Hemingway’s Depression Lights Up a Detour to Hope

Ernest Hemingway’s depression shines a light on hope.

Not from the path he took. But, the path he ignored.

On October 6, 1958, Ernest drove toward the site of his eventual suicide.

What he really wanted was a stiff drink.

So, he finds a bar in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Another patron says, “Look who thinks he’s Hemingway.”

Ernest wondered the same thing, tormented by . . .

• alcoholism
• chronic pain
• bipolar disease

His mantra, “Above all, endure,” wasn’t working.

At times like this, there are more questions than answers.

• How do we understand pain?
• How do we understand depression?
• How do we understand addiction?

Hemingway simply hit overdrive.

Man of action

Our prolific author was always on the move.

• Left home at 18
• Romanced beautiful women
• Caroused with famous people
• Wrote in Paris, Africa, Cuba, Florida

Drunk most of the time, Ernest reveled in everything lovely and dark.

• Husband and philanderer
• Author and alcoholic
• Sportsman and soldier

Thrilling life, right?

So, why didn’t he endure?

On July 2, 1961, Hemingway shriveled and killed himself.

Self-inflicted trauma

Face it. We need protection when the worst comes.

But, alcohol and drugs feed our despair like a loaded gun.

Eventually it fires.

“Panic or fear is a fight-or-flight response. It is the here and now. It is hard to control. But when it comes to anxiety, higher-level thinking comes into play. We all have fear and anxiety. Some people avoid things that make them anxious, other’s don’t. A brave man will be able to stop his anxious brain from coming up with possible negative outcomes. The coward can’t, or doesn’t, shut his down.” J. Norton Ph.D., Anxiety Disorder Clinic, University of Houston

Higher level thinking

So, what is higher level thinking in depression?

For Hemingway it was self-control.

“The first and final thing you have to do in this world is to last it and not be smashed by it.” Ernest Hemingway

The same idea was espoused by Jesus’ half brother, James, with one caveat.

Self-control plus faith.

Appeal to a higher level. Appeal to God.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1: 2-5

The difference between James and Ernest is deference to the Highest Power.

And that kind of faith, in God, is . . .

• rewarded with compassion
• rewarded with mercy

“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:2

When appealing to the highest power, compassion and mercy are promised.

We don’t know how it arrives in our circumstance.

But, it’s from God.

And with God anything is possible.

You can persevere with that.

Just ask my friend, Nick Vujicic, born with no arms and no legs.