5 Ways to Honestly Engage Depression... (Post #22)

Fact:  “Depression is a serious medical illness; it is not something that you've made up in your head.”  If a Christian can have cancer, HIV, shingles, a cold, and MS; then certainly they can suffer with depression.  Depression is real and if we don’t deal with it, it will deal with us. 

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Depression has unfortunately become an enormous elephant-in-the-room amongst Christians.  A large reason for this dismissive mentality is our misunderstanding of the true impact of Christianity.  It is a fact that when we surrendered our lives to Jesus, we received a wonderful and joyous Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22-23).  It is not only a joyous Spirit; in addition, it is also a Comforter (cf. John 14:26).  However, the presence of the Spirit, doesn’t stop the problems of life. 
 
The Spirit is indeed real; however, you can be in full possession of the Spirit, and still catch the flu, lose your job, go into foreclosure, and have death in the family.  Why you ask?  Because the Spirit was never purposed to be the eliminator of hardship; rather, It was purposed to be our aid in the midst of hardships.  So, with all of this clarity, why do we still struggle so much with dealing honestly with depression in the house of God?
 
I believe our struggle to understand depression is largely a result of our misunderstanding of what depression really is.  Fact:  “Depression is a serious medical illness; it is not something that you've made up in your head.”  If a Christian can have cancer, HIV, shingles, a cold, and MS; then certainly they can suffer with depression.  Depression is real and if we don’t deal with it, it will deal with us. 
 
Therefore, it’s important for us to begin the dialogue in our congregations and fellowships.  Let’s start to talk about ways to escape the life of denial and to begin to walk towards improvement.  Here are 5 things that can aid us as we begin to empower ourselves for the fight against depression:

• Start your day with Truth:  In most instances, the bout with depression will require your own personal work and commitment.  One of the best ways to combat this is to start your day with Truth.  Read a devotional, meditate on scripture, and rehearse the Power of His Word in your mind.  Our Savior defeated the enemy with Truth (cf. Matthew 4:3-4), and you can use It to overcome as well.
• Plan moments of meditation:  In your fight with depression, nothing will be able to replace the power of God’s Word in your life.  During this season, you will have to become intentional about ensuring that your meditation is consistent and encouraging.  Every Christian should make time to meditate on His Word; however, in the midst of a bout with depression, your devotion will become even more essential. 
• Encourage Yourself:  Begin to speak victorious words into your life.  Remind yourself of who you are and Who’s you are.  Positive affirmation isn’t the fix; however, it’s adds fists to the fight. 
• Talk about it:  Share.  Communicate.  Open up and dialogue.  It starts not just with the person suffering from depression; rather, it also begins with the friends who are observing the symptoms of depression.  Ask the question, present a warm and comforting attitude, and be a voice of reason and support.  Communication gets the healing ball rolling. 
• Don’t be ashamed or afraid to seek medical care.  Remember, depression is an illness.  It’s not you being a “baby” or weak.  It’s a condition in the brain that will/may require some medical attention.  If you’re suffering with any of the symptoms of depression (for more information on this, please click here) talk with your doctor as soon as possible. 

 
So, what did you think?  Was this helpful?  Which point registered with you the most?  Can you relate?  Do you agree or disagree?  Share your thoughts and thanks as always for your support. 
 
Imperfectly,
 
Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
@kevindjonessr
@imperfection360