3 Tips for Conquering Depression

Posted April 24, 2020

Have you been struggling with feelings of depression or loneliness? Conquering depression IS possible, and I want to give you some keys today to help you do it!

COVID-19 has caused people to spend more time alone than ever. Businesses and restaurants have been shut down, churches are no longer meeting in person, and friends are no longer hanging out. Social isolation and loneliness are strongly linked to mental health issues, so how do you combat depression and loneliness when it feels like you are alone?

Depression is an attack of the enemy in the same way sickness or spiritual warfare is. It’s something we have to stand against with the Word of God!

Remember, you are never alone. God is with you, and He cares for you!

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:6-7, NLT).

Here are three keys to help you combat depression and loneliness:

1. Stay connected with people.

We are PHYSICALLY distancing, not SOCIALLY distancing. Just because we can’t be together in person doesn’t mean we can’t still connect with people via phone, text, Skype, social media, and more!

Did you know that you can even play board games with friends and family via Skype?

Do NOT isolate yourself from relationships!

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) tell us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

With so much distance and isolation from one another, it is important to remember we are not alone… we just have to be more intentional about connecting with others! Not to mention that God is ALWAYS with us. We must change our mind-sets and change the way we see our situations. I promise that if you begin to change your focus, your whole life, attitude, and perception will change!

You may think that nobody wants to hear from you, or that everybody else already has people they are reaching out to, but that is just a lie from the enemy. The reality is that during this time, most people are lonely and would love to hear from someone!

Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to encourage you or to encourage someone else. Check on your friends and family. Even the ones who appear strong and content in this season may be feeling lonely or struggling. You never really know what is going on with someone behind the scenes from what their social media says.

If you do not have someone to reach out to, one of our team members would love to pray with you today! Please give us a call at (877) 893-6505.

2. Get Outside.

The outdoors is not closed!

I know that spring weather can be hit or miss, but take some time on a nice day to go on a walk, run, or bike ride, even if you go by yourself. Get some fresh air, listen to a podcast, uplifting music, or spend some time talking to God. Think about all the blessings you do still have, and be encouraged by them.

Vitamin D is good for you and has so many positive emotional effects! Also, exercising will release endorphins which boost your mood if you are feeling down.

It’s really important to continue to maintain healthy habits while you’re at home. Spend time with God, go to bed at a reasonable time, and eat healthy. When you wake up, get dressed. You don’t have to put on your work clothes, but at least get out of your pajamas. Giving your day some structure will make you feel more accomplished and fulfilled!

3. Spend Time in the Word.

When you are feeling depressed, the last thing the enemy wants you to do is get in the Word of God. Satan will try to convince you that God won’t help your situation, that reading the Bible or spending time in prayer will just waste your time and not improve anything. Don’t believe these lies!

Spending time in the Word of God is the best thing to do if you are feeling depressed. Another thing you can do is simply turn on a worship album or playlist and just let it play in the background of your house. Worship music is extremely powerful and can encourage you!

I know depression often makes you feel like there’s no point, but I promise you, reading the Bible will help.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” —Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

Nobody knows what the next few months will look like, but God does, and He will lead you and your family during this time. You will feel so much better when you stop worrying and let Him take the steering wheel. Trust God during this time, seek Him, and He will lead you through this!

SCRIPTURES TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NIV).
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22, NIV).
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2, NIV).
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:18-19, NIV).
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV).
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, NIV).
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4, NIV).
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26, NIV).
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6, NIV).
“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).