We all have been there, and for some, it’s worse than others. Some Christians may not want to admit it because they presume that depression is like a curse. I’m here to tell you that depression is not a curse but a product of this sinful world we live in. We live in a country that is filled with an abundance of materials such as food, water, and medicine. Yet so many people are depressed even though this country offers so much. Why is that? We live in a world where we can watch movies, hear music, and call anyone worldwide. Despite that, it’s not enough because our brains are not wired to be stuck on smartphones all day. Although depression can be lonely, we can be confident and say that Jesus is in the storm with us. This is why we have a wonderful and loving God; he is always with us and knows how we feel. So, in this article, we will be looking at ways to combat depression, or at least ease the pain and suffering until the breakthrough hits.
- Pray and ask God for help: I know this is easier said than done, especially because you must have faith and trust in the Lord. Depression can make you feel hopeless and lost, even if you continue to pray. Although it might feel that way, I’m here to tell you that there is hope, and that hope is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus was tempted and felt every human emotion known to man. He was betrayed, mocked, laughed at, angry, sad, happy, hopeful, and scared. Yet, despite all of his emotions and fears, he still saved us all. He was beaten and crucified so that we may live. In the end, he paid our debt, which was death. Jesus understands your pain, even though you might think otherwise. Don’t you think he felt scared or depressed while on the cross? He loves you, understands you, and is willing to be in the storm with you. So pray and ask that he shows you the way. You can also pray and ask that he lifts up any worries you may have.
- Read Psalms/ Dwell in the Word: Every Christian knows that David was depressed. I mean, read Psalms! My favorite verse of all time is Psalm 18:6. It’s beautiful because we see that anyone can cry out to the Lord. The Lord will hear them and incline his ear toward the cries. If David was depressed and the Lord brought him to his promise, do you think he will do the same for you? Yes, he will. He will deliver you and protect you while you’re in this horrible season. So rely on the Lord like David and know that everything is going to get better. I read the entire book of Psalms when I was in a rough season of my life, and it helped. I learned that God knows what I am feeling, God understands, and he cares. When we are depressed, we tend to think that the Lord has other important affairs to take care of but forget that he is an almighty God who can be anywhere. So read the Bible and get to know God and how gentle and loving he is. Know that your season is temporary, and know that the Lord who took care of David will take care of you.
- Talk to family and friends: When we are depressed, we often isolate ourselves. We often think that our problems mean nothing to family and friends. We don’t want to burden them with our “baggage.” I want you to know that they care, and someone in this world cares about what you are going through. You’re not alone, so I recommend talking to family and friends. Talk to a trusted friend or mentor about your problems if you’re not close to your family. They can listen, help you through it, and maybe provide insight about their season of struggle and how they overcame it. So don’t think that no one cares in this world. There are good people out there who are ready to hear you and help you. This world is not all evil, so remember that we will have complete and utter victory in the end.
- Working out: This is the hardest activity you can perform, because when you’re depressed, your energies are limited. The hardest but most rewarding thing you can do for your mental and physical health is to work out. Go outside, lift weights, hike, ride a bike, and sweat. Believe me, exercise will increase your energy levels and lift your mood. If you can’t get out of bed or shower properly, just wave your hands up for five minutes. I know depression can make hygiene seem impossible. So wave your arms, even if you’re lying down on the bed. Eventually, you can get up and do some jumping jacks. Then, you can go for a walk outside or maybe swim at the beach. Depression often lessens in the evening and at night, especially when everyone is off work. I think it’s because we feel better when others are relaxed and not working. We don’t feel like we’re doing nothing, like in the morning. So, work out at night or in the evening for now.
- Talk to God as if he were next to you: Deepen your relationship with God. Talk to him as if he is sitting right across from you. Show him everything; show him all the emotions you feel and why you feel like that. Ask him to work on you. He will love it. I know it seems silly to talk out loud, but it can help you. You will feel as if a weight has been lifted from your chest, and you might even feel his presence as you feel warmth, love, peace, and hope. Ask him how his day was, what he ate in heaven, and what’s his favorite color… Then, talk about what you did today. Maybe you had the strength and courage to get up and shower. That in itself is a very big achievement when you are depressed. Talk to him as you will as a friend.
- Seek help: There is no shame about it. I say you are stronger when you seek help because few are willing to do it. Go talk to a Christian therapist and tell them what you feel. Tell them how they made you feel, or how you got your heart broken, or how you feel like you’re not enough. Tell them and work through your problems while praying. I promise you that this season will not win and will not last forever. So just close your eyes and imagine yourself happy and thanking God. Maybe you wish for a family one day, maybe you wish for a better job, or maybe a spouse. All of those things are not wishes but possibilities that the one true God can make happen.
I want you to know that you are not alone and that there are billions of people feeling just how you’re feeling right now. Billions of people are praying to God, billions of people are getting their prayers answered, and billions of people are experiencing the love of God. So pray and have hope, my friend, everything will get better. Psalm 18:6.
