Conquering depression

Let's have a talk, what do you say?

There is an ugly word that many people do not want to admit happens to good, strong Christian folks. It is spelled D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N.

I am an expert, I think... No, I do not have a counsellor's license, but I have hands-on experience.

Let's talk about it... the Sarah's version!

What are some signs of depression?

Lack of appetite or binging, fatigue or insomnia, lack of interest in usually enjoyable activities, withdrawal, a sense of hopelessness or lack of direction, lack of care of oneself, mood swings, weepiness, etc. These are a few of my not so favorite things.

What could cause it?

Well, there are many things that could cause a person to suffer through depression. Depression may be acute or chronic. Severe or mild.
Maybe a loved one's death, a loss of a job, financial struggles, sickness of a loved one or yourself, abuse (physical, verbal, sexual, etc.), neglect, hormonal imbalances, your health (physically, emotionally, socially, mentally, or spiritually), your relationship with God, guilt, divorce (yours or your parents), disappointment (promises broken, failures in academics, etc,), lack of genuine friendships, etc.

What can one do to heal?

Well, let me share with you some things that I have found very helpful.
1. Don't hide in your pain and dark secrets. If you have some hurt that is causing you depression, you need to talk to someone about it. You need to find a friend or counsellor who is trustworthy and supportive and willing to really listen to talk with. Tell them about your secret or pain... ask them to pray with you, and by all means, don't expect them to be God... they cannot take away your pain, but talking about it is very helpful... especially if you have suicidal tendencies. If your thoughts dwell here, get help quickly!

2. Make sure your relationship with God is clear. Have you willfully sinned? Repent. Are you avoiding daily devotional time with Jesus... you better quickly get back to spending time with Him... You see, there is real help for you in His Word and through prayer... promises... beautiful promises! There are those in the Bible who struggled for one reason or another with depression, and you can learn a lot from them. Are you obeying something God has asked you to do? Just do it!

3. When was the last time you had a good physical exam? Are you sick? Are you eating right? Are you overweight? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you exercising? I will tell you... a good workout is amazing in getting the endorphins going? When was the last time you were with friends or family who made you laugh? Do you laugh at yourself? Laughter is VERY good! I have felt much, much better after some good exercise, and my moods can be affected by the type of food I eat... maybe you could check out what foods you have been eating and if you feel better with a change.

4. Have you been procrastinating something that you know needs done? Think how good you would feel about yourself if you got that job done!

5. Are you living for this world or for eternity? Want purpose? Do something today that could make a difference in eternity... witness to someone, offer a meal to a homeless person, call someone who hasn't been to church for a while and see what is going on, teach your children a timeless lesson, hand out some tracts in love, spend some time praying for someone besides yourself, drive by that troubled teenagers home and tell them that you care about them and are praying for them, write a get-well note to someone whose sick, meet a promise you made to someone, hug and hold and kiss your children, tell your parents you love and honor and respect them, give your hubby something to look forward to when he gets home, pay a visit to a local nursing home, visit that cousin of yours in jail, look past your pain and see the hurt in others and do to them what you would want done to you in that circumstance.... say "I am sorry" to someone you've hurt.

6. Make a list of 100 things you have to be thankful for. (Thanks, Sonja, for this tip!) Very healthy! There is so much to be thankful for... even if everything around you is looking bleak.

7. Forgive!!! You cannot get well if you are holding bitterness.

8. Don't isolate yourself... get with friends occasionally, get outside and into the sun!

9. Keep your surroundings orderly, yet enjoyable... don't make a big deal out of something trivial.

10. Eat a healthy meal tonight, take a nice hot bubble bath, and get a good 9 hours of sleep tonight, and most likely, you will feel better in the morning. (Night time often is a time the devil likes to make tired people feel hopeless... a night's rest will often do the trick!)

I have experienced several of the things that would cause one to have a depression problem... but, I if I don't let it go... I will be a most miserable woman. I know, I have been there! I am still learning. My new thing is exercise, and it has been incredible! Highly recommend it... sweating and increased heart rate is required... just think, you can burn calories and lift your mood and help yourself sleep better tonight... could be fun if you got your family involved... could make it a game, if you'd like. I personally have been using it as a time to be away and get a "break."

For what it is worth, this has been tips by Sarah :-)