10 Things Depression Has Taught Me: Part 2
As I began writing 10 Things Depression Has Taught Me: Part 1, I realized it was going to be much longer than I anticipated. I didn’t want you to be overwhelmed with the length of the post, so I cut it in half. Here is the rest of the blog post.
It’s important to remember that these are only my thoughts and opinions based on my own experience and you are free to disagree. But I still hope, in some way, it encourages you.
6. It’s physical
One of the most important steps to take when dealing with depression is to see a medical doctor and get tested. There may be underlining reasons why you’re experiencing depression as related to your thyroid, low blood count, adrenal fatigue, etc. Sometimes, depression is simply a biological or chemical imbalance in our brains which means you are going to need medical help.
It was very difficult to admit I needed help. I was ashamed to take antidepressants, but I knew I was running out of options. At that point, my life was consumed by waves of depression, and I felt helpless by my overwhelming emotions. The anti-depressant calmed me down and kept a lid on the swirling emotions. And once I calmed down, I began thinking more clearly and was able to take the next step
It was the best decision I ever made.
7. It’s emotional.
During one of my doctor appointments for a refill on my anti-depressant medication, my doctor suggested counselling. And again, with fear and trepidation, I picked up the phone. Going to counselling was the second best decision I ever made. It was in these sessions, I processed the hurts, the lies, the trauma that kept me bound and added weight to my depression. For the first time in my life, I felt heard and understood. What a relief to know I wasn’t imagining things!
“Depression is often caused by trauma or abuse and no amount of medication can heal a broken heart.”
Depression is often caused by trauma or abuse and no amount of medication can heal a broken heart. It takes time to work through the layers of hurt, so working with a trained, Biblical counsellor can be hugely beneficial.
8. It’s spiritual.
While depression is physical and emotional, it is also spiritual.
I will never forget what one preacher said, “Life is hard. Don’t make it worse with bad theology.” In the middle of my depression, I believed God hated me or didn’t see me at all, and that I had no value or no purpose. These lies fed into the stream of depression, adding to the weight of the burden I carried.
““Life is hard. Don’t make it worse with bad theology.””
It’s one thing to suffer from depression and another to feed the depression. Believing the worst of God feeds your depression and magnifies your suffering. I wrote in a previous post, Sinking Ground, how I needed to believe that God is a god of Truth, and when He says I am loved, valuable, and seen, He is not lying. I needed to cling to this truth even when my feelings were screaming otherwise.
I have also learned throughout the years, that anytime I am in rebellion against God, the depression is worse. There is a peace that comes when I am walking in unity with the Lord; it doesn’t mean I am never sad, but it does mean that, even in my sadness, I sense His love and care for me.
9. It’s sometimes all 3.
And here is where it gets confusing: sometimes depression is caused by a combination of all 3 factors. Perhaps there was trauma from abuse early in our life that has remained buried and is coupled with a biological imbalance of the brain, and is worsened by bad theology that makes us believe God is distant, uninterested, or angry with us.
This makes for a complicated mess! If this is the case for you, no wonder you are hurting! Learning to untangle what is what is an important process, but the good news is, there is still hope.
10. It takes time.
Learning to work on my physical, emotional, and spiritual health took time. But with each wave, I learned to navigate the ins and outs of my depression. While Scripture kept my mind grounded in Truth, counselling helped me process it, and the medication kept the worst of the emotions away. It didn’t stop the waves from coming, but they gave me the tools I needed to function. I learned how to find my way out of a wave more quickly. After a time, I realized the waves were coming less often and with less intensity until they stopped coming at all.
Eventually, I decided to eliminate the medication as I found the process of counselling most helpful. And this is how it has stayed for years.
“It is not beyond the hand of God to restore our mind, heart, and soul. ”
One last point, (I know, I only promised 10, but this one is also important:) I believe you can be healed from depression. For some, it may be instant, for most, it takes time, but it is not beyond the hand of God to restore our mind, heart, and soul.
I also believe that it’s normal to experience a certain amount of depression as long as I live and breathe and walk this earth. Being under the curse of sin effects us in different ways, and there are times, life can be overwhelming. But I also know that the God who walked me through one storm is with me in the next, and that when the Holy Spirit does a work in your life, it cannot be undone.
Walking through depression often leaves you with a limp, but it can also leave you with a fresh set of eyes with which to see God’s love, mercy, and grace towards you.
If you are struggling with depression today, may I encourage you to take the steps you need to begin healing whether it is picking up the phone to make an appointment with your doctor, a counsellor, or even to call a trusted friend.
But mostly, I pray that you will remember the God who sees you, hears you, knows you, and loves you. In your struggles, draw near to Him instead of pushing Him away. Lean in and find shelter in His wings.
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Psalms 61:1-4 (NIV)
“Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”
Psalms 61:2