When I say depression, it is more than the normal feeling sad. We all have times of feeling down and have our valley moments in life. Depression is a persistent thing that a person doesn’t just snap out of. When a person is depressed, the inclination is to isolate because the feelings we relate to are ones like numb, hopeless, disconnected, lethargic, foggy, empty.
Being a Christian and knowing the bible verses people tend to quote as a quick fix can actually make it worse. It’s like rubbing salt into a wound.
A therapist once told me the antidote to depression is to not isolate which goes against every inclination one with depression has. Getting out and being with others can feel like it will zap any energy we have, but it is so important to be with others.
Finding a counselor we can connect with is so helpful. Confiding in a few friends we trust is helpful. Confiding in a pastor can be of great help as long as we are in a church that does not stigmatize mental health issues. If we are in such a church, it is best to find a different one.
Some may need medication. If we think about it, the brain is a physical part of our physical bodies. We would not hesitate to take medication for other issues like diabetes or asthma. If we need medication for depression, it is a medical thing and not something to feel inferior about.
Depression can affect our relationships including our relationship with God. The good news is that God knows all about us including struggles with depression and loves us deeply even if we can’t feel it. Jesus invites us to come to him in Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
We can be honest with Jesus in prayer. We can share with him how we are doing. We can rest in knowing he loves us and trust him to bring healing for our souls and spirits.
There is hope for those who struggle with depression.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
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Matt,
This is a very important topic, well addressed. May it give hope to those who are in need of hope.
Blessings to you,
Craig
Thank you Craig. It is an issue near and dear to me
Matt, thank you for sharing. I was just reading a different post about dealing with depression. Then the Lord brought up your post next. While I don’t personally deal with this health challenge, there are dear family members who do. All of your points are worth considering when life’s storms continue to isolate an individual.
Thank you Richard. With the Lord’s strength, I have made a lot of progress
Depression is common to me Matt. It’s more than my winter time blues each year. It’s chemical imbalance for me and I have learned a lot of ways to personally manage the depression. It’s very real.
It is very real. Winter time can be rough for many people. Do you use one of those lights?
No, I take walks in the day through the snow to get sunlight as much as possible. Having a camera in hand has helped me look for the details of what is around me that I usually miss. I just get outdoors. I also focus on having a project or two I can pour myself into. Working with my hands helps a lot. Being physically active in the outdoors seems to help the chemical imbalance in my body the most.
Outdoors is great.
I understand depression. My Christian faith helps. I also need medication for both depression and anxiety. I wish I didn’t. Hoping I can cut back at retirement.
Medication is helpful,. I am glad you are getting help
I react badly to medication. My reliance on God helps in a huge way as well.
God is our very present help
An important message Matt.
Thank you Manu!!!
Pryaing that all those with mental health challenges will get the help they need.
Thank you for praying!!!
Your post is spot on! I can personally relate to it😊
Prayed for you. Sorry you can relate to it but we who know Jesus have all the reason to hope. He has given me the strength to rise above depression but there can still be valleys. He is with us in the valleys.
So thankful He is with us in the valleys, if not, how deep that valley would be.
as Corrie Ten Boom said- There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.
Depression is a reality, let’s reach out to our friends and family always
It is a reality. We have the hope of Jesus to offers others
An important topic to discuss, one that shouldn’t be ignored or shamed. Faith in God is a huge help but you’re right about using resources with counseling and even medication for added support.
Thanks for writing about this, Matt. It’s been a struggle for me also over the years. It’s a chemical imbalance and sometimes it’s worse than at other times. I’m thankful that I can take medication and that helps a lot, though I wish I didn’t have to. Blessings to you, brother.
I am glad you have gotten the help needed little sister
Great post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I like what you said here: “We can be honest with Jesus in prayer. We can share with him how we are doing. We can rest in knowing he loves us and trust him to bring healing for our souls and spirits.” Amen!
Thank you Chad. Blessings 😊
Amen. There is definitely hope for those who struggle with depression. God will never leave or forsake them. Very encouraging post.
God has helped me so much. He never leaves us
Perfect words on Depression dad. I’m currently on Antidepressants. Yes, sometimes medication is necessary. I definitely needed it. But Depression can most definitely have 2 sides to it, the side that needs to be medicated and the side that needs to be mitigated. Too often people think of antidepressants as a magic pill that will cure depression. Some people call it a happy pill believing that if you take AD’s everything will be great! Not necessarily the case. Some may need counseling and or changes in their life to get to a point of healing, on top of taking medication.
Sweet daughter I am glad you are receiving help for depression. I am proud of you for seeking help!!!
AMEN! ❤