There are many times in our lives where we hit places like despair, loneliness and exhaustion. These truly are dark places that can suck us into being depressed. No matter what sends us into depression, getting out of that state is not easy and it doesn’t happen overnight. Though depression comes on over time, sometimes the signs are subtle so you don’t notice them before you recognize yourself as depressed.
Signs of Depression
There are many signs of depression and and the more you’re aware of them, the better you’ll be able to work through being depressed.
- Desire for seclusion
- Loss of appetite
- Wanting to stay in bed all day
- Anxious for nightfall
- Pulling away from family/friends
- Frequent change of moods
- Irritability
- Feelings of Unworthiness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Daily Alcohol Consumption
This list is not all inclusive, there are many other signs of depression. Typically depressed people struggle with feelings, actions and/or thoughts that are not typical for them.
If You’re Depressed
Should you find yourself in a state of depression, you must take action to move beyond this dark stage in your life. No action will only allow you to sink further into a depressed state.
- Start by talking to your spouse, pastor, parent and/or close supportive friend.
Hiding away your thoughts, feelings and/or actions will only deepen your depression, through an increased desire for seclusion, feelings of unworthiness/failure, etc.
- Ground yourself in God’s promises.
1 Peter 5:17, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
Deuteronomy 31:8, “And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Psalm 42:11, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
- Push yourself to do things you enjoy…even if you start with things to do alone.
~ Watch your favorite movies
~ Read a book by your favorite author
~ Take walks on the beach
~ Enjoy hot shower/bubble baths when you’re feeling stressed/overcome with emotion
- Don’t be afraid to see your doctor.
Depression untreated/unresolved can hurt you and/or your family
Being depressed is not something that only happens once. Typically if you’ve dealt with it once, you will again. Each time that you get on top of it and push through it, you’ll come out stronger than you were before and more able to take it on the next time.
Depression don’t have to run your life. You can rise above it. It will take time and perseverance, but you can succeed in living free from depression.
It’s your life that God has gifted to you…He will help you overcome being depressed!
