You forsaken me?” And from that cry, redemption bloomed.

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