Dealing With Depression

The exact definition of depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Depression to me was sleeping all the time, not wanting to do anything or see anybody, loss of appetite, and many other things that made it such a hard time in my life. This is a more vulnerable blog, but it is something that needs to be talked about.

I hear people throw around "I'm depressed" like confetti. The truth is a lot of people go through hard times, but it is not necessarily depression. We are guaranteed that we will face trials. But what happens when depression kicks in and you feel hopeless?

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you

meet trials of various kinds, for you know

that the testing of your faith produces

steadfastness. And let steadfastness have

its full effect, that you may be perfect and

complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you

lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives

generously to all without reproach, and it

will be given him. But let him ask in faith,

with no doubting, for the one who doubts

is like a wave of the sea that is driven and

tossed by the wind. ...

James 1:2-8

I Understand

Depression has been one of my biggest struggles in the past and I am here to tell you that it does get better. You who are reading this, you are so loved. Do not ever feel like you are not enough. Without going into too much detail, I understand what you are feeling. I understand what it is like to wake up and just want to fall back asleep. I understand what it is like to feel so alone that you become numb. But let me tell you something, that is not a feeling from God. That feeling is straight from the enemy who is waiting for you to stumble, but do not let him win. God is ready for you to come to Him, His arms are open.

A Hard Time

I believe it was also one of the hardest times because I did not lean on Christ at all. It was hard and it was not a sweet time. I also kept to myself so no one was aware I was even struggling. That was my first mistake, not telling anyone. Like I said in a previous blog, my trial of going through a breakup was a hard time but it was also sweet because of my dependence on the Lord. So in that time, I was heartbroken but I was not depressed by any means. Through depression and bullying I leaned on the world, which was bound to fall apart. I listened to what the world had to say about me rather than what God had to say about me. I listened to the lies instead of the truth. I tried to find my confidence in the approval of others, therefore I had no confidence.

How To Recover

It was a long process I will tell you that. Moving churches was a big part of my recovery and the start of a new season. Admitting I needed help was another big step. I am someone who wants to do everything on my own and without help. I had to give up my pride in order to receive the help I needed. I also did not have an Instagram or twitter for a little over one year. You cannot overcome depression on your own. You were made for community, you cannot walk through life without receiving help. You also need to separate yourself from whatever is damaging your mind. For me, that was social media for a little while. I had to start being reminded of all the good to come. Like moments in the car singing so loud with your friends on a summer night, or watching movies all day in your pjs, going to the beach to watch the sunrise, meeting a new friend who makes you laugh, marrying your future spouse, buying your first house, graduating from high school or college. Find simple things you have to look forward to. I had a jar of encouragement where I would look at one thing a day I had to look forward to. But remember, this life is all for Jesus's glory.

You who feel depression weighing in on you, there is hope. That hope is only found in Jesus Christ. Seek help, because there is so much more to life than this season. God created you for a purpose to further His kingdom.

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