Steps To Overcoming Depression
For most of us the start of a new year marks a chance for a fresh start and new beginnings. Resolutions and commitments are made and we are excited about all that the New Year will bring. These things, plus the completion of an extended holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s where we have enjoyed family, friends and wonderful holiday meals all set the mood for a positive start to the New Year that stretches out before us.
But not all of our brothers and sisters end the holiday season and begin the New Year with this positive state of mind. For some, those that suffer from depression, the holidays can be a most difficult time. While most of us feel the love of our shared experiences with those we care about in the holidays – those suffering from depression may only feel dread and tension.
One researcher attempting to give us a definition of depression says this,
“Depression is a response to life’s constant losses and challenges.”[1]
Listen to and note these statements made by folks who are depressed.[2]
“SOMETIMES I WISH I COULD GO TO SLEEP AND NEVER WAKE UP”
“All I do is cry.”
“It doesn’t matter. Nothing will ever change.”
“I’ve had thoughts about killing myself”
“Nothing seems to be enjoyable anymore.”
“It’s like there is a cloud over my head’
“Why am I even HERE?”
“I CAN’T CONCENTRATE ANYMORE.”
“Nobody cares!”
From these statements we can see and feel the pain that the depressed person experiences. Everyone experiences sadness at times in their life. Sadness is a normal reaction to a loss or significant negative experience or circumstance. So how do we know the difference between regular sadness and depression?
Depression affects the body, mood, thoughts and soul. It is more than normal sadness or feeling down.
If you find yourself stuck in that sad feeling and unable to move on with life, you might be depressed. It’s a persistent sadness that permeates most aspects of your life-sleeping, eating, working, and communing with God, socializing and enjoying life. Depression is serious and debilitating, not something you just snap out of overnight. And it is not just “all in your head.”
Put simply, depression can result from not dealing well with people, circumstances and expectations. In many cases, we bring on depression by the way we respond. Other times depression is the cause of poor responding.
Researchers point to what they call – the cycle of depression:
Negative Thoughts—à lead to—à Negative Feelings or Depression—à which lead to—à Negative Perceptions.
In this cycle all that we encounter is viewed through the prism of negative perception which enhances the probability and intensity of the depression. On the surface it appears to be a cycle that cannot be broken. This is a lie of Satan. Our Lord Jesus Christ is able to bring healing and deliverance to those who suffer from depression! And, depression is treatable. Many who suffer from depression will not seek help because of embarrassment or fear. Do not be one of those – seek help from the Lord and from medical and professional resources. You can be well and whole again.
How do we overcome depression?
The first step is to understand and embrace that – God does not want you to be depressed. Here are some steps that will help anyone overcome depression:
- Acknowledge the depression (Prov. 12:25).
- Trust in God to help you (Ps. 46:1).
- Praise Him despite the circumstances (Ps. 34:1).
- Speak hope into the situation (Ps. 39:7).
- Renew your negative thoughts through the positive Word of God (Phil. 4:8). Meditate on the goodness of God.
- Take steps to correct your behavior. Take care of your body and get active. Make yourself do it. Don’t wait to feel it.
- Address the causes of the depression. For example, deal with anger, settle family conflicts, resolve inappropriate guilt and forgive those who hurt you. If a lie is at the root of your thinking, ask Jesus to speak His truth.
May God bless you with His joy in the New Year.
Pastor Pete
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[1] Mintle, Ph.D., Linda. Breaking Free From Depression: A Balanced Biblical Strategy for Emotional Freedom (Kindle Location 47). Kindle Edition.
[2] Mintle, Ph.D., Linda. Breaking Free From Depression: A Balanced Biblical Strategy for Emotional Freedom (Kindle Locations 18-20). Kindle Edition.