9 practical and spiritual steps to deal with depression.
1. Recognition
Recognizing that we, or someone else, are depressed is the first step to responding to depression. Recognizing that our emotions are important but that they do not necessarily reflect reality. Denying that a problem exists will not make it go away.
2. Get Off The Couch
Activity of almost any kind is a direct enemy of depression. When we are depressed we do not feel like doing anything. We have that deer in the headlights look. We fail to respond and let our emotions run us over like a freight train. Like the deer in the headlights all we have to do is move.
3. Sing or Listen to Music.
Music can express deep emotions and sometimes actually change our mood. David used music to change Saul’s mood. Ephesians 5:19 says that we are to “make melody in our hearts”. Singing praise to God is recommended. It can change our mood.
4. Seek medical assistance.
Maybe we have a chemical imbalance and need some medication for a time.
In 1 Timothy 5:23 Paul encouraged Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach. The use of the word “little” indicates moderation. Self medicating is not advised. A doctor’s counsel should be sought.
5. Positive self talk
Psychologists are in agreement that self talk is very important in dealing with depression. We can talk ourselves into a depression. Sometimes we can talk ourselves out of it. Maybe we need to sit down and “think on good things” as the author of Philippians 4:8 says
6. Count your blessings and write them down.
Make a list of things to be grateful for. Making a list reminds of us of all the good things that are going on in our lives. We simply forgot them. In Psalms 103:2, the author indicates that he will “praise the lord and forget not his benefits”.
7. Talk to God
Tell God how you really feel. Hold nothing back. “Cast your cares upon him for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 and Psalm 55:22).
8. Laugh often.
It has been said that laughter is the best medicine. Proverbs 31:25 in describing a Godly woman says that, “Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come”. Laughter in the author’s mind is an asset in facing the day. Eccl. 3:4 indicates there is a time for everything, including a time to laugh. We are commanded to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).
9. Help someone. Act. Listen.
Helping others builds up our self-esteem and reaffirms things can get better. Listening to others and helping them with their needs will change our attitude. Isaiah 58:9-11
Helping others with depression is not an optional behavior. We are commanded to bear one another’s burdens in Galatians 6:2.
God is the source of comfort and will assist us in comforting others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, God indicates that he is the God of all comfort. That he will comfort us. That we will comfort others with the comfort we have received.
Expect that depression will lift gradually, just as it came in. It will take time. There is a time for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
DarrellGProctor 