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LIFE LINES Devotionals / Testimonies / Encouragement
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| Reflections on Depression |
[ Tammy Trent ]
Mon, Sep 22, 2008 @ 12:53 PM PST |
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I was asked to write a short blog on "depression" and I have to tell you, it made me a little depressed thinking about it and another due date on my calendar. (smiling) I've felt anxious and overwhelmed lately.
But as I started to dig into “depression” a little tonight, it took me back about 6.5 years ago when I was in, no doubt, the darkest hours of my life. I remember calling my mom and asking her if I was depressed. I felt very sad, hopeless and helpless. I had moments of thinking that I'd be better off dead than alive. I just didn't think I could go on any longer and that nobody really cared anyway. We cried together on the phone that night and I remember hanging up with mom and taking a deep breath, thinking, "Tammy, that was your first step – to talk about it." I have a very loving and supportive circle of friends and family that have constantly spoken life into my spirit. Especially when I couldn't do it myself.
Everyday is a challenge but I don't ever want to look back with regrets. Depression was not meant to be a normal part of life. It is treatable and there is healing from the great comforter. But if you let it go it will begin to affect everything around you, including your will to live. I don't want to look back when my life is over and say, "Are THOSE the choices I made in life?” Or worse yet, "Is THIS what I DIDN'T accomplish?" At the end of the day no one can be held accountable for your life. Only you can.
I think many of us fight that edge of depression in our lives. I read that more than 15 million Americans experience depression in any given year. Well no wonder. Just about anything can trigger symptoms of depression. Relationship separation, divorce, death, loss of a job, death of a dream, gas prices! (laughing) Even too many cloudy days in our lives, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, can cause depression.
I had to force myself to walk into a new season of my life... a season of Sunshine. I gave myself permission to talk about my feelings because in doing that, it helped me identify what they really were. Another big thing for me was expressing my emotions and anger with people I felt safe around, all the while realizing that it wasn't a sign of weakness but a time of surrender. Also, I had to be willing to finally receive all that the Lord had to offer me.
If you're feeling hopeless, helpless and worthless at this moment, I encourage you to stop what you're doing, find a place that feels safe, take a deep breath and ask the Lord to cover you completely with peace. Listen to His voice, "You are strong. You are brave. You can do this and you are NEVER alone." And He is listening right back. So talk to Him and write as much as you can in your journal. Honest stuff. Because honesty brings healing.
And if you know someone who might be depressed, reach out to that person with very simple words of life, "I love you!" "I care." "You're not alone in this." "I'm sorry you're in so much pain." "You are important to me." "If you need a friend, I'm here." And my personal favorite, "Hey, you're not crazy!" (smiling) Understanding and empathy are such a powerful combo! The journey can be made that much easier when friends and family take the time to understand, listen and provide Godly support.
Jesus has equipped us with everything we need to find wholeness. The victory is up to us. We have been made in His image with great purpose, passion and power.
Press on!
Tammy Trent
Recording Artist/Author/Speaker
www.tammytrent.com |
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| Mon, Sep 22, 2008 @ 12:53 PM |
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Publisher : Tammy Trent
Profile : I wish you could've been at my most recent birthday party, tripping back through time, my life in pictures on the screen...more |
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