Depression has been called the “common cold” of mental disorders, and one source estimates that it disrupts the lives of 30 to 40 million Americans.
But for many, a cold isn’t even close to describing their depression; it’s often challenging and destructive.
Here are nine things you must do right now:
- Avoid being alone. Force yourself to be with people. (I know “force” is a strong word, but if that is what it takes!) You must find fellowship now.
- Go to church. God’s people and wise elders can direct and guide you. The Church is God’s way of helping you walk through darkness and depression. They’re to be a source of authentic blessing to those who struggle.
- Seek help from medical professionals. This will probably require some humility. Reach out to someone who will understand. (There are meds that might help you.)
- Sing out loud. It sounds crazy, but music can uplift your spirit as it did for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Get an iPod and fill it with good music. Praise and give thanks. This can really push back the darkness.
- Lean heavily on the power of God’s Word. Write out verses; listen to the teachers Tear apart a book of the Bible and then put it back together!.
- Read the Psalms, for these are God’s medicine for your spirit. Each one of them is divinely inspired; they have been tried over and over through many centuries by believers as a book of prayer. They’re for any need you might have.
- Learn conversational prayer. Talk to your Father as you would talk to a friend. He’s waiting for you to come closer. Don’t get religious here, rather just talk to Him. Also, listen. He likes to talk too.
- Rest confidently in the presence of God’s Spirit. “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance” Psalm 42:5.
- Remember that God is not against you, He is definitely on your side. He’s very close to you right now. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?”
Romans 8:31-32, Message
“God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns”
Philippians 1:6
Please keep coming back to Brokenbelievers.
Use the search button on the site. You’ll find lots of good teaching which can help you sort things out. There are over 1,400 posts available here, and we can maybe help. And if you comment on any post, or via email we’ll read it, so much of this ministry comes when we connect with each other like this.
Linda and I aren’t medical professionals, however, I’m an evangelical pastor, and Linda is a wise believer who has lived through many storms. We both have been challenged with being disciples of Jesus, having had our times in the dark. We promise to help if we can.
And we both can pray.
(Linda has a great website: anotherfearlessyear.net.)
Broken Believers 
Only found this box after I left other comment…please will you read comment higher up and respond to me…..thank you thank you thank you. ….
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Please will you respond to me pastor Bryan….I so need this stuff… Iam so so bad…and so in need of help….thank you thank you thank you.
Please respond
Tina
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Oh here is the place to leave a comment….l couldn’t find it…
Thank you so so so much Pastor Bryan…please will you pray for me… please will you help me find the love of Jesus.
Thank you so much….I posted up higher cos I coul
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I have a problem with other christians who are well meaning but dont agree with mental health/psyc meds…..they just dont get it …im bi polarand am in deep depression right now…i thank God for your ministry……you validate the fact i can be a christian and have mental illness….thank you brother,sam.
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I have a problem with other christians who are well meaning but dont agree with mental health/psyc meds…..they just dont get it …im bi polarand am in deep depression right now…i thank God for your ministry……you validate the fact i can be a christian and have mental illness….thank you brother,sam.
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Yep, I simply aware of the issues. Incredibly I am disturbed by their silliness. Simply, they haven’t thought these things out.
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Dear Pastor Bryan
I have been coming here a lot… I so need this site. … I to am so eaten by guilt and remorse.. and everything everything you have said…in this article. …oh dear God help …I just want to go home to Jesus….will you respond to me Bryan.. even if just to say you will pray…please respond…Tina
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Another outstanding post. God bless
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Oh dear one, bless you.
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Thank you for the pingback Pastor Bryan, I appreciate this very much, you seem to be a very kind and caring man and as we have walked the same road, we can both read the sign posts that cause suffering. ( see link below ) I hope to start with a disabled friend, a phone support for others that are disabled and would greatly value your prayers.
Blog Post – http://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/we-are-not-just-a-number/
I seek to share with others what they can most identify with and having had my heart broken more than once I felt the need to share this message, it’s adapted and I do not know the original Author but some of it’s message comes from my heart too. The only person who has never let me down is The Lord, as you can see from the Scripture below.
Isaiah 43:1-3 – Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.”
Jeremiah 29 :11-12 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Lamentations 3: 33 For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
Christian Love from both of us -Anne
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TY dear one, I love your choice of scripture. It truly energizes me.
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