Practical and Spiritual Advice for Those Currently Battling Depression
Depression is something that a lot of people experience, especially in our modern society. If you are currently going through a season of depression, know that you are not alone. There are plenty of other people out there who understand what you’re going through and can offer support.
You may be experiencing a failing relationship, discontentment, loneliness, questioning your career choices, or falling into medicating depression with sin. And dealing with depression is not a clean, easy process. It can often feel like cleaning a wound with sandpaper.
If you’re currently battling depression, here are some practical and spiritual pieces of advice that may help you.
1. Don't Make Permanent Decisions Because of Your Temporary Circumstances
If you are contemplating suicide because of what’s going on in your life, don’t make permanent decisions because of your temporary circumstance; no matter how bad those circumstances are. Give it time. Reach out to someone for help. Through time and prayer, and letting life develop a little bit, life will get better in time.
2. Surround Yourself with Christian Friends and Mentors
If you’re struggling with depression, it’s important to be vulnerable with your Christian friends and mentors. Obviously, this may look different for different people, but being truly open and honest about your feelings is crucial in order to allow others to help you out of your depression. It may be scary to do, but letting others in will allow them to support you during tough times.
3.Develop Healthy Hobbies, Habits, and Coping Strategies
People who suffer from depression can often form self-destructive habits as a way to cope, like turning to alcohol or drugs. That’s why it’s important to develop healthy habits and find healthy hobbies and coping strategies that work for you. For example, journaling your thoughts can be beneficial because it allows you to cognitively process what’s going on in a healthy way.
4. Get Professional Counseling
Finding a good Christian counselor is a great way to get help, but remember that not all counselors are created equal. If you have a bad experience with one, it’s okay to seek out another until you find one who you connect with. With so many different counselors out there, there’s bound to be at least one that you’ll be able to form a positive relationship with.
5. Read the Bible
When it comes to getting out of depression, reading scripture and filling your mind with God’s word is good for the soul. Release control to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead and guide you during this turbulent time. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, and sometimes the most intimate moments we can have with Him are when we’re at our lowest and most vulnerable. Rely on Him during this time, and He will see you through it.
The Redeemed
Depression is a very real and serious mental health condition that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, seek help and consider using some of the these strategies to help start navigating your way out of darkness.
If you are struggling and we can help in any way, please reach out to The Redeemed. We want to be able to assist you and never want anybody to feel alone in this season. Reach out if we can pray for you, of if you would like to tell your story, talk, or have someone listen without fear of being judged or censored.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Help is available. Speak with someone today.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
- If you’re in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, find help in your area with Find a Helpline.
- If you believe that someone else is in danger of suicide and you have their contact information, contact your local law enforcement for immediate help. You can also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline using the information above.
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