EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

Many people who I love dearly struggle with depression. To encourage a friend, I penned this:

D: Depend on Jesus, allow him to be:

E: Enough

P: Persevere through

R: Rely on his truth to carry you

E: Everything else matters not

S: Soak in some sun and the son

S: Stay connected to people, continue to be:

I: Involved in life

O: Open up to others

N: Never forget you are special and very loved

If you struggle with depression, please know I understand it is not that simple! You are brave! I understand you must push through much of every day, moment by moment. You are strong, stronger than most. You have tenacity!

I wish, as I am sure you and your loved ones also do, that I could take a single Bible verse or happy wand and take away this thorn in your flesh. I can not. I do, however, offer three verses; the Bible is full of hope and promises for us.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

“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.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Depression symptoms for us to be aware of:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness over a long period of time that don’t go away

• Exhaustion, lack of energy and motivation

• Continuous guilt or shame

• Rapid mood swings, from anger to rage

• Change in appetite, losing or gaining weight

• Suicidal thoughts or ideations

Please, if you are overcome with depression, reach out! There are many resources out there; one Google search, one mental health call for help, one vulnerable sharing with someone could change your life. And please, never, ever believe the lie that no one cares — that is not true! Your life matters!

When I did a simple search, these truths popped up:

• There’s no shame in suffering from depression. It is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. You are not alone.

• The National Institute of Mental Health estimates more than 16 million adults have dealt with a depressive episode.

• Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

I am thankful I do not deal with depression, but many I love do. I asked several two simple questions; here are their voices.

How has depression affected your life?

• Opened my eyes to the topic and made me more aware.

• It has made me feel like a burden to my friends and family on many occasions.

• Steals joy and self worth and replaces it with fear, isolation and apathy.

• Trying to take away from me everything I enjoy.

Do you see any gift in depression?

• Developed patience in myself.

• A stronger reliance on God, the ability to be more open and being able to help others with the same problems.

• After finally pushing through, it is like colors have returned to the world! My relationship with myself is stronger, with others it’s being rebuilt. The greatest gift was knowing that despite how challenging I have been to live with, I am surrounded by people who love me and fight with and for me. Gratefulness is also a big part of helping people walk through depression.

• That’s hard; I now know what someone with depression truly feels like. It’s far more than just having a bad day.

• I can’t think of any benefit to depression.

In closing, shared by a close loved one: Depression equals too much focus on the past, anxiety equals too much focus on the future, mindfulness equals focus on the present. Mindfulness means to pay attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally and keeping your attention alive in the present moment.

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 ESV

If you like music, listen to the song “Borrow” by Josh Wilson.

“Stay in the present moment with Him beside you.” — “God’s Peace for When You Can’t Sleep” devotion by Christina Vinson.

Please be extra kind to those in your life who struggle today!

If you’re in a crisis, please seek help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also get free help now from the Crisis Text Line: text CONNECT to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S., anytime, about any type of crisis.

Robin (Beckman) Gudal, intentional in life, is a wife, momma, nana, friend, and a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus.