Depression: Recognize the Danger and How to Overcome It

Depression is not ordinary stress, nor does it simply appear out of nowhere. If you have been wondering whether you are depressed, you may be experiencing some of the things I once went through:

At first I hated life. There were too many responsibilities and demands. I was afraid and too lazy to face them, and only wanted to sleep. When I forced myself to get up and go through the day, I had no energy. I found it hard to think positively. My work performance was also affected. I was not productive and unable to fulfill my responsibilities. The days felt bleak, heavy, and terrifying, as if there were no hope.

After some time, I finally realized that I was experiencing depression.

What Is Depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. According to the WHO, 264 million people in the world experience depression. The biggest causes are excessive stress and traumatic events, such as losing a loved one. Failure, unfulfilled dreams, or mental/physical bullying can also lead to depression. In extreme cases, depression can end in thoughts of ending one’s life.

Based on the facts above, it is clear that depression has a serious impact. Negative and negative thoughts and feelings will keep attacking the sufferer. When this happens, the physical condition is also affected, ranging from difficulty sleeping, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, and forgetfulness, to the risk of a heart attack.

Not only physically, depression also affects other areas of life: Your work or business performance will be disrupted. You begin to withdraw from social circles, community, even family. Worse still, you become unable to see God’s work in your life, so that faith you grows ever thinner.

Therefore, depression needs to be handled seriously right away. If left unchecked, this condition can drag you into harmful things that are not in line with God’s will, such as hurting yourself (self-harm) and suicide.

How Do We Face Depression?

Here are some tips worth trying:

1. Tell a Friend or Spiritual Mentor

When we are depressed, we tend to be reluctant to socialize. However, do not let this go on for too long. Try to find a trusted friend or a spiritual community where you can share your condition. The presence and support of others can strengthen and calm your mind, and also become a place to exchange thoughts.

While suffering from depression, I chose to be open with friends and spiritual mentors. As a result, I was greatly helped, because at least I was not alone in facing life’s problems.

It says in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This verse underscores the importance of having close friends or a spiritual community. A supportive environment can help you come out of depression.

If you would like to join our community, such as Sunday service, Bible discussion, or other spiritual activities, you can fill out the form at the end of this article.

2. Go Deeper in God’s Word

Depression can also happen when you cannot find purpose or meaning in life. You feel directionless. Without a strong purpose, your desire to live gradually weakens. That is why a strong foundation for life, especially one that comes from God, is so important.

How do you find purpose or meaning in life? By studying God’s word. The good news is, God also deeply longs to meet with you.

Have you ever thought, why does God allow this to happen in your life? Perhaps through this event, He wants you to seek Him. If we understand that God controls everything and has the best plan for us, surely we can break free from the grip of depression.

Besides going deeper in God’s word, you can also practice journaling, where you can write down what is in your heart, your feelings, your gratitude, as well as verses and God’s word that are fitting and can strengthen us.

Psalm 34:19 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” So, let us use this situation to truly seek God through His word.

For those of you who want to study His word more deeply through Personal Bible Study, please contact the number listed below this article.

3. Exercise

Physical activity can help you fight depression. Light exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, can improve blood flow and make the body release endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins can lower stress and reduce pain, while serotonin helps regulate sleep and appetite, and improve mood.

Besides calming your feelings and making your thoughts more positive, exercise also makes your body healthy and fit. This makes it easier for you to concentrate and have the energy to solve problems.

4. Do Activities That Cheer the Heart

Last but not least, look for activities or things to do that can improve mood you. For example, listening to music, playing games, talking with those closest to you, meditating, enjoying nature, making art, or writing. Explore the things that help brighten your mood again.

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Keeping your heart cheerful can help you endure life, even in the midst of the hardest circumstances.

Don’t Give Up!

If the methods above have not succeeded in easing your depression, consult a psychologist or an expert right away to find the cause and the solution.

Most importantly, do not give up. Be assured that what you are going through now will pass, as long as you are willing to rise up rather than sink into depression. Do not lose hope and keep fighting! Surely God has a plan in allowing all this to happen. Perhaps one day, you will be able to help others who are struggling against depression.

I once experienced depression and made it through. That is why I am sure you will be able to overcome it as well. I believe you can become a person who is stronger and more firmly rooted in God. Stay strong!

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References: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression www.healthline.com/health/depression/effects-on-body www.lifestyle.kompas.com/read/2017/12/03/060900220/5-cara-tingkatkan-serotonin-hormon-yang-mencegah-depresi?page=all

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• Turning Feelings into Strength