Dealing with Depression

Deut 31:8.   Deut 32:10   Psalms 40:1~3

Depression is one of the subjects that the church sweeps and keeps under the carpet. Many Christians sit in church’s under an evil cloud of depression and because they may not here the subject preached in their local church they feel that it is something they can never share or ask for the help they need. They feel ashamed. The enemy wants to keep you in the realm of darkness so he can continue to tourment you. Please remember you are not alone.

I have experienced depression a few times through the course of my life.  Thank God I reached out for help with Christian  Councelling. Depression can be complex and vary from person to person and symptoms can persist from several weeks to months or even years in some cases.  People can be affected by so badly that it interferes with there work, social and family life.

Some of the physiological symptoms can include:

1. Continuous low mood and sadness.

2. Feeling hopeless and helpless

3. low self esteem

4. feeling tearful

5. No motivation or interest in things you once loved.

6. Finding it difficult to make decisions 

7. Not enjoying life.

8. Anxious or worried

9. Thoughts of suicide or self harm.

Some of the physical symptoms can include:

1. Moving or speaking slower than usual.

2. A change in appetite. You are eating more or less than normal.

3. Unexplained aches and pains

4. Lack of energy/sex drive

5. Disturbed sleep patterns

6. Avoid contact with family or friends.

Here are four practical tips that I have used and continue to use in dealing with depression and I pray that you will find them helpful. But please remember that if you need to get counselling then please take that step and never allow pride to hinder you from asking for help.

Tip1. Form positive new habits, breaking the old ones and distorted thinking patterns. Rewire your mind. I constantly listen to messages and speakers that challenge my thinking and I also listen to worship because it removes the emphasis from me and puts it on God.

Tip2. I love walking and so I walk 2 miles, five days a week as a way to just clear my mind, I also love water aerobics so I do this weekly along with a sauna, steam and jacuzzi treatments. I loveeeee this!?

Tip3. I try not to spend to much time alone, so I make the effort to have positive interactions daily. I have also developed my hobbies of reading, blogging, visiting museums and travelling.  

Tip4. I also take the time to memorise scripture so I can meditate on them throughout the day.

There are some great christian counselling services available and I would encourage you to seek out their assistance. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly and above all you may ask or think. He wants you to prosper in every area of your life and it is not his desire for you to be unhappy with the life he gave you. He wants you to have abundant life, a full life, a happy life and a rich life and by His grace dear heart you will.