Depression is the accumulation of toxic thoughts that you allow to enter your soul. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Normal moods of sadness and grief are typically short-lived and part of everyday life, but these can progress into a depressed mental state. In this article, I am going to discuss the signs and symptoms of depression. And how you can overcome it as a Christian.
SADNESS VS. DEPRESSION
What is the difference between sadness and depression? Sadness is normal, it doesn’t last very long, it doesn’t impair your functioning, and it doesn’t disrupt your thinking process.
Whereas depression is more extreme. It involves feelings and emotions that interfere with your state of mind. Depression lasts weeks to months and convinces you that there is no hope.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Below you will see some symptoms of depression. If you have experienced at least 5 of these for longer than 4 weeks, you may be suffering from depression.
-an irritable, sad, empty, or cranky mood, believing that life is hopeless or meaningless
-loss of interest in hobbies or activities that used to be enjoyable
-changes in appetite, significant weight gain or loss
-too much or too little sleep
-physical agitation or slowness, pacing back and forth, or repetitive behaviors
-social withdrawal
-making critical comments about yourself. Often feeling worthless or guilt
-poor performance in school or work. Trouble concentrating or thinking
-thinking about death or suicide
DEPRESSION IN THE BIBLE
Did you know that Jesus experienced forms of depression? Jesus felt anger at the religious leaders’ hypocritical actions, sadness at a friend’s death, and even abandonment when he was on the cross.
Job also struggled with depression. Job described himself as a “despairing man” and his spirit as “broken”. He didn’t want to spend time with his friends. When they came to comfort him, they all sat for seven days and seven nights in silence because of his great pain.
Job experienced insomnia and “he longed for sleep” but only “tossed and turned” at night, had nightmares, and woke up with circles under his eyes. Job likely had some energy loss and change in how his body functioned, as he described his body as “decaying” and “shriveled”.
Job talked of the intense emotional pain he experienced. The only thing that he seemed able to concentrate on was his intense pain. Job even had thoughts of death, but he was not suicidal. In his pain, he “longed for death”.
GOD’S DESIGN
God designed your negative emotions to be your internal warning system’s first line of defense. In essence, these feelings are the red warning lights on your car dashboard. Instead of looking at your negative feelings as being bad, you need to embrace them and be thankful for them. I know that it is easier said than done, but when you focus all of your thoughts on things that are good, your depressive state of mind will start to change. And slowly you will start to see a dramatic improvement in your life.
10 TIPS TO HELP YOU OVERCOME DEPRESSION
Here is a list of 10 things you can do that will help you to overcome depression.
You need to pray, talk to God, or yell at God if you need to. He understands what you are going through (Psalms 34:17-18). I talk to God throughout my entire day. I have conversations with him when I am in the shower or washing the dishes. It doesn’t matter where you talk to him, God just wants to hear from you. Things will eventually turn around if you are persistent in prayer.
You need to know who you are in Christ. You are more than just a wife, mother, and father. You are a child of God. If you lost everything you would still be a child of God.
You need to exercise. The last thing you probably want to do is exercise. I know because I hate even the thought of exercise. But studies have shown that going for a walk can really help to boost your mood.
You need to eat healthy. Many people self-medicate with food. I for one, have a big sweet tooth. And I also take medication that causes weight gain. So ya, I am definitely depressed because of my weight. And eating healthy is something I don’t want to do. I don’t want to give up my sweets! But studies have proven that if you battle depression, changing your diet can help.
You need to find a local church and start going to it regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25). Depression will make you want to withdraw and not want to be around anyone. I know I have felt this with my depression. But God’s desire is for you to fellowship with other believers. Even when you don’t feel like it, you need to get up out of that bed and go to church.
You need to be thankful. Give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thess 5:18) People that are depressed tend to focus on all that is wrong in their life. You need to make a conscious effort to thank God for the good things no matter how small.
Take a break from social media. Phone addiction is a problem. Studies have found that people who spend more time on their phones have a higher risk of depression. Make a conscious effort to put your phone down and spend quality time with your family.
Get plenty of sleep. You may feel depressed because you are not sleeping enough. There are also those that sleep too much with depression. Studies show that getting the proper amount of sleep may be a problem for those who have depression.
Learn to say no! If you have a problem like me in saying yes to everything, you must learn to say no. Cut out the nonessential obligations from your life. They may be good things, but too many good things can be a bad thing.
Tell somebody you are depressed (James 5:16). Many of you feel that because you are a Christian you should have it all together. But it is ok to admit that you are not ok. Let your pride go and talk about your problems. The road to healing starts with confession.
CONCLUSION
For those of you suffering from depression, there is hope. God’s word teaches you how to be victorious over your feelings. You must learn to replace your negative thoughts and emotions the very second they occur with God’s word in order for you to start healing. Find a verse that speaks to you and how you are feeling. Repeat this verse every time you feel depressed. The more you focus on that verse and the good in your life the easier it will be to be victorious.
If you would like to read my other articles on depression the links are below. Depression is an illness. So please remember that you are not alone in your struggle and to seek help if the feelings you are feeling are intense or affecting your quality of life.
For Christians Battling Depression – Todays Godly Wisdom
12 Powerful Bible Verses for Depression – Todays Godly Wisdom
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