Depression Management

Depression Management                                                      March 10, 2023

Depression is something that tugs at the heart of each and every individual at one time or another.  The causes are many and varied in nature that bring about the depressive state.  Those who are Christians are not immune to being affected by a depressive condition.  Moods may vacillate in degree and form.  We may swing from normal ups and downs to mild mood disturbance, to borderline clinical depression, to moderate depression, to severe, and some even experience extreme.  Most of us will deal with the first two levels.

The question is, “How do I manage my depression?”  Most people have lost sight of their purpose or personal goals to meander around  in somewhat a lost or confused state.  Our daily activity schedule becomes garbled and we feel as if we are flailing and running at an accelerated pace; yet accomplishing less. 

Reidentifying our goals and managing our time can assist us with feeling productive again.  Some focus on negatives and the bad things that are happening with them presently and lose sight of the big picture.  Imagine positive thoughts and opportunities and avoid lethargic cycles and habits.  Keep in mind some Biblical perspectives that can be of benefit during depressive times.  It is true that “as one thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).  We have been promised, “ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full” (John 16:24).  When we do what is right, “the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9).  Here is a good one, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).  We are to avoid being conformed to this world in which we live, but are to be “transformed by the renewing of our mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).  Paul reminds us “to be Spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

Common sense would recommend that we have adequate sleep habits, eat properly and receive some physical exercise.  Overcoming even mild cases of depression requires some discipline and deliberate effort on our behalf.  Much energy and effort are required to break some harmful cycles that we may be experiencing in life, one of which being depression.

The good Lord is stronger than any and all emotional strains that tend to immobilize us and prevent us from the doing of good.  One final admonition, “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalms 27:14).                                                                                               By Mike King