If you’re like most people, you’ve had an encounter with depression at least once in your life. It’s a sneaky little condition, really. That’s because it kind of sneaks up on you. No one just wakes up one day feeling depressed. Rather you recognize it or not, depression is progressive.
The Cycle of Depression
It starts out with a need not being met. A void is not filled. It results in feelings like worry and fear which eventually interfere with your sleep.
You’re no fun to be around and you have no desire to be. This is dangerous and the cycle must be broken.
Signs of Depression
Before you can interrupt the cycle of depression, you have to first identify it. There are a number of signs that arise such as:
- Strong feelings of hopelessness and despair
- A desire to sleep all the time
- Exhibiting self destructive behavior (ex: substance abuse, illicit sex)
- Thoughts and feelings of committing suicide
- Antisocial behavior
Kiss The Blues Goodbye
The world will present myriad of ways to deal with depression including:
- Therapy
- Pharmaceutical drugs
- Hypnosis
God has a far better way that never fails. It starts with time spent in His Word, prayer and using the power of your tongue. You will also need to take some practical and spiritual steps including:
- Guard your heart by changing the things you listen to and watch.
- Monitor the words you allow to come out of your mouth. Speaking negatively fuels negative feelings like depression.
- Speak against your problems, not about them.
- Pray and ask God to fill the void inside of you.
- Practice thanksgiving.
These steps are a plan of action that are detailed in God’s Word, The Holy Bible and outlined in the book, Winning In Troubled Times by New York Times Best Seller, Dr. Creflo Dollar. Here’s a book excerpt:
“…the world is always pumping news of doom and gloom through every available media outlet. If you don’t do anything to combat it, it won’t be long before it gets inside you. Getting the upper hand on depression may mean removing yourself from people and environments that are feeding those negative feelings.”
It’s not easy to get out from under depression but following God’s way as outlined above, makes it 100% possible.
John 14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” – Jesus Christ
