How to deal with depression and anxiety.

Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” — One of my favorite bible verses, definitely God has greater plans for us it may not be according to what we wanted because He knows what is best for us. He does not answer our prayers as soon as we might like. God answers our prayers not only according to our wishes but also according to His master plan. Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. There are different types depression and believe me I’ve been with those different kinds of depression. I was 9 years old when I started to experienced depression brought by the trauma of my father’s death. My dad died beside me, he had a cardiac arrest. It was the most painful experience I ever had until now. I was so clueless on what’s going to happen to me and my brother . My dad has been mother and father figure to me since my mom died when I was 4 years old due to cancer.

Depression and anxiety are different conditions, but they commonly occur together. A person that is suffering from depression usually have less energy, hopeless, loss of drive or interest in daily activities, reckless behavior, having difficulties concentrating and loss of appetite that results to weight changes. I know that overcoming depression isn’t quick or easy, it’s far from impossible but you do have some control — even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent. The key is to start small and build from there. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there if you make positive choices for yourself each day. Help yourself, I did not seek any professional help when I was depressed, instead I seek God’s help. I assure you He will not take you for granted he listens.

Depression and anxiety is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. There is already a growing number of people who resorts to suicide as the only option left for them to escape the reality. I have instances of suicidal attempts when I was young but I realize killing oneself is not the answer to the problem. God gives life and only God can take it away. What you need to do is to be brave, you need to be strong, you need to embrace the reality. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28, this bible verse has a huge impact in my life, it is already encrypted in my soul. The no.1 thing that you should always keep in mind when suffering depression or anxiety is “God is faithful” as what Psalms 91:4 says “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler”. Ask God to help you, believe in his promises.

Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

I still can remember how hopeless I am when I was a child. I’ve been through so many tough situations, these situations which I thought I will never over come. My advice is try not to avoid the things you find difficult. Face your fears. Start with a few small goals and slowly build from there. Draw upon whatever resources you have, start taking things one day at a time and reward yourself for each accomplishment. The steps may seem small, but they’ll quickly add up. And for all the energy you put into your depression recovery, you’ll get back much more in return. Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get. In time, fun things really will feel fun again.

Pic grab ffrom http://quoteseverlasting.com/

Let me share to you some tips and advises on how to overcome depression and anxiety.

1. Accept that you cannot control everything — things go much more smoothly when you surrender. Grieve the memory or memories. If you feel the need to cry or scream, then do it. Catharsis is a necessary part of the healing process.
2. Exercise daily — studies shows that it helps to improve mood in people it is a potent medicine for the mind.
3. Talk or connect with a love one — we need connectedness to help our lives feel more fulfilled and our mental health to improve. Family and friends are good first choice. Spend time with supportive friends/family or you can try joining community organization, attend meetings of support groups, or get involved in charitable or religious activities. The important thing is to reach out to others, to get outside yourself and your problems.
4. Maintain a positive attitude a — challenge negative thoughts. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Learn to live in the present moment.
5. Get enough sleep and eat a balance diet — the body needs to be nourished in order for your mind to be at its best.
6. Find something you enjoy and do it — this helps to take your mind off of your problems, if only for a while. When you’re engrossed in an activity, whether that’s a crossword puzzle, painting, travelling, even shopping, your mind is otherwise occupied. It buys you a little relief time from your depressed, anxious thoughts.
7. Learn to forgive and forget — if it someone really close to your heart who betrayed you that really cause you so much pain. Learn the art of forgiveness. I know that many people find it hard to forgive. Forgiving someone isn’t always easy but the good news is that you can learn and it will proverbially set you free. Ephesians 4:31–32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
8. Stop comparing your self with other people — don’t make your self feel that you’re the only person whose suffering and most others are not. Every people do. So stop thinking and comparing your self to others because it will only make you feel worst. Remember happiness is found when you stop comparing your self to other people.

No matter how much structure we create in our lives, no matter how many good habits we build, there will always be things that we cannot control — and if we let these things beat us and tear us to pieces there can be really a huge source of anger, frustration and stress that results to depression or anxiety. Have fun. Plan things you used to enjoy, even if they feel like a chore.

When you’re depressed and suffers anxiety, you can lose the knack for enjoying life. Don’t let it swallow you. You have to learn how to have fun. Life is beautiful. Open your eyes take a closer look. You just have to choose to believe it or not. Have faith you can make it.

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.”

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Originally published at jenberroya.wordpress.com on July 21, 2015.