What
can I do to cope with the blues? How can I avoid getting depressed
when I am going through difficult circumstances or there seems
to be nothing to look forward to…except cloudy skies?
Dear
Friend:
It seems that many people suffer from bouts depression or the blues at different
times during the year. There are several causes for this such as stress, loss
of a loved one or memories of someone who has died or moved away, lack of sunlight
or lack of physical exercise, or maybe just a general disappointment with life
or friends, etc.
Anger
can play a part in your depression. Maybe you have hidden anger
due to disappointments and setbacks with people and life. It's
important to acknowledge the anger and to work through it - learning
to express your anger in healthy ways as we teach in the books
and resources.
I ask that you consider how God can help you as well. For the Christian
- first of all... fix your eyes on Jesus the author and perfector
of your faith. Why? Because our needs can only be met
completely by Christ. He is the living water, the bread of life
and
has said that He has come to not only give eternal life
but to give life more abundantly (John 10:10). I believe that
when we are constantly growing
in our relationship with Christ, we will experience
that joy He promised in John 15:9-11
"As the Father has loved me,
so have I loved you. Now remain
in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain
in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands
and remain in his love. I have told you this so that
my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (NIV)
I know personally that when I am obeying Christ and trusting in His love for
me, I have an inner joy that overflows, a zest for living, and a love for other
people.
Practically, here are some steps to help you cope and overcome the depression that
might set-in after the holidays:
1. Read your Bible everyday for 15 or 20 minutes. Include the Psalms
and the gospels. These scriptures will encourage you, renew your soul and
spirit and help you get to know Christ more personally. Read other inspiring
books
such as: The
Freedom from Depression Workbookby Les Carter, Frank Minirth or check out the selection of books
on CounselCare Connection's Resources page.
2. Pray. Pray about everything. Phillipians 4:6-7 says,
"don't be anxious about anything, but, through prayer and supplication
make your requests known to God and the peace
of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts
and minds in Christ Jesus."
When you pray, pray specifically. Write down your requests so that
you can go back to read them later on and to see how God has answered you!
3. Do. Do God's will in your life. Love others. Think of some ways you
can show your care and concern to others every day. That is God's will. And
talk about Christ to others. Talk about how much He means to you. Sharing your
faith is God's will. As you do God's will, you will feel an
inner satisfaction about your life... because you will be fulfilling God's
purpose in your life.
4. Stay in fellowship with other Christians. You need the encouragement
of Christians in your life. They need your encouragement. You can grow spiritually
and emotionally as you are encouraged and exhorted by other Christians.
If you are uncertain as to whether you are a Christian and would like
to know what it really means to have faith in Christ, then read the article How
to Know God Personally.
5. Exercise. You need physical exercise to get your neurochemicals going
which will help you feel good about life. It will also relieve stress and anxiety.
6. Get involved. Find something to do in which you can use your gifts,
talents and abilities... This will bless others as well!
7. Plan some outings, events or activities which you really like to
do intermittently throughout the year and especially the winter. Plan a short
trip... maybe to Lake Geneva (if you reside in the Chicagoland area) or trips
to museums, etc. You need things to look forward to.
8. Counseling: You may find that your depression does not lift and
that you cannot shake it. If that occurs, then, check out AACC's directory
for a referral to a counselor in your area. For online or office counseling
appointments see: CounselCare
Connection. .
