I expect that numerous generations before me felt they were seeing unusually extraordinary instances of different things. Perhaps they were, such as the case for certain physical diseases which we now can prevent or contain. Today we are seeing something in epidemic proportions, too. I am not a psychologist nor a record-keeping statistician but I truly believe that history will look back on the past couple of decades and following as experiencing unprecedented cases of anxiety and/or depression. From personal observation and experience, I am seeing these devastating “cousins” show up not only in greater numbers but also striking earlier and earlier.
It causes me great concern and instead of continuing to sit helplessly and hopelessly silent, I want to offer some things I have seen help some folks in their struggle to gain victory. That is certainly my prayer.
Disclaimers abound: I am not a trained counselor. I do not have a degree in mental health. I just have a couple of decades of walking alongside some friends who have navigated this storm. And I’ve learned a few things that help (and a LOT of things that don’t!!). Also, this is not a list to check off. When offering these thoughts in the form of a blog post, it can easily come across too simplistically. As though one could read through this, ponder a few words, and experience immediate change. Like adding salt to a pot of soup! Nothing could be further from the truth. I have watched friends apply these principles with success, but it took a lot of hard work. A lot of desperation turned determination. And a willingness to open themselves up to help. Not easy at all. One more disclaimer - these few thoughts are presented as separate and distinct considerations. That has not been my observation. More than one of the topics we will look at can simultaneously contribute to anxiety/depression and often each one can spawn one or more of the others.
OK - one final thought in the realm of “disclaimers”….I am linking anxiety and depression together because that is how I have observed them manifesting. And the suggestions I share apply to both. So feel free to utilize as appropriate to you.
So if you’re still reading, and want some thoughts that could prove to be helpful, here we go…
Instead of holding you in suspense for four weeks, I am going to share the general tips all at once. Then each week, we will delve into one at a time. There will be four tips but the first thing I will share actually makes it five. And this one is significant and legitimate and cannot be overlooked.
The first thing to consider when waging the war on depression/anxiety is physiological. There are sometimes physiological factors that contribute to or exacerbate the darkness that won’t seem to lift. Things like sleep deprivation, illness, lack of meaningful exercise, poor diet or even chemical issues that can be revealed in bloodwork can all play a villainous role when it comes to mental wholeness. So I always encourage these factors not to be overlooked. Not a quick fix but taking care of our physical well-being can have a major positive impact on the health of our soul. Scripture bears this out when it reminds us that we are a triune being: body, soul, and spirit. What impacts one aspect of us, impacts the whole of us. (I Thessalonians 5:23 - “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”)
After addressing all things physiological, here are the four areas I encourage you to consider:
Fragile soul
Failed expectations
Flawed focus
Faulty forgiveness
We will dig into each one over the next few weeks……tks for reading….