Feeling Depressed? We Can Help

Feeling depressed is very common today, affecting more than 300 million individuals worldwide. Depression is a very serious condition that can incapacitate a person, preventing them from functioning normally at home, school, or work. In extreme cases, this may even lead to suicide, the second leading cause of death in 15- to 29-year-olds.

Knowing the Symptoms of Depression

Many sufferers, however, are not even aware that there is a problem, blaming it on stress or a “bad week.” While every person’s experience with depression is uniquely different, there are certain symptoms to watch for, such as:

• constant sadness;
• feelings of unworthiness;
• loss of interest in what was once enjoyable;
• lack of energy every day;
• concentration problems;
• difficulty sleeping (lack of it or too much of it); or
• major changes in weight (drop in weight or a huge gain).

These symptoms of depression are clearly very negative and can greatly hamper a person’s daily life. To be diagnosed with depression, such symptoms must be present for a minimum of two weeks.

It is Real, Not Fiction

Unfortunately, many who do not suffer from depression believe that it is an imaginary illness. For them, it is hard to comprehend that someone can truly be sad all the time.

In their minds, everybody is sad once in a while; but time, rest, and the choice to get on with one’s life should be enough to overcome the blues. Sadly, such thinking and lack of support from others further aggravate the depressed person’s situation, causing some to keep their burden a secret.

But depression is real, even for Christians, and it is not easy to overcome. If it were, then there would not be millions of men and women suffering from this debilitating disease. The good news is that God does not love a person less because of depression. Instead, He wants to heal those who are struggling with it.

How to Fight Back When You’re Feeling Depressed

While sufferers may experience similar depressive symptoms, each case is still unique. So what may work for one person may or may not work for another. Sufferers must continue to be patient with their progress, allowing their body, mind, and spirit to heal in the way best for them.

Despite this uniqueness, there are still some recommended actions to take as these have generally been able to work for many people.

Avoid isolation Those who are depressed usually wish to be left alone. Being with others can be quite tiring and even disheartening as other people are able to enjoy life while the sufferer is not.

Isolation, however, is something to avoid. When always alone, discouraging thoughts will continue to pile up, weighing the sufferer down even more. It is important to consciously connect to loved ones as their encouraging words and warm presence can help ease the feelings of loneliness and unworthiness. Something as simple as a cup of coffee together can do wonders for a sufferer’s mood.

Go out of the house

In connection to avoiding isolation, it is vital to get out of the house, even if just for a little while. A new environment, especially a green and peaceful one, can help stimulate the senses and lighten one’s mood. Children laughing, birds chirping, the feel of a cool breeze, or the sound of the ocean can remind a sufferer of God’s goodness which will help alleviate the soul.

Ignore depressive thoughts

Sufferers of depression usually deal with negative thoughts running through their head such as “I am a loser,” “Nobody loves me,” or “They are better off without me.” As these ideas continue to play in a sufferer’s mind, the person begins to believe them even more, worsening the situation.

But though seemingly “real” and “accurate,” it is imperative to remember that these are negative words from the depression, not from God. This is why it is vital to connect with others who can help refute these thoughts and remind the sufferer of their significance.

Keep your body fit

Those who are depressed often feel like not moving at all. This, however, adds to the feelings of weakness and despair. Exercise helps release happy hormones that lighten one’s mood, especially if the sufferer is able to see the beauty of nature while exercising.

Another option is to do household chores that can keep a person moving while doing something constructive around the house. A tidier home environment can also help uplift the mood.

Eating and drinking properly are also necessary for keeping the body strong, lessening the effects of depression. It is important not to “feed” depression by binging on the wrong types of food that will just bring down a person’s self-esteem even more.

Most importantly, a sufferer should NOT turn to alcohol or drugs to forget their woes. These substances will just make life worse for everyone involved.

Turn to God

As our Creator, God knows how to overcome these depressive and destructive feelings. Sadly, He is often the last recourse, which should never be the case.

Pray

In many cases, those who are depressed feel that God has become distant. They may even blame God for their circumstances. Rather than blaming God or running away from Him, it is best to seek God out in prayer and lift up to Him the struggles. While He may not automatically take it all away, as there may be Divine reasons for this period in a depressed person’s life, He will comfort the sufferer and remind them that He is always there and always in control.

Read the Bible

A trying circumstance such as depression is a good time to know God more through the Holy Scriptures. By reading the Bible, a sufferer will learn more about God’s character, His promises, and His unfailing love for everyone.

The following are some very helpful verses to meditate on for those who are depressed:

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:11

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

Connect with fellow believers

As earlier mentioned, it is not good to be alone when one is depressed. At church, there are many who can be of help during such trying times. Some churches have programs specifically designed for those who are depressed. If not, then there is sure to be an available pastor, elder, or deacon that one can speak to about these personal struggles.

Seek Christian Counseling for Depression

Despite trying the various suggestions, sometimes a sufferer’s situation is too much to bear. In such times, it helps to seek professional therapy.

In Christian counseling for depression, the Christian therapist will apply the latest counseling methods to help change the sufferer’s perspective of life and provide needed encouragement. Should medication be necessary, the Christian counselor will work closely with the medical provider to ensure that all goes well.

But most importantly, in Christian counseling, the sufferer will be connected to God through prayer and meditation on His word to strengthen the sufferer’s faith. By acknowledging God’s sovereignty and power, a sufferer’s negative view of life can be transformed into something more positive. This is important for full recovery.

Battling depression is not easy as it takes a toll on body, mind, and spirit. But all is not lost if interventions can be sought out early on. If you or a friend is suffering from depression, seek help soon.