Mind Recalibration during Dark Season

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when everything appears to be too difficult? You are so low that the things you used to like no longer bring you joy. You're left wondering how you ever appreciated anything. You're curious about what other people have that you can have. It becomes increasingly difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Every day is a struggle for you. You have trouble falling asleep at night.

Depression is characterized by an emotional state of sadness.

You're feeling overwhelmed.

You are feeling out of control.

You're feeling helpless.

You want to give up.

Depression can set in if you are not vigilant could result in suicide

We use the word "depression" so casually these days. That word is used to describe everything from a bad day to a complete inability to live life. But, as anyone who has experienced depression knows, it is much more than a single word can describe.

The reality of depression

I don't want to come across as naive. To be sure, depression has numerous facets: genetic, nutritional, exercise, trauma, demonic harassing, relationship stress, financial loads, weather conditions, sinful entanglements, sleeplessness, and so forth. I don't want to appear to be oversimplifying the nuances of what can precipitate a season of darkness or despair.

Anyone can experience depression. People who have experienced abuse, significant loss, or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression.

Depression affects an estimated 3.8% of the population, including 5% of adults (4% of males and 6% of women) and 5.7% of individuals over the age of 60. Depression affects around 280 million people worldwide (1). Women are around 50% more likely than men to suffer from depression. More than 10% of pregnant women and women who have recently given birth worldwide suffer from depression (2). Every year, around 700,000 people commit suicide. Suicide is the fourth highest cause of death among those aged 15 to 29.

So how can you overcome depression? How can you believe when you're also wandering around in the dark? Here are a few things that may be of use to you.

1.Differentiate between fact and emotion.

Learn that when you're depressed, your feelings 90% of the time don't match up with reality. When coping with mental illness, this is crucial.

You're feeling bad because your body is malfunctioning. Because your mind is rebelling, not because everything is falling apart. Reality exists outside of my shattered mind. The word of God defines it. It's sturdy. Objective. Unchangeable. It will be horrified if you try to analyze your life or circumstances through the gloomy glass of despair.

When you're depressed, evaluating anything in your life might be risky. Don't question your situation, friendships, or marriage possibilities. I guarantee you will misread reality.

Instead, simply state, "I'm leaving that to God for the time being." I'll think about it later and leave it to him." God is good. He is dependable. He loves you even if you don't realize it. Even when you can't, he can handle your life.

Remember that faith is not a feeling. Faith is just believing that God will do what he says, even when it doesn't feel like it. I can assure you that when you're depressed, it won't feel like God is faithful. But that is not the case. Don't trust it.

2.Find a friend to help you remember the truth.

Depression confines you to your own thoughts. Your mind spins into a whirlpool of half-truths and confused perspectives. Up appears to be down, and truth appears to be weirder than fiction. It's impossible to think clearly. It's like gazing at yourself upside down in a hall of mirrors.

I need someone to tell me the truth at these times. Not in a corrective or exhortatory sense, but simply as an anchor. "Listen, here's what's true," someone should say. I know it doesn't feel right, but it is. You currently believe you are doomed. But God is on your side. He adores you and will not let you go."

When you're depressed, one of your strongest impulses is to isolate yourself. And I understand. It's difficult to let others into your life's cage. But you need someone to gently remind you of what is true; a faithful friend to accompany you through the valley of depression.

When a friend tells you the truth, it gives you something to hold onto. Don't believe what your mind tells you when you're in the dark. Believe your loyal friend's statements.

3. Sleep Well and Rest your Mind

Getting a good night's sleep might be a crucial aspect of your depression management strategy. When you're well-rested, you'll not only have greater energy, but also a more positive outlook on life and better attention.

This is because sleep is about much more than just rest. It recharges the mechanism that fights germs and keeps your body healthy at its deepest stage. Dreaming improves your ability to learn and remember new information. It also has a significant impact on your emotional well-being.

When you don't get enough sleep, your brain chemistry is thrown off. It's more difficult to think rationally and manage your emotions. That can sap your motivation to complete tasks and cause mood swings.

Learn more on Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams & having a good night sleep

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5 Simple tips on having a good night sleep

4.Give the spirit some Brightness.

The body and soul have an intimate relationship. The body generally leads the way, while the soul follows in its wake. When your body is seriously ill, it pulls your soul down like a weight around your ankle.

One of the most effective strategies I've discovered for developing my faith begins with my body. My body feels better when I exercise, go for a walk, or sit in the sun. Blood and oxygen circulate throughout my body, revitalizing and nurturing it. When I'm feeling better, I'm able to think more clearly and see things more clearly.

I can process and embrace God's promises more easily when I think more clearly.

If you're feeling down, go outside and enjoy the weather. Take a walk or jog. Sit on your porch and enjoy the sun on your face. Watch the sunrise while sipping your coffee.

You're not going to feel like it. You'll want to hide in your room's darkness or stay in bed. But even twenty minutes in the sun can do wonders for the sunken brain and soul.

5.Wait and Pray

The sacred Scripture does not depict our relationship with God as a constant source of joy. Yes, we feed in green pastures and walk through the valley of death. We saw his face shine and hide. So, according to the scriptural prescription, we are to wait and pray when his face is hidden.

A Grip Tougher Than Yours

Finally, your hope in depression is dependent on Jesus. He's holding on to you even when you feel like you're drifting away. You may be going in the dark, but your Shepherd is right beside you. He understands what it's like to be overcome by grief and swallowed by gloom.

Your hold on life may slip, but his hold on you will not.

Watch free videos on how to gain victory on depression:

1. Victory over Depression

2. The way out of Darkness

3. God’s work in your Depression