Depression can be caused by life events like bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy, and job or money worries. It doesn't discriminate based on appearance, background, religion, or nationality. It's a powerful disease that can affect anyone around you.
During the worst of my illness, I struggled to leave my bed, neglected my hygiene, and found myself in tears. It wasn't just due to loneliness or financial stress, but also because the devil tried to convince me of my unworthiness and lack of purpose.
Depression can be overwhelming and debilitating. You may feel lethargic, loss of focus or appetite, or have no energy for life's daily tasks. When you're feeling weak and in need of God's strength, remember that God encourages us to come to Him. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Sometimes we are marked by melancholy from the moment of our birth, and that can be true of a lot of people suffering from depression. As the disease sets in, it grows darker the longer it is unacknowledged and professionally unattended to. It alters thought patterns and decreases self-esteem drastically. It simply, makes you believe things that are simply not true such as; you're not good enough. You don't deserve a child or to be in a healthy relationship. It causes you to believe you are not worthy of living and no one cares.
But I discovered that I was not alone and God cares deeply for me! Isaiah 41:10 says "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
No matter where depression stems from in your life, it's common for many to be struggling with it, Christians are no exception. We tend to wrestle with ourselves and with the will of God. Perhaps those are the moments in which we should be closest to Him. Shall we cry out as Jesus did when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane? "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:17-18)
As you proceed in your week with daily routines, remember and repeat these words: "I will not let the devil win because I am a child of an omnipotent King". Surround yourself with those who have your best interest at heart and refer to the scriptures mentioned above for strength and courage.
If you are currently in a dark place, I encourage you to lean on the Lord and seek immediate attention to help you overcome.
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