Depression and Stress August 26, 2013

English: Jump! Deutsch: Spring! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m sorry that I haven’t written for a while. I have been transitioning to a new stage in my life, retirement! The combination of a long, hectic drive to work and a difficult job was getting to me. This stress was causing me to be tired all of the time. And when I become overly tired, my depression starts coming back, even though I take medication for it everyday.

It was time to let go of a job I liked,  co-workers that I loved, and a thirty year career. It was very difficult, but I am feeling better physically and mentally, which was the point in retiring.  I can now care for my elderly father, help my husband, and fix up our home and yard.

Ask God to show you if something in your life is causing you to be depressed. Maybe it’s time for a change!

“Cast all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.” 1Peter5:7 (NIV)

Depression and Forgiveness January 22, 2013

We all have  had difficult and painful things happen in our lives. Sometimes these sufferings can cause us to become depressed.

It is hard to forgive when we have been hurt by others, but holding on to unforgiveness only hurts ourselves. An unforgiving heart is like a well that fills up with rocks. A well should be full of fresh water, not rocks. God can take those rocks out of our hearts so our hearts can heal, so our minds can be well.

God is all about forgiveness, that is why He sent Jesus to die for our sins, so we can have a relationship with Him. He wants us to forgive as He forgives. Ask Him to help you to forgive and become well.

“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him…Jesus said,”Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:33-34, NIV Bible)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depression and Joy December 2, 2012

Nativity scene at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in the historic Barelas neighborhood, Albuquerque, NM, Jan 2008. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Can you be depressed and joyful at the same time? Of course you can. Depression is a mood disorder, it does not have to control all of your thoughts. Joy is an attitude. As Christians we have much to be joyful about, especially in this Christmas season. God’s own son left Heaven to come live with us and die for us. He has made a way for us to have a relationship with God himself. We can get to know our Father in Heaven in an intimate way all because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. Accept Jesus as your Messiah, the one who has saved you, and you will find Joy even when you are suffering from depression.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘ Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’ ” Luke 2:8-11

Depression and God’s Purpose August 28, 2012

Cover for a NIV Bible (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

God designed you for a purpose. It is God’s plan for each of us to have a relationship with Him. He is our Creator, He also wants to be our Father. Without Him, you will never find out what you were created for, what your purpose in life is.

We live in a world where there is pain and suffering. God does not cause bad things to happen to us, but He can use them for good and to fulfill His purpose in our lives. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV Bible).

God can even use depression for good in our lives. When we are at our weakest, He is at His strongest. We get out of the way and let Him work through us. The apostle Paul proclaimed, “When I am weak, I am strong.” Sometimes when I think I can not even get out of bed fatigued with depression, God helps me to get going and face the day. He gives me hope that the sun will shine again in my life.

“I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV Bible).

Depression and Prayer June 18, 2012

In oder to have a relationship with someone, we must communicate with that person. God has given us prayer to be able to converse with Him. It not only involves speaking, but also listening. “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalms 46:10

When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, (Matthew 6:9-13, The Lord’s Prayer) he let us know that God wants us to see Him as a loving Father (“Our Father…”). Like a father, He wants to know our needs, how we feel, what is going on in our lives, our concerns, etc. We can also be honest with God, He’s not going to be upset and abandon us. I have been angry with God, angry when he allows painful situations in my life, angry that he lets me continue to struggle with depression and anxiety. I have security in our relationship, He has promised to be in my life forever, and to love me unconditionally.

There is healing in being able to express yourself, even to an invisible God. Tell God what is going on, then listen! You will find peace of mind, something we really need when we have a mental illness!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 

Depression and God’s Word May 21, 2012

Depression is an illness that affects the way you feel and the way you think. These clouded thoughts can make you feel even worse, it can make you feel like circumstances in your life are hopeless. You feel like you are in a hole that you can’t get out of.  It can even make you think things that aren’t really true.

God wants us to live in the truth. Jesus told His disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6, NIV) The way to get to know the truth is by getting to know God himself. He wants us to know Him and who we are, His children. By reading God’s Word, the Bible, we learn the truth. This truth then becomes a part of us. We  are better able to shift our thinking from the negative thoughts that depression brings, to positive and true thoughts.

Start reading the Bible everyday, it is a great way to start the day by thinking positively and truthfully. It makes it easier to get out of bed and to face the day.

Jesus said, ” If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, NIV)

Depression and Faith April 20, 2012

Human beings are fragile. We don’t usually find this out until the first time we are really ill, physically or mentally. Having a mental illness makes you feel even more vulnerable, probably because it is still not well understood medically.

I have dealt with depression on and off for most of my life. My faith in Christ has helped me through these times, it gives me strength to carry on. Depression has been a blessing in my life. I have come to know God in a way I could not have without it!

Place your faith in Jesus Christ, life is worth living!