Scientists say that depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the modern world. Orthodoxy has its own view of what psychology calls “depression,” and the holy fathers called the sin of despondency. This brochure summarizes the centuries-old experience of studying despondency, fighting it and defeating it, accumulated in the Orthodox Church. There are also prayers read when a person becomes despondent. Source: Table of Contents: What is despondency? The first consequence of despondency is grumbling. The second consequence of despondency is despair. How does despondency manifest itself? What does despondency grow from? The first root is pride The second root is dissatisfaction of passions Other roots of despondency How to deal with despondency? Prayers of St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov) for those who have fallen into despondency Prayer of St. Dmitry of Rostov