My daughter had just turned fifteen months when I was suddenly hit with debilitating depression. I tended to my baby’s needs but not much else. I would lie in bed most of the day barely having energy to brush my teeth and then half an hour before my husband came home from work, I would scramble to tidy, make a fast dinner and present a smile to him when he walked through the door. I was a good actress. The guilt was overwhelming. The self-deprecating voice became my constant companion and I listened to the lies that only caused me to spiral further downward. A trip to the dentist…yes, a dentist…triggered an emotional outburst from me when he commented that I appeared “down”. He wouldn’t let me leave his office until I had called my doctor and made an appointment to see her. When my doctor put me on “suicide watch”, I knew I needed help.
Depression is not simply a temporary change in mood or a sign of weakness. It is a real medical condition with many emotional, physical, behavioural and cognitive symptoms.
Many people are ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Others shrug off their symptoms and end up suffering in silence. Contrary to some misconceptions, depression is neither inevitable nor is it a character flaw. People with depression often get these ideas because of the feeling of guilt caused by the illness. Depression is a real health problem for which help is available. But you must be aware of it and know how to ask for help. http://www.depressionhurts.ca/en/about/
In my case, the root cause of my depression was the fact that I felt like a complete failure after a traumatic birth and subsequent side effects that left me with the inability to live up to my expectations of a “perfect” mom. The enemy would constantly whisper to me how great my failures were every day. After a while I began to believe the lies. Thanks to my doctor, and a caring friend who redirected me to try to draw closer to God, I was able to crawl out of a dark pit of despair and find the HOPE and help I needed. These verses helped me during that time, may you also find encouragement if you or someone you know is struggling with depression.
Psalm 8:1-6 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
2 Samuel 22:29 “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
Psalm 32:10 “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:4 “Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Psalm 9:9 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Psalm 3:3 “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Psalm 34:18-19 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;”
Psalm 143:7-8 “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
When the enemy starts to tell you lies of why you are worthless and a failure, don’t listen to him! Read Psalm 139 and focus particularly on these verses: 13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Putting up my Nativity Scene this year and decorating my tree and home, was a little different without the children around “helping”. Being an empty nester means the yuletide traditions are a little different and I have to get used to the fact that I might not have all my babies here for Christmas. My children know that Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I decorate the house with gusto and go WAY overboard decking the halls! I love the end result of course, but I dread the tear down after Christmas. It took two days to put up and will take at least two days to take down! Still, I love the Season, the lights, the decorations, the tree and all the whimsical décor that makes Christmas a feast for the imagination!
Lynn Dove's Journey Thoughts 