Virtue of Charity To Lighten and Relieve Depression Symptoms

Depression is a complex illness relating to a person’s mood. This disease impacts a person beyond one's emotions and affects a person's thoughts and actions. A depressed person may exhibit symptoms of severe conflict or fracture in one's social, professional, or family relationship or physical sickness. Also, depression often is accompanied by an existential and spiritual crisis that leaves a person unable to perceive the meaning of ordinary daily activities or life. This paper discusses theological insights into depression from a Catholic-Thomistic perspective. The virtue of charity is considered and proffered to provide relief for symptoms of depression.