Mental Health
Coping with Depression
Here are some ideas to help you cope with depression—from people who have found them to be helpful in their own lives.
Remember: It’s OK to Cry
Clinical depression is not the same as depression associated with grief. When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. Being a Christian doesn’t mean being happy all the time. It’s OK to be sad. It’s OK to cry.
Gina Lee
Burbank, California
Exercise
Being depressed sucked up all my energy; but when I forced myself to take brisk walks every day, my spirits eventually lifted. Walking outside helped because natural light decreases depression.
Express Your Feelings
My counselor assured me that my feelings of anger and hopelessness were normal. She encouraged me to talk about my feelings with close friends so that they could support me too.
Rely on God’s Word
I wrote Bible verses on index cards and read them for encouragement throughout the day. Listening to Christian music and focusing on the lyrics also helped me to rely on God’s promises rather than on my feelings.
Elizabeth Irby
Hillsboro, Oregon
Hear and Tell Faith Stories
I’ve been so depressed that I’ve considered suicide -- as if that would solve anything. I was online reading about suicide when I came across stories of faith and hope in Jesus. Jesus saved my life. When your life seems hopeless, look to Jesus -- and to people of faith.
Look for God’s Blessings
A good friend, good nutrition, and communion with God can help depression. God did not get angry with Elijah for being depressed. Instead God loved him, fed him, and led him to a friend. (See 1 Kings 19:4–8, 19:19–21.) When you’re down, look for the blessings God is sending your way.
Jason Ricciardi, 18
Sanford, Florida
Pray
I struggle with depression every day. One thing that helps me is to go to my room to kneel and pray. Then I feel better about myself and about all that is going on around me.
Brian Lloyd, 16
Butner, North Carolina
Seek Help
Though talking to friends is helpful, your peers may not have the ability or wisdom to help you climb out of depression. It’s important to talk to an adult you trust -- a parent, guardian, teacher, pastor, youth pastor, youth group leader -- or to seek professional help.
Write Through It
Writing in a journal can help you to express your emotions and to discover patterns that cause you to spiral downward. Ask yourself: When do I feel depressed? What events trigger or contribute to my depression? How does depression affect me? How does my faith help me to deal with depression?
Confide in God
God walks with us through the darkest valleys. God hurts when we hurt and gives us hope when we feel hopeless. Seek out and confide in God.
Teena Stewart
Benicia, California
DIG DEEPER
Think of people you know who are depressed. Pray for them. Offer them help and the reassurance of God’s love.
If you are struggling with depression, try some of the ideas in this article to help you cope. And remember: God is with you.
NEED HELP?
If you are depressed and need help immediately, talk to a trusted adult, contact a doctor or counselor in your area, or call the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Depression doesn’t have to ruin your life. To learn more, read Normal Now by Jim Still-Pepper, a youth therapist.
-- from Devo'Zine (November/December 2004). Copyright © 2004 by Upper Room Ministries. All rights reserved.
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