How to Overcome When Depression Hits

I get it. I’ve been there. Your alarm goes off and it’s time to wake up, yet you physically feel like you can’t get out of bed. You’re heavy, laying there thinking, “What if I just call in?” or “What’s the harm in rescheduling?” 

You let the dishes pile up, the laundry go for too long, and the meetups with friends don’t happen.

You’re depressed and you may not even realize it.

At least for me, I didn’t.

You see, my sidekick, perfectionist, had me down something fierce. I mean why try when you can’t be 100% at all times? Why love on my husband when there is a possibility it won’t be a perfect moment? I’m already so tired why should I work out? Don’t I just need a nap?

All these thoughts go through your head and instead of combating them and taking control it’s easier to just take a nap. Yes, I said it’s easier. I’m calling it out. Don’t throw the tomatoes at me just yet. Hear me out.

I found myself in that exact same feeling you may be feeling now. Depressed and honestly just not wanting to deal with it. I napped all the time. I binge-watched Parks and Rec like my life depended on it. Why? Well, it’s easier to turn on the tube than it is to face why I’m feeling that way.

Why are you sad? What about your life are you not happy about? Most importantly, what are you doing to change it?

My husband asked me those three questions one day. Now, if you know him you’re going, “Yeah, sounds like Preston to be blunt and call you out.” Me? I was furious. You’re really going to stand there and tell me it’s my fault that I’m depressed. It’s my fault I don’t want to do anything. I may have also added in a few choice words that I don’t want my child to read one day.

Yet, after my brief “What the heck” moment I fully believe God used him to open my eyes. I honestly feel like Preston wasn’t saying that, instead God was using him to get me to wake up.

You see, the chord that struck me the most was, “What are you doing to change it?” 

I was doing zip.zero.zilch.

Studies show by working out your endorphins increase and you’re happier. Wasn’t doing that.

Studies also show that eating less sugar lowers anxiety and depression. Wasn’t doing that either.

The Lord specifically tells us to “Cast our cares on him.“ Definitely wasn’t doing that.

I’m blessed to be able to walk, choose what goes in my body, and am able to read. Why I wasn’t doing those things was a matter of choice, not ability.

Now, did I start to do those things and all of a sudden my problems, worries, and fears went away? Oh gosh no! I had a lot of soul-searching and work internally that needed to be done.

What I can tell you though is that little by little my mood started to uplift. I started listening to uplifting Christian music in the morning, instead of the radio. Traded in the Cheetos for grapes. I told myself I was going to go walk for ten minutes a day. Found the best therapist I’ve ever encountered. Started reading a devotion, daily. I made small changes that over time helped reshape my outlook on life.

So I get it. I’ve been there. You want to curl up into a ball and forget the world. Yet, know I got out of it, with the help of God, and so can you. Next time you’re hit with that wave of depression. That feeling of “Why does it matter?” Know that God created you. Yes, you and He never makes a mistake. You are worthy, chosen, and of a royal priesthood. Now start acting like it!

Although I’ve lived with mental illness my whole life, I am not a medical professional. You can find a therapist anywhere in the United States here.