How Can One Overcome Depression?
How Can One Overcome Depression?
1.Commit your life daily to the purpose of glorifying God in everything you think, say, and do. This includes waking up in the morning and before even getting out of bed, thanking God for another day, praying that you may be led to use the day wisely.
2.Spend some time each day meditating on God's Word and applying it to your life. "Renew the mind."
3.Get rid of grudges. "Don't let the sun set on your anger."
4.Spend a little time nearly every day getting more intimate with your mate and children, parents, sisters, other relatives, and friends. Do all you can to resolve conflicts you have with anyone. Put your immediate family first,spouse and children.
5.Spend some time each week having fellowship and fun with at least 1 or 2 committed Christian friends of the same sex. If married, have fun with other married couples. Husband and wife can, in this way, together benefit from intimacy with others.
6.Be involved in a daily routine (including job-work, play, house-work, a project) that brings personal satisfaction to you. Be convinced that the routine is God's Will and Purpose for your life at this time it is your way of glorifying Him.
7.Do something nice for one special person each week. This kind deed can be physical (helping with a chore, for example), emotional (buying a book or giving counsel), or spiritual (having devotions together).
(My Note: Commenting on #7... For me, spending time so that gratitude is inspired in others as often as possible is rewarding and my Saving Grace! Of course, as Hygienists, we add... #8.Live The 10 Energy Enhancers with an emphasis on The Ideal Diet, Adequate Rest & Sleep, and Regular Exercise. Emotional Balance and Nurturing Relationships are already the emphasis of the provided list. Also, because of the tremendous renewing given by nature, I would add... #9.Spend time everyday outdoors, in nature and with a pet, if you have one!
Since repressed anger is the foundation of depression, Dr. Minirth and Meier proceed to answer this question:
How Do You Handle Anger?
1.Whenever feeling any significant anger toward yourself, God, or anybody else, you will best handle that anger if you immediately analyze whether it is appropriate or inappropriate. You will thus gain insight into your anger. (Some anger is appropriate, righteous and serves to inspire us into Godly action. Some anger is inappropriate and occurs when our selfish demands or our perfectionistic standards are not being met. Inappropriate anger can also result from Emotional UnBalance and perceiving situations with suspiciousness that is uncalled for.)
2.If you are convinced the anger is appropriate, you will somehow verbalize that anger tactfully and forgive whomever the object of that anger may be by bedtime of the same day (Matthew 5 : 21 - 24 & Ephesians 4 : 26). Verbalizing our anger helps in so many ways: It avoids repression that leads to depression. It avoids frustration that leads to resentment and the overwhelming urge to express that anger to others through gossip. It results in better understanding between the 2 parties and can lead to renewed respect and intimacy. It can be used by God for conviction. And it is in obedience to The Word of God.
3.Leave all vengeance up to God. Never strive to get even with
anyone. Forgive yourself. (My Note: Never punish yourself. Life presents enough challenges without punishing yourself!)
"The Peace of God..."
Next, The Good Doctors have a chapter on anxiety, with the intention of answering the question: "How Do You Handle Anxiety?" While anger is the foundation of depression, it can be said that: "Anxiety is a cornerstone of anger." Drs. Minirth and Meier speculate that: "Anxiety is the underlying cause of most psychiatric and (mental/emotional) problems... Psychologists have long noted that individuals are more efficient and productive when they have some good stresses going on in their lives. However, if the anxiety becomes intense, their efficiency begins to decrease accordingly." A wide variety of symptoms characterize the anxiety syndrome. The anxious individual may be hyperalert, irritable, fidgety, overdependent. He may have rapid thoughts and rapid speech, insomnia, impaired concentration and memory. He may become immobilized. He may experience excessive prespiration, muscle tension, headaches ...and... any of the many symptoms listed with the depression syndrome.
How Do I Handle Anxiety?
1.Determine to obey God. God commands us not to be anxious (Philippians 4 : 5). "Be anxious for nothing."
2.Pray (Philippians 4 : 6).
3.Realize that God can keep our minds safe as we obey Him (Philippians 4 : 7).
4.Meditate on positive thoughts (Philippians 4 : 8).
5.Focus on Godly behavior (Philippians 4 : 9).
6.Divert attention from self to others (Philippians 4 : 10).
7.Be content (Philippians 4 : 11).
8.Realize there is a twofold responsibility, yours and Christ's, in doing anything. You can do all things (Philippians 4 : 13).
9.Eliminate the fear of poverty (Philippians 4 : 19).
10.Realize: The Grace of God is with you (Philippians 4 : 23).
In Addition to The Philippians' Lessons, The Good Doctors Suggest This Common Sense:
1.Listen to Praise and Worship Music (I Samuel 16 : 23).
2.Get Adequate Exercise ideally 3 times per week. (My Note: I urge that the anxious or depressed person move about and/or exercise 3 times a day: bounce on a mini-trampoline, take a stroll, stretch. Just move from point A to point B!)
3.Get Adequate Sleep: most people need 8 hours nightly.
4.Do what you can to deal with the fear or problem causing the anxiety.
5.Talk with a close friend or minister about your frustrations.
6.Get adequate recreation 2 to 3 times a week.
7.Live one day at a time! Most worries never manifest!
8.Imagine the worst thing that could possibly happen. Then consider why that wouldn't be so bad, after all.
9.Don't procrastinate. Putting things off leads to anxiety.
10.Set aside 15 minutes a day for worry. Then do not entertain worry throughout the day! Save up for those 15 minutes.
To close, The Good Doctors answer: "How Do You Find Lifelong Happiness?" I am in the process of locating this book for you. May "the peace that passeth all understanding"
Be Yours,
