dmbarry777's video: Handling Depression

Depression is no respecter of persons, it strikes young and old, male and female, rich or poor, well-known or unknown, believer or un-believer alike. Depression knows no boundaries. "Can a faithful growing believer get depressed?" In short Yes!! We have many examples from scripture that would prove otherwise. Job, Jonah, Elijah, Moses each experienced feelings of hopelessness and despair. Moses had had enough negative experiences in his life that for much of his life he portrayed many of the classic symptoms of depression: -loss of appetite -loss of sleep or energy -Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities -Reduced ability to concentrate -Overcome with feelings of hopelessness or uselessness. (See Numbers 11:14-15 for an example.) God gives us a case study in clinical depression in I Kings 19 too. From this text we find that Elijah experienced many of the classic symptoms. * Fear - "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life...." 1 Kings 19:3 * Suicidal tendencies -- "(Elijah) prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' 1 Kings 19:4 * Excessive tiredness -- "Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep..." 1 Kings 19:5 slept for a couple of days... maybe longer * Feelings of rejection -- "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 1 Kings 19:10 How to handle: First, admit your feelings, no matter what they are. We tend to want to try to talk ourselves into some other feeling, some other condition. But, the road to health begins when you simply admit that you are in despair, life seems hopeless or you are depressed. Secondly, Seek God with all your heart. Our scriptures tell us, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL your heart." You find hope and health when you find God. Seek him with all your heart. Third, draw aside and speak with God. There is something almost magical that happens when we are in a depressive state when we draw aside and speak to God. Fourth, in order to overcome discouragement, "Don't focus on yourself, get involved in the lives of other people." Other tips not mentioned in video: Take time to rest and eat properly. Things begin to look better when we're no longer exhausted. Excercise. If you can't run or excercise due to health issues then walk and enjoy the outdoors. Have a support system maybe from your church or online prayer groups etc.