Over these past couple of days I have experienced depression. Nothing requiring a trip to the doctor, but still I experienced a dramatic reduction in motivation, lethargy and an amazingly pessimistic outlook on life. It has been a very long time since I have felt this and thankfully today it lifted.
What is interesting is that I have training and experience in psychotherapy and was able to self diagnose, and I also found myself thinking about the experience while I was having it. I found my heart breaking at the thought of those who struggle with depression for long periods of time and experience the affects much more profoundly than I did.
As a past psychotherapist I understand that it can be triggered by events in life (as was my episode) but it can also be brought about through a change in the chemistry of the brain, regardless of how life might be. And then I started reflecting on the spiritual aspect, could depression be brought about through a spiritual attack?
In the midst of my depression I posted the following status update on Facebook:
Thinking a lot about depression today. Where does it come from? Why does it persist? Big prayers for those struggling today.
And a number of people responded including my ex pastor, Mark Illingworth who wrote the following comment:
I don’t think I’ve personally experienced depression but I know I’ve experienced spiritual oppression which I think has very similar symptoms – for me its involved suicidal thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, inexplicable guilt, exhaustion, pessimism.
“Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
As we faithfully minister the Good News to others, our enemy wants to trip us up and confusing our thoughts and feelings is how I’ve experienced that. I think it is significant that Peter warns us earlier in 1 Peter 4:12 not to be surprised at the fiery trials that we are going through as if this is something strange – spiritual oppression is part of the real battle that is happening as God extends his Kingdom in and through us. Regular prayer and bible reading and the support and prayers of those around me and confession and forgiveness are all things that are needed to strengthen my faith so I can stand against the fiery darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-20). “Use every piece of God’s armour to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm” vs 13 May the Lord through the Holy Spirit give all of us insight and renewed strength as we seek to be faithful despite our thoughts and feelings. 
I chatted to him on the phone today to get his permission to print his comment and he spoke of how reading the Word and prayer, and confession of sin contributed to his healing. But also he shared that taking a break assisted him as well.
And this stands as good advice for those struggling with depression:
- Read the Word
- Pray even when it hurts
- Face your sin and deal with it
- Take a break, rest, do things that are relaxing and fun
- Exercise
And if it does persist, seeing a doctor as getting medical help is a good thing.
Interestingly I do the above five things most days, and the way I broke my depression was to increase each of them.
I rest in the assurance of Matthew 11:28:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Praise God for that!
Mark
http://www.facebook.com/MarkBrown.page
I would love to pray for you if you are struggling.. leave a comment below if you feel comfortable.
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Yahweh’s Yarn in a Year : 1 year Bible reading plan
The portion for today is: Mark 15-16
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May 13th, 2010 at 12:55 am
i never thought of my battles with depression in that light. maybe its even the same type of thing when i have an occasional panic attack for no apparent reason! thank u for the wonderful insight into what could very well be part of my problem!
May 13th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Please pray for me. I am 30 and have been dealing with depression since I was 17. My father suddenly passes away when I was 20 and it has been so hard. The 19th will be 10 years since he has been gone. Thank you for prayers.
May 13th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Thought I would share my testimony with you:
A Life Forever Changed
April 28th, 2010
I’m writing to share with you what happened to me during last Wednesday night’s church service
For many reasons, starting with a bad relationship in 1997, life’s trials through the years, up and down weight problems and then with the death of my dad 4 years ago, I’ve battled depression for 13 years. It has gone up and down through the years depending on what’s happening in my life. It was constant and mild until my dad died but nevertheless still debilitating. I’ve been following Jesus for 11 years but have always battled this foe. Sometimes the effects that the depression brought were worse than the depression itself: I would watch far too much TV, eat far too much food, and sleep way too much. I would sometimes not even leave my apartment for days. Even after losing 80 pounds a year and a half ago, which I thought would take away the depression; I still felt down and still went to food when I felt down.
For years I prayed to be set free from it and year after year I found myself losing another year to the effects of my depression. I held onto the verse that says His grace is sufficient, hoping that one day He would take it away, but knowing that even if He didn’t, He could still work through me. There were times I could say that while I had depression, it didn’t have me; and there were other times that not only did I have depression but it consumed me.
Maybe He allowed me to have it to help others, maybe it was to draw me closer to Him, I don’t know. For whatever reason, I had this problem and it wouldn’t go away. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 30:5b, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.” I just kept waiting for my morning to come.
When my father was dying I began getting anxiety attacks. So on top of the depression, I would get these anxiety and panic attacks that literally took all the breath out of me. I would feel like I was having a heart attack. I used to go to every Wednesday service until I had a terrible anxiety attack at one and left early, which started me on the terrible habit of going home right after work and lying on the couch and watching TV for 5 hours until I went to sleep. What a horrible way to live life. Then 2 years ago, I started experiencing throat spasms. The Drs. said it was due to acid coming up from my stomach, which might be partly true, but it always seems to get worse when I’m nervous or stressed. I believe the anxiety was causing the majority of the spasms.
For the first time in a long while, I made it to the Wednesday service last night. When I went last night, I had the intention of walking forward and asking for prayer, but I wasn’t sure I was going to actually walk up. I don’t know why but I get nervous about making that walk, although I know I shouldn’t let that stop me. I knelt at the stairs before service and prayed that the Lord would set me free and use me and fix me; I’ve felt quite broken lately. As we worshiped I sang and prayed that the Lord would over turn any tables in my heart that kept me from Him. I prayed that He would remove any barriers and that He would take away my depression and make me a more useful child. I was tired of being reclusive. I was tired of watching TV all day. I was tired of eating enough food for 4 people. I was tired of lying on the couch staring at the ceiling wondering when it would end. I was tired…just plain tired.
When we received communion I prayed the same thing. Then people started singing and standing right after communion, but I remained seated with my eyes closed and hands raised, praying that those tables would be overturned. At one point I leaned forward and prayed. I said, Lord, I don’t know what to do anymore. I need your help. Over turn those tables, Lord. Whether it’s food or the TV or my thoughts or the couch or sleep, Lord please remove them.” While I heard the song being sung, my mind stopped thinking and to me, the Auditorium became silent, even though I knew it wasn’t. It felt like the volume on a TV was turned down. I didn’t have any thoughts in my head or song lyrics or anything, it was just silent. I felt like I had been encapsulated. I felt a rush of peace envelop me and I felt a humming around me. I have never quite felt that way before.
After a few brief moments, almost like it was a movie, the volume came up and the Pastor started talking about the next song and how it was meant for someone who God had not healed. That there was a reason that He hadn’t healed them, and that He would pull them through it. I knew that He was telling me that I had to go through this struggle all these years because there was something He needed to accomplish in my life. I realized that my throat wasn’t spasming anymore, and as I stood for the song, saying out loud: yes Lord, yes Lord to what He was telling me, I suddenly knew that he had released me from the 13 year prison cell I had been in. I felt it lift from me and I felt free. When I stood, it felt as if I was breaking through a bubble that was surrounding me. He had taken me through my 13 year trek in the valley or desert, or whatever it was, and now it was done. As the tears ran out of my eyes and my hands reached up to my Father, I knew it was over.
“Weeping may last through the night but joy comes in the morning.” I never knew that my “night” would last 13 years and that my “morning” would come at night, but God did. After years of praying and crying and wasting away – after years of loud and vocal prayers – after years of frantic anxiety, the Lord met me in my brokenness in the quiet of my seat in the back row—it was just me and Him. Everyone else disappeared. For that one brief moment, it was only Him and I in the Auditorium; me and my Father.
Last night was April 28th. On April 28th 2006 my earthly father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was on this anniversary God chose to heal me. Awesome!
I was filled with a jittery energy as I walked to my car. There was a smile on my face and I couldn’t remove it. There was praise on my lips that wouldn’t cease. I slept last night with a smile on my face. I can’t remember ever doing that.
When I got home, I opened up my Bible and began my quiet time. I was at Psalm 66 and when I got to verses 16 – 20 the praise flowed again:
Psalm 66:16-20 Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He did for me. For I cried out to Him for help, praising Him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me.
After reading these verses, the tears flowed and I continued to thank and praise Him for all He did; for setting me free and taking away my shackles. This morning was the first morning in a long long time that I haven’t woken up feeling so fatigued that I could barely get out of bed. Amen!
May 13th, 2010 at 1:00 am
I am asking for prayers for me and my family. Each of us r dealing with our own type of depression. Thank you
May 13th, 2010 at 1:02 am
Thank you for sharing.
I became a Christian in 2000 after being diagnosed with depression, was thrown into a breakdown which lasted a year, then continued to struggle with depression for the next seven years, today I still struggle but without drugs. I have heard from some Christians that my depression is caused by lack of faith in God! There is such a stigma on this illness which is altogether shocking when you consider the access of information we are blessed with today.
I have hurt people through my illness and have been hurt and rejected because of my illness. I would ask for prayer please, to be reunited with two of my three children who rejected me three years ago when our family broke up and I became a divorcee statistic
Blessings to you
Amanda.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:03 am
thank you for this today…i have been dealing with this for some time now. i have gone to people i thought could help me, guide me. Alas, man has failed me once again. it leaves me with even more feelings of being not worthy. i have been trying to pray about it but often feel i am not even worthy for God to hear or care. my husband doesnt help and my kids are too young to understand. oh well…life goes on…maybe….
May 13th, 2010 at 1:03 am
Thank God for this msg today. I have struggled with depression on and off for years. Please pray for me. Thank u and much love
May 13th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Hi Mark, ran across this post this AM, and so glad that I did. Over the last several days I have really been struggling a bit with depression too. Not sure where it came from, but none the less, I can feel the attack. I am resolved today to do something about this.
In the past I have struggled with depression it is a genetic trait in my family, and I have been treated with medication on occasion. This doesn’t feel the same as the past though. Going through some major life changes at the moment and I know they are the primary reason for this feeling.
I would appreciate your prayer please.
Thanks for sharing this post with us.
Blessings,
Cindy
May 13th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Depression has been a struggle for me for over 5 years now. I was in a stressful work situation. I LOVED my job as a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. I really feel like God used me to help many people. I went to my boss 3 times to discuss the problem in a proper meeting but got no results. I prayed for him, for me, for other employees and finally decided to just tough it out.I had a mental breakdown 2 yrs ago. I can’t find the energy to do anything. Just to get up takes all my strength. I was very outgoing and envolved in my church. Now it hurts to go out in public. I know my church is praying for me. I know God is still with me. I trust in Him to use my life as He wills. Thank you so much for your prayers and your work on this website. Some people say the internet isn’t good for people but God says glorify Him in everything you do. You are the perfect example. God can go anywhere. Even the internet.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:05 am
I’m new in learning about the Good News, reading the Bible and attending churches etc. I was enthusiastic at first, but as I fell and fell on my way to deal with emotional challenges I got more and more discouraged.
I don’t think I’ve ever had real depression as (thanks God) I’ve never had the most significant symptoms of it – suicidal thoughts. But even without this it has caused me a great deal of pain.
For a short period of time I was well, but these few months I think the almost-depression symptoms are returning.
I prayed and for a few times God answered, but I always got back into the viscious cycle after awhile. I’m really really discouraged that I stopped reading the Bible and stopped going to church…
Because of this emotional problem I become unreasonably dependent on a very good friend who is a very faithful Christians. Every move she takes, I start analysing whether I’m still loved, still wanted as her good friend. The feeling of being abandoned, being lonely and lost become so familiar that tears have become part of my everyday life. Everytime I talk about it to friends I feel worse because I feel ashamed and useless for being so weak emotionally. My self-esteem is dropping following every ‘outburst’. I feel like a trouble to friends around me instead of a blessing I’m supposed to be.
I’m studying in a demanding course (medicine)… I can’t keep this going or I’ll fail to complete my studies. Yet I’m so powerless to make a significant change to this situation.
I was in one of my worst states when I saw this update on your blog about depression. As doubtful as I am I believe this isn’t coincidence… I’d really like to hear some advices…
May 13th, 2010 at 1:05 am
Really loved reading the post, thought it came at the right time since im going through a rough time at the moment… Would be awesome if you could pray that God would stay with me always and that he will help me to get back on track & answer my prayers…
May 13th, 2010 at 1:06 am
I have suffered from depression since I was 15 years old along with anxieties, panic attacks, and post traumatic stress syndrome. Just waking up in the morning is a struggle. As bills pile up and I am without a job, I worry about how I’m going to make it with limited funds day by day. My heart is so heavy right now. Please pray for me as I will continue to pray for myself and my family.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Please pray for my husband, Richard. He is in pain 24/7 and has depression on top on that! He has had 8 back surgeries and none has helped. On top of that lots of medical bills and pain medicine to buy.
Thanks!
May 13th, 2010 at 1:07 am
when depressed i have an awful time praying and reading scripture. it just seems so hard to do. but when i finally can force myself to start the depression does get lighter. i just wonder why, knowing spiritual practices work, i still find it so difficult.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:07 am
I am asking for prayer today for my family…I am a married mother of 3 that can’t work due to a Worker Compensation injury last year…My husband and I have been struggling financially due to the economy, as he can’t find a job that will support a family of 5. He has been out of work for 2 years now, and can’t buy himself a job. I need prayer that he will be able to find work, and take care of us financially. His family has ben paying our bills for us, and I thank God for them everyday! Well, they can no longer help us out, which I greatly understand! If something dosen’t come up, and my husband find a job, or we win the lottery….which I know is wrong! We do not have but $10.00 in our bank account, and our rent is $900.00, not counting the electric and all..I have asked for financial help from The United Way and several other places and no one can seem to help us, which I do not understand…My family will have no place to live after this month, as there is no shelter that will take 5 of us, and I am not splitting my family up…I pray to God everyday and night asking for his guidence, and I know that God will help us when the timing is right, but I am so scared for my family! If you could, please say a prayer for my family! Thank you and God bless!
May 13th, 2010 at 1:08 am
Thanks for the advice.. I suffer from depression and you’re right through god’s word he can make you better.. But sometimes people don’t give god a chance to change them and they feel it is all there fault the way they feel. I was one of them and I’m trying to change that by getting back into the word.. Thanks again♥
May 13th, 2010 at 1:08 am
i would be very thankful for your prayers on this matter i suffer from depresion and am still struggling to get out of it
thank you
May 13th, 2010 at 1:10 am
I was diagnosed with depression about 20 years ago. I was 20 yrs old. I’ve been struggling constantly with this ‘disorder’. I have some good days, but most are not so good.I pray everyday & night. I am a single mom of 2 children. I have to work a 2nd shift job to take care of us. I struggle with the guilt of not being there with my kids when they need me the most. Everyday is such a fight just to survive(barely). I feel like giving up most of the time, but my children are who keep me from quiting.
Signed
Depressed/Oppressed Soul in Alabama.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Hello,
I wanted to share my story which is similar to that of yours. I too suffer from depression, I am bi-polar as well. My depression can be worse at times because I have tried to….well ya know, but, anyhow, everytime I find myself wanting to go back to that deep dark unwanted room, I turn to God, I cannot express enough on how God has helped me through A LOT in life. It just brings me joy that I know I can turn to him and say, “God I am hurting, and I need your help.” I was saved that day I was hospitolized for trying to…ya know. But, I also ask for forgiveness as well because I know the Devil has me in his sights and he won’t stop, but before he can get to me nowadays, I have God on my side! THANK YOU JESUS!
May 13th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Pliz pray4me
May 13th, 2010 at 1:11 am
I have been struggling financially it seems like its been forever but i would love you to pray for my financial situation as I am a single mother raising a 13 year old son..His dad is disabled and cannot receive social security due to the fact that they are saying he does not have enough seizures to say he is eligible.I am thankful that i have a job to be able to support myself and my son…please include us in your prayers as I am struggling in everyday life just to make ends meet.
Thanks and may God Bless You
Lilly
May 13th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Pastor Mark, I am going through a serious bout of depression and, I believe, spriritual oppression. I am going through my second divorce, brought about by my husband’s confession of cheating as well as his continued meth and alcohol addictions.
He says he wants to get back together, to reconcile. I am afraid. I don’t want to live that life anymore. And it’s even worse now that he’s using meth because the people he hangs out with and gets his drugs from could be dangerous.
I am afraid. I am confused. I am conflicted.
I would appreciate your prayers.
Thanks.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:12 am
I Really needed This. Such Great Word. Thank You
King “Taz” David
May 13th, 2010 at 1:12 am
This is very true and encouraging, thank God for giving you the ability and the know how to help others come out of this tourment..we all have experienced some type of rift in our own lives but the key is to reach back and help the next person come out, that is why God allows certain things to happen to us it is to reach back and grab someone else…BE BLESSED
May 13th, 2010 at 1:12 am
When I read this article it really moved me becase I’ve been dealing with the same sin. As a college student I find myself slipping numerous times and it becomes a constant cycle. I see myself pounding away with all the anguish, regret and fear. I’ve wondered numerous times whether God would hear me or attend to my cry. But the word of God reminded me of His mercy and love. Sometimes the guilt I feel is so overwhelming but I feel the Lord must be directing me to these specific messages. When I read them I feel as if though it’s a human talking as odd as it may sound. It makes me see we all fall and it’s part of human life and it’s all on how we handle things after. Please keep myself and other students in prayer as our finals are approaching. & especially for strength to make it through. It defifnitly is difficult to face sin but it’s a step closer to breakig spiritual
bondage. Amen
May 13th, 2010 at 1:12 am
I am going through right now any would love for you to pray for me. I ask for prayers to make me stronger in GOD, to help my financial situations, to lift the burdens that makes my heart heavy, to soften the callous part of my heart. Also, to pray for my family and friends and all they they may be going through as well.
Thank you so much!!!
I have another email which is smithadonica@yahoo.com.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:14 am
Pray 4 my country kenya n my family
May 13th, 2010 at 1:14 am
Thanks for that, very helpful. I found when I got depression (oppression) the following helpful: healthy eating and drinking, walking, having praise music in the background, the WORD of God, being allowed just to ‘be’, forgivening those who’d hurt me, and asking forgiveness from God, loving friends who were there if I needed. Many people in the Bible got depressed, it’s ok. As Christians we are not exempt. But God is with us and He will bring us through. He is beside us, and in Him there is hope.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:15 am
My father died about two weeks ago. I was in Cambodia at that time (i’m presently based there) . I have to go back home to the Philippines to attend to his burial and be with my family.
These are one of the saddest times in our life as a family.My brother, sister and I think much about our mother. Though she remains strong in faith and with courage to face the pain of the loss of papa she can’t handle it alone. My sister just flew back to the US today and I have to go back to Cambodia on the 21st. Mama, will be left in the Philippines with only my brother at her side and this time without papa. We can only rely on the presence of God in our lives to comfort us and sustain us in these trying times. There is this kind of depression that we feel now but we take it hand in hand with God.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:15 am
Please pray for me and my husband. He is chronically seriously depressed…. and it is sucking the life out of me. We’ve been married for 14 years the last 10 have been difficult. Today, almost impossible. He blames me for everything, doesn’t take any initiative, sleeps for hours, doesn’t work, or have any joy. It’s not easy, but today is particularily hard. Thank you…
May 13th, 2010 at 1:17 am
A family member has been suffering with depression for six years now. It is getting worse and he won’t get help. I have given him the contacts to help him and prayer ferverently every day for him. He says he hates himself and that he is worthless, yet he is able to excel at doing his job which requires much travel at times. Sometimes he seems totally fine and then the next minute when he is out of town for work he sinks in deeper. He says that he only has our son to live for and doesn’t know what he wants in life. It’s hard, but I love him alot. Feeling rejected by your spouse for six years is very hurtful and I am trying not to take it personal, Jesus wouldn’t, but I am human. I pray that his heart will come back to us. I do find that since I’ve been praying more, that prayer is helping. I am asking God for a miracle cure if it is his will. One of the best gifts a father can give their child is to show their mother that they love them. I can somewhat understand how Jesus feels when he is rejected by those he loves, does it ever hurt. I have a loving wonderful extended family that lives an hour away and I am so thankful for them. Thanks for listening.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:19 am
I am struggling with depression right now. I was supposed to be getting married to a “Bishop” this summer only to find out that he was telling me one thing and everyone else another. He puts EVERYTHING before me and our relationship. We had a long distance relationship and I only saw him about 4 times in a year, most of which was just trying to see each other for a few hours even minutes after a church service. He has some serious healing that needs to take place but I am really struggling with forgiveness. I am bitter and angry at him for numerous reasons and the position he has now put me in. It’s too much to go into but I really need to forgive and forget. The moment anyone asks me about him or says anything about him I get angry. I don’t want to be like that. I have been sleeping all day, not exercising anymore, switch back and forth from eating to not eating, tired, hopeless, scared. I want this to break but it’s not going to unless God helps me. I have prayed and confessed my anger to God but it still hasn’t lifted yet. I would love to have prayer. Thank You!!
May 13th, 2010 at 1:19 am
Rev. Mark please pray for my complete healing over a break up with someone I love so much and for 2 years he cheated on me and he dumped me that made my life so miserable. I was depressed for a month now and feeling hopeless. I wanted to go back to the church but it seemed I was drowning and pity myself and waiting for my ex to come back to me. Please pray for me that I could leave forgiveness and let go of the pain and anger.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:19 am
Please say a prayer for me. I have been trying to seek the Lord adn draw closer but it seems that, I just feel so alone and even though I know he is there, I can’t feel it. I want my joy back i want that feeling of when your first saved. When I can’t achieve it i get down and depressed adn wonder what i am doing wrong. remember me in your prayers i am really struggling with this, so many things have gone wrong for me lately, i feel like when I pray for something the oppisite happens adn things get worse rather than better. It is affesting my whole family, i find myself snapping at the kids or thinking things i shouldn’t then have the guilt of thoses things add on. i really need your prayers.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Rev. Mark please pray for my complete healing over a break up with someone I love so much and for 2 years he cheated on me and he dumped me that made my life so miserable. I was depressed for a month now and feeling hopeless. I wanted to go back to the church but it seemed I was drowning and pity myself and waiting for my ex to come back to me. Please pray for me that I could release forgiveness and let go of the pain and anger.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Please keep me in your prayers I have suffered for yrs with depression I always having feelings of worthlessness sucidal thougts bad mood swings my whole house I noticed walks on egg shells not knowing my mood from day to day im scaared my self so please pray for me and my family I feel as tho I’m being attacked and I’m havin no luck protecting my family.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:24 am
I appreciate this, but my depression is completely invasive. There are days I hurt so badly from the aches of my clinical depression that I can’t move…but I have to for the sake of my 5 young children. It’s nice to say “exercise”….but sometimes getting out of bed is hard.
I pray and read my bible as much as one can when you are home all day with a 6 year old, a 5 year old, and 3 two year old’s. I have a constant conversation with God, and sometimes it’s the only thing that keeps my head above water.
My depression was man made. I am a victim of child abuse, homelessness, and chronic abandonment issues. My husband is awesome, but we have no support system, and are doing life pretty much alone. We get out alone once a year, and it’s really hard to maintain a relationship that way. I love my kids more than anything in this human world, but raising 5 kids born in 3 years is hard for anyone!
My point is that sometimes you CAN’T pull yourself out of it. Sometimes you just have to rely on God to just keep your head above water.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:24 am
Ive had delt with depresion all my life every since I could remember.Everyone around me didnt understand me my mother turned her back on me along with alot of my family.I wanted to end my life so many times and tryed but didnt work as you see Im alive and well happy as ever.God blessed me with my loving husband and two beautiful healthy kids life is great.But I still have days that I hurt all over dont want to talk to anyone I push everyone away and want to be alone.We recently just started going back to church I have a feeling things are going to get better for me.Dont want to be medicated at all just want to enjoy my life my family and make precious memories with them.God is awesome all the time hes always there no matter what beleive me he has held me and caught all my tears in his hands…When all hope is gone take it to his feet and let him work the situation out.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:25 am
I needed this today. I’ve been struggling with anxiety for a while now. Prayer is hard when you can’t take your mind off of how your feeling. Some days I’ve wondered if anyone was listening. I’m having a hard time understanding why I can’t get a grip on this. I’m trying so hard to not let it get me down. I have an appt with a Psychaitrist today. I hope he can help me. Please pray for me. I appreciate it.
blondie
May 13th, 2010 at 1:26 am
That was really inspiring. I can’t tell what it is that’s making me get into such depression as I have had so many things taking a nose dive in my life. Surprised am still around having contemplated giving up so many times. It has made me very edgy and my kids are terrified by my mere presence around them. When I talk they scatter even without knowing what it is I was saying thinking I have sent them something only to ask their mum what I might have sent for. Can’t have any meaningful talk with my wife and keep away from relatives. My only sister whom I can confide in is worse off than me now having lost both our parents. I FEEL so EMPTY INSIDE and just live by the day.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:26 am
Thanks for your advice and comfort found here this morning in ref to Depression.
I’ve been depressed for a long time now and still trying to keep my head above water. Depression has lingered in my family for years and years but I’ve had to be the strong one for everyone for different reasons. I’ve served the Lord for a very long time in music and songs with focus on the young and elderly and enjoyed it very much..however I find it difficult to continue on being very tired and weary.A mountain of health issues and quiet a few years of falling out of service job that I truly loved has cast withdrawl, hurt,depression and pain to say the least. I find it difficult to go or find the energy to even get out.I am now hearing impaired with a severe balance disorder and feel as though I live in a hole all my own alone. I’m awaiting an answer finally from the disability judge after a wait of almost 4years..I’ve almost lost everything that I possess just trying to survive and make ends meet. I’ve been really depressed after hearing that my dad does not claim me as being his so I was raised by his older sister.
This was reaveled by my oldest brother last summer in a shouting match that totaly crushed me and broke my heart.I can’t quit crying and it makes me shake really bad.Most days I had just as soon die but God’s not ready for me yet.It’s as though the desire of music and song has just been sucked away and I find that I can’t do music anymore and that troubles me so I just sleep my life away. Where do I go from here. I need to get back up and praise the Lord and play music again..Is it the devil or just me..? How do I get the dream back in my heart..? Would you place me on your prayer list for a while..?
Just so I can rest there..and thanks so much for your time,,
God Bless,
Greta Temple
May 13th, 2010 at 1:27 am
I am so glad you posted this. I have suffered depression off and on since 1998 when I lost my great grandmother. I spend my time now helping others in the same situation and reaching out to those who need help. One of the biggest things I have seen in my own walk with depression as well as the walks of others…is that God is in control. He brings us to our knees to bring us to glory. Sometimes we just have to hit rock bottom before we reach out to our Savior. Love and prayers to all of you. http://www.twloha.com
May 13th, 2010 at 1:35 am
Thank you Ethan. I’m living with chronic pain which has resulted in severe depression. Though I have experienced bouts of depression my whole life, this is different, it feels different. I pray every day that God would take it, take this thorn from my flesh. And my answer has been silence. I know that he is teaching me, using me, but how? why? My family suffers with me. Your testimony has given me hope this morning. Thank you.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:35 am
Clinical depression runs in my family. Thank you for posting these thoughts as it has encourage me on how to help myself when feeling depressed as well as my siblings.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:36 am
I have suffered on an off since a teenager from depression brought on by horrrible events. And have recently been diagnosed with PTSD, which is horrible. However because I couldn’t do anything else I have spent much time in prayer and study. I still have some very bad days but generally things ar slowly improving. God has been so patient with me and although I have a long way to go, he is not only staying by my side but is carrying me through my depression. I still conteplate suicide sometimes, but love my children too much to follow through.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:37 am
I have been dealing with depression for years; “dealing” is the key word for me. I do experience lethargy, which I dread, and nightmares, or very obscure dreams that make my mornings unpleasant. I believe that it is impossible to go through something traumatic, and get on medications without encountering oppression/depression. We are exhorted to endure trials through prayers and encouragement from one another, and by the strength of the Holy Spirit, of course.
Medications can have a way of locking you into the struggle– they are good for a time, but after you have victory, it can be hard to move beyond the struggle’s parameters that the medications helped you cope with– they render the patient dependent, and in a constant coping mentality. This has been a cyclical problem for me, and because I have been on them for so long, I have mood swings, and am mal-adjusted to the natural ebb and flow of healthy sleep patterns– just the reverse of what I took them for.
Judging from my case and others, I would recommend keeping this in perspective when considering anti-depressants. I’ve not met even one person out of 100 that didn’t suffer side effects after prolonged usage of psychotropics and antidepressants… they are for a time, and by spiritual means can be avoided by the tools/disciplines told in this article, which I like very much. Thanks for the space to share this topic. I hope it helps somebody>>
May 13th, 2010 at 1:39 am
Wow! That’s an awesome story! Made me cry [in a good way
] Thanks so much for sharing
May 13th, 2010 at 1:40 am
Please pray for me. I am in counseling.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:40 am
that was awesome, thanks for sharing.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Ethan, what a powerful testimony! It sent shivers down my spine. I too am struggling with depression but not on your scale. My depression comes from doubt that God will hear my prayers and help us in our work of farming. We usually have most of our crops planted by this time but rain and cold have prevented that from happening. I keep praying that God will stop the rain for a while and let the earth dry out and warm up so we can start planting, to no avail. I know God has a plan for us; I just wish I knew what it was. You’re going to make it in this life. I’ll pray for you too.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:43 am
I have struggled with depression for most of my life. My pastor prayed for me n it lifted. My son passed n I find my self battling it again. I do believe its a spiritual attack too!I do all of the things above to take care of myself but I stopped prayin because it hurt to even pray, but one thing about it the holy spirit did not leave me , but ministered to me until I could start back at least reading my bible. I’m even singing , n praising god!please pray for continued strength and thanks for sharing and reminding me that I’m on the right path.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Thanks so much for this topic. I would really appreciate prayer as I have struggled with depression ever since being diagnosed with an incurable disease. This has been 17 years living in chronic pain and continued bone fractures. I have known and loved the Lord for over 25 years so I do agree at times this could be Spiritual oppression as well. Currently my wife and myself are ministering to three different people, all very young in the Lord and each of them coming from various demonic backgrounds. I would just ask for prayers for strength and healing. It is okay to be medicated for the depression as I have noticed change there. My goal is to get to the point of not needing it at all and return to my former self, the fun loving rather than medicine dependent as I am now.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:45 am
Life has really hit me hard and not only me but my 2 beautiful boyz as well. Being a single parent is so difficult and i find myself wanting to cry at all times… and feeling drained…Please pray for me and my boyz
May 13th, 2010 at 1:47 am
I am dealing with some depression. I have been dealing with a drug addiction (pot) and have been fighting this for many years. I very much want to stop and I fight with this topic everyday of my life. I keep going back to it, when I’m out I get more, I know I shouldn’t but my will power is zero and I give in to this addiction everyday! I’m at the end of my rope trying to get over this. I know my health would be better. When I’m out I get depressed and can’t get it off of my mind. The devil takes over my mind and that’s all I think about. My husband has tried to help me but nothing works. He has stayed by my side even tho he doesn’t smoke it, he has tried helping me but he just doesn’t know how to. I need prayers!! and any help you may give me!
Thanks for listening!
May 13th, 2010 at 1:50 am
Needed this message today please pray for me as I deal with issues which are starting to affect me physically.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:50 am
Thank you Lord for Mark’s work on this site!!!!!!!!!!!!!AMEN
May 13th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Thank you so much for this, at just the right time. And thank you Cathy for the comment about the anxiety attack. We are going through some financial burdens at the moment and I have experienced some anxiety attacks over the last few days. I know that God will take care of everything in the end but sometimes it’s hard to see that end. This was just what I needed for today. Isn’t God awesome!
May 13th, 2010 at 1:54 am
Hello my son is 13 year old and he is dealing with rebelling and depression. He wont go to school, shower etc. It very hard to see my son go through all of this. He been in and out of the hospital 3 times for his depression. everyone is praying for him it hard for me to see this light at the end of the tunnel while I am trying to get my faith up that my son will be ok. It is heart felt to see my son in these stages of his life.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:54 am
Please pray for me. I have been struggling with a horrible depression for 7 years. I have a wonderful husband who is a great man of God and three beautiful sons. I feel as though I am missing out on our lives. Please please please pray for all of us. Thabk you! May God be with you all and bless you abuntantly.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Rachel I am 44 and I too suffer sometimes severe panic attacks from PTSD and was even diagnosed with pannic disordr which is the fear of having an attack. I have tried to commit suicide as a teenager and was recently i a psych unit. A couple of weeks ago I was praying about my situation with a friend. I did not know were to turn next. The next morning someone had posted the following comment. To me it was an answer to prayer and has given me for the fist time in over 30 years can now see hope for my future. I have alwaysloved God, but didnt think he could love me beause of what happened to me as a child. But he does and now I believe it. It is still hard but God and a future wit him are now my focus nd that makes life worth living.
this is what was posted: If you want to experience something you’ve never done, you must do something you’ve never done. God say in Isaiah 43:18 “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. I’m about to do something brand-new.” God is saying “I want to start a new chapter in your book of life” Draw that line in the sand; …step out in faith today and rise up and grab a hold of the plan that God has for you.
When we keep looking back, reliving the past, rehearsing the past, revenging the past, we become too preoccupied with what was, to pursue the new thing God has for us. God calls us to seek closure and move on…Philippians 3:13 tells us to “Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.” In doing this, we are then allowing God to do a new thing in our lives…WE’RE CALLED TO LIVE LIFE FORWARD
You can beat this and so can I. With God anything is possible.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:59 am
Thank you so much! I’ve struggled my whole life with it. It is spiritual oppression I do believe. It sucks. It truly wears you out and if you so much as mention it to a doctor, they want to put you on meds. The meds just make me sick which makes me worse. When I cling to God, it does lift. Hopefully I will learn to continue to cling and stop turning to myself or others to fill me. Thanks for the encouragement!
May 13th, 2010 at 2:01 am
I thank you for your prayer. I have had a spirit of depression/opression. I just feel lonesome like I have no one and I know the Lord and know he is my strength and he is my all and all. Please pray with me.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:01 am
I agree that my depression is most likely opression. Thank you for your uplifting testimony and hope. Pray for me to get released from this so my life has meaning everyday.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:04 am
I am going through a lot in my life right now and if you would like to pray for me I can use all the help I can get at the moment. Thank you.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:05 am
I have been battling depressing for years. My Grandma was manic depressive and my dad has been diagnosed with depression. I was diagnosed with it several years ago. Things were going well and I took myself off of meds. In the last two years, my depression has gone extreme to where all I want is for God to take me away. Death HAS to be better than this life. My marriage is in shambles, we argue daily, I can’t keep up with school work because I’m so depressed, so I get even more depressed. I keep pressing on in prayer and I work out. I try to read the bible but when my 16 month old grabs ahold of my bible and the pages begin to rip…its time to stop. I keep praying for healing from my depression, but I hear God telling me that its ok for me to see a doctor. He’s the long term healer and I know he’ll heal me long term. He’s going to allow a doctor to help me short term so God CAN work in me so I can be an effective Christian. Please pray for the long term healing and restoration.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:05 am
Thank you, Rev. Mark for this article. It has helped me more than you know. I have been struggling for a week now with what I’ve called the “mean reds”. I’ve been praying snd excersizing a lot more. So many things going on. I need all the help I can get.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:07 am
Pam S.
I just prayed for you, I too am dealing with exactly what you described.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:08 am
Thank you for the message today. I need to read the Bible everyday, pray more, and be ready to face the sin, and I do try to rest and relax. I also need to add exercise. Sometimes these things don’t help, but I am in counseling right now. When my depression is getting the better of me, I get frustrated and angry with my family very easily, and it my son has been observing this, and copying what I am doing. Now, he to is in counseling, and it is more of a family session. I am benefiting from his sessions as well.
Over a year ago I had a fleeting thought of suicide, but God was there in the midst because he provided for me my son and husband who were sitting in front of me at the time. I also started reading the Bible, and we even had church that night. I had time to share with the church about my fleeting thought, and they prayed with me, and the piano player took me out to eat afterward to talk to me some more. When I got home my son asked if I felt better, and please stop crying. God was there for me in my darkest hour, and He will always be.
My counselor and doctor are not to concerned about me because of my “healthy” response to this situation. I did not act on the thought, it just came and was overpowered by my Faith in God Almighty.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:09 am
Thank you for the encouragement, the prayers. It’s just incredible that some times it feels as if you are all alone and your situation is unique and suddenly, you realize that there are many others dealing with the same and there is people who care and will pray for you. God bless you…
May 13th, 2010 at 2:10 am
i usually experience spiritual depression- which include worthlessness, inexplicable guilt, exhaustion, inferiority complex to mention but a few.
Please help me in prayers. Thanks
May 13th, 2010 at 2:12 am
I feel like I am in a constant state of depression. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago at the age of 21. Everyone I know is so ahead of me in life, and I feel like a complete failure.
Reading this, I feel a little hope come back to me.
Prayers would be appreciated. Thank you.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:13 am
this message couldn’t have been more timely! I’ve had a rough couple of days…have been feeling disrespected, unloved, unappreciated. Someone keyed my car and that set me even further down in my spiral. I have battled depression for close to 20 years now. It IS a never-ending battle, and so many times, I realize that it is Satan trying to find a crack to work his way into my life. Thanks for posting this – to remind me to be on guard against these unexpected attacks from Satan!!!
May 13th, 2010 at 2:14 am
I have been having bouts with depression on and off for years, but have always recovered. This year I hit rock bottom and wasn’t getting help from my doctor. So I prayed to God to guide me. I ended up going to the emergency room and told them that I needed help because I couldn’t go home as I was afraid to be by myself. I ended committing myself to the Mental Health Center. I was put on anti depressant medicine and anxiety medicine. I am feeling so much better. I have motivation to things I haven’t done in a long time.
With help of family and friends I will get back on track. I am going to therapy. I will be looking for a new doctor.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Thank you for sharing your story with the readers…yes, I would like to request for prayer for my marriage to grow in Christ and not our lusts; for my family to be happy and enriched with love (and love for God) rather than to feel sorrow & hate. For me, I need God in my life everyday. For the last couple of years I have felt so much hurt, disappointment, anger and anxiety. It has contributed to my high blood pressure to be out of control. I look at myself in the mirror and see a mad face all the time. So please pray for me and my family that the Holy Spirit protects me from the enemy of Love and show us the light of life in the presence of God. Amen.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:20 am
As the lyrics in one of Sleeping Giant’s songs say “The fight is over your souls”
May 13th, 2010 at 2:20 am
I need prayer. In Feb. 09, I was laid off. In June 09, my then 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer. In Sept. 09, I discovered my husband was having an affair. I feel hopeless, worthless, and don’t know what to do.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:25 am
I have been struggling with depression for 2 years every pill for it is to hard on my liver so I try my hardest to deal with it. I’m also struggling with god I feel maybe he isn;t listening to me I have tried to put myself in his hands but for some reason I struggle with it. I feel worthless and ashamed of past behavior and can’t seem to get past it. It’s destroying what life I have left. I’m thankful for these posts so I can talk to someone and tell them how I feel. Thank You any suggestions would be deeply appreciated. Mary
May 13th, 2010 at 2:31 am
Was a truly sent word from God, I really needed this today, may God bless you and keep you always.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:33 am
I have battled and I mean battled depresion since I was 15 years old. I have had nervous breakdpwns because if it and I and sick of being this way! I have recently been baptised and have really struggled this last week with my depression. After reading you teaching on this I can truley see that the devil plays a big role in my depression. I have struggled since being baptised with keeping with the lords name and doing things by his will! And I am truley seeing that it is because he doesn’t want me to do the right things and walk with my God! I would love to know more about your thoughts and maybe some help with this! Thank you so much for what you do! While I am at work I can’t wait for break time to see the next Bible quote to make me smile eveyday!
May 13th, 2010 at 2:35 am
Lord, I lift Mark up to you for your healing and I claim James 5:15. I ask that you will send mighty strong angels that excel in strength to hold back the forces of evil so that you will put your thoughts into Mark. Bind any demons that would cause him not to enjoy the freedom in you and send them on their way. Lift his burden. Pour you full armor on Mark. Grant Mark peace and Joy. You have said the Joy of the Lord is our strength…well Lord, give him the joy that over flows from the throng of God. Breath into Mark your precious Holy Spirit and increase your Heavenly Compassionate Fruits of Your Spirit. I claim also the promise of…
Hear Mark when He calls, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved Mark in his distress; Have mercy on Mark, and hear his prayer. (Psalm 4:1)
May 13th, 2010 at 2:38 am
Depression runs in my family. My mother & Aunt sufferred from severe postpartum depression (after each child they had).They both died in age 40s, from Brain hemmorrhage & Heart attack (they both smoked as well). My mother stopped caring for herself & didnt bathe for several years & just let herself go. Her teeth fell out from not eating proper nutrition. My 2 younger brothers were taken away from her at age 4&6.They were adopted & now are grown & happy with their own families. Anyways. I have had some depression myself. I have been a registred nurse for 16 years, I recentlty got layed off (fired) from my job of 11 years. I was going thru a chapter 13 bankruptcy. The devil is attacking me from every angle. I tried medication as well, which didn’t work for me, kind of made it worse. I have just graduated with my masters in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner, but I have even lost my joy from this, due to other circumstances involving the school I was attending. I am a single parent of 2 children age 10 & 15. I was left with no Health Insurance as well. I had stopped going to church for a while , because Imy schedule was so busy. I am now back into church And trying to put God first. I went to church & there was a guest speaker, he had so much joy in him & I said , God this is how I want to be, the next day my son had a dental emergency and I found AmeriPlan a discount healthcare plan & it is also a home business opportunity. I knew this was from God. I have started 2 new home businesses relating to Health & healthcare. I don’t want to use this site as an advertisement page (as the word says not to use his place of worship as a market place), but I just want to mention my websites for anyone on here looking for income or job (as I was depressed & looking myself a few weeks ago), especially mothers who are home with children like myself. I also want to see people healthy & prosper. Please check out these opportunities and God Bless!!
http://www.freedomathometeam.com/SCowan
http://scowan.myshaklee.com/us/en/whyshaklee.html
May 13th, 2010 at 2:39 am
I have been on anti-depressant medication for 13 years due to a chemical imbalance in my brain caused by surgery. Before we found the right medicine for me, I literally could not function 6 days a week, rarely getting out of bed. On Sundays, I got up early, dressed, prepared a Sunday School lesson, and went to teach and worship God at our church. In my darkest times, He still used me, and He eventually led my doctor to the correct medicine for me. He proved His faithfulness to me in those days, and He is just as reliable now that I am “healed”.
I would not wish depression on anyone, but I also would not want to gave missed His demonstration of faithfulness while I was depressed.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:39 am
Hi Eicka,
Has i read your post, i was deeply touched and at that very movement God put these words into my heart, and he wanted me to share these word with you.
“The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow”.— Deuteronomy 28:12.
So don’t be depressed, and praise the Lord all the time, then he will bless the work of your hand. I believe in faith that God has placed a bless for you and your family in heaven, and he is going to release it very soon. Even i will pray for you and your family. God bless you Amen.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:40 am
I’ve posted to Replies, I thought one was erased? but I dont see either of them.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:41 am
Also, Remember, The devil is a roaring lion, but the Lord has defanged him and detoothed Him. Victory is ours in the Lord for He will NEVER leave us nor Forsake us. Shoo those dark clouds away in the Name of Jesus, Our Friend and Defender.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:45 am
My step father was a Christian and had been battling depression for over a year. He sought help, even put himself through in patient therapy. On the outside he made us think he was better. However he committed suicide 2 months ago. Now my mother is having a VERY difficult tome dealing with it. She is depending on her faith but still struggling greatly. How do I help her? She is going to a support group but not too much help.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:46 am
My 11 yr. old son has just been diagnosed with severe depression…along with all the feelings, I am scared to say sucicide thinking (no plan of actions) has entered in. This and other family trials has plut a quick depressive ring around me. I have realized yesterday the enemy IS having a part to play in this ugly battle. I see how crucial seeking Christ out everyday is in this…Please…keep Jonah in prayer, my family…Thank you for caring!!
May 13th, 2010 at 2:54 am
Depression runs in my family. My mother & Aunt were depressed. They both died in 40s (they were smokers as well). My mother let herself go, to the point that all her teeth fell out & she hadn’t bathed in several years. My 2 younger brothers were taken away from her & adopted (they are both happily married with their own children now). I was depressed also over past few months, as I lost my job recently,mortgage problems, bankruptcy, however God has lead me to these 2 new job opportunities: I want to share with those of you who are jobless like I was, without healthcare. This economy can be depressing, but God has a better plan for us.
scowan.myshaklee.com
http://www.freedomathometeam.com/SCowan
May 13th, 2010 at 2:57 am
Dear Mark,
I have battled with depression since I was 20 years old and I am not 57. It comes and goes. I am a believer.
I am blessed more then others as I am on disability and have a roof over my head and can pay my bills, but my burden is there is not enough money left to comfortably go to the grocery store, purchase gas and personal needs. I need to accept that I’m ok but I struggle with this daily.
I have to admit I haven’t been to church in a few months and I try to pick up my Bible and read as it gets more difficult for me to do. I know about the enemy.
IN 2009 I went through divorce, job lay off, forced to file bankruptcy and disability. I’m better in some ways but needs something and I don’t know what that is. Please help by prayer.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:59 am
Thank you for posting this inspired perspective. I believe many need to hear this! So often people expect prescriptions or other people to be the solution to their problems but much of the time the most direct path to healing is God. Not saying that sometimes people don’t need medical help to find healing, but rather that people forget to look to God to help them find the right path. And many times prescriptions do NOT help. And many times counseling does NOT help (especially when the counselor is not a Believer). And people are left feeling like their situation is hopeless. But God is the author of life, He is the Great Physician, the Comforter, the source of all hope.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
And I think it is important to recognize that ALL healing comes from God. Whether it is through the help of the angels God sends to help us when we pray, or through the prescriptions that He has taught people how to make, or through nutritional supplements that work with our Created biological systems to heal us through the mechanisms that He has designed within us.
In our modern fast food society of over-processed foods from mass-monoculture farms that never get a fallow year of rest, and grow our food in mineral depleted soils, is it any wonder that we have nutritional deficiencies? Some of these deficiencies can cause symptoms like depression, particularly a deficiency of B vitamins most prominently found in dark leafy green vegetables. Our beloved iceberg lettuce is typically grown in such depleted soil conditions that it has very little vitamin content. Romaine and spinach are better, but it’s difficult to eat enough every day (especially for working people who are running 90 miles an hour trying to keep up with life!) to stay balanced. I have found in my life that taking B-Complex supplements helps tremendously with combating the blues. By itself probably not enough, I definitely need the prayer and Bible study also. But there is a marked difference between when I take B-Complex and when I don’t. Why open those doors to the enemy, allowing him easy access to our confidence, courage, and self-esteem? I have heard some say that taking Vitamin D (especially people who live in northern regions that get less sun, or people who work indoors a lot) can also make a huge difference in their outlook on life. These are not difficult, and if they can help a person feel more like themselves, perhaps even avoid the need for prescriptions, I think it’s all the better.
Of course vitamins aren’t going to resolve life events. They’re not going to erase the sound of the harsh words someone said that echo through your mind. They aren’t going to revive a lost loved one, or create a perfect job opportunity. But they might help you handle these situations a little better, with more courage, clarity, and insight. They aren’t going to change the world, but they might change how you are able to deal with the world. I know they help me anyway, and I wanted to share this in case it might help someone else.
God bless you.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:59 am
Thank you for this simple, but poinient devotion, Mark.
Thank you for acknowledging that someone who is IN Christ can still experience depression. “There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Many of us who suffer from depression have difficulty healing from it because we feel kind of guilty for being depressed in the first place. We have been told this whether directly or indirectly by those who imply that we will be rejoicing all the day long, if we are in Christ Jesus. We can have joy in the midst of it, but the Bible even accounts moments of sadness in our Savior himself.
I can make a list of the things weighing on me right now, and I have been giving them to the Lord. I am not afraid, but I am wearied by some of them. Same as you, I felt it coming on, and have watched it progress. I am not sure that there wasn’t a little physical illness mixed in there too, but that is a part of why we get depressed sometimes… just wanting to feel “good” again in mind, body, and spirit.
The main thing, is to realize that we ARE or need to be in Christ(if one is not), and that the enemy is taking advantage of our weakness. This is also a wonderful opportunity for Christ to work, as many have written here – “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him…” Amen!
I will pray for you all… Please pray for me… I need to overcome this overwhealmth, that I can do the tasks set before me.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:04 am
I have struggled with clinical depression for 18 years and taken medication. God gives me the strength to get through each day and many of the 5 things you mentioned have helped me enormously. I don’t think that Christians should feel guilty for seeking professional help. It can be a whole body illness and needs to be treated as such.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:04 am
Ethan M. your story has brought me to tear, has been inspiring and made me realize what I need to be concentrate in order for God to heal me, bring the comfort and joy I’ve been looking for so long.
I was diagnosed with chronic depression 4yrs ago and been on and off this state since then. I’m right now going through a difficult situation and my depression came back. It’s scary for me because it gets to the point where I want to be over as you wanted and all kind of bad thoughts are coming into my mind. I thank God everyday for protecting me for doing something stupid and blessing me with a morning until now.
I also think that evil is working its way to my mind and heart and sometimes I feel its succeeding, I get a hold of my love for God and start praying with all my heart. But as you mentioned no matter how loud we cry and beg if we’re not in the word God won’t hear us, He won’t be able to listen to our heart aching because to Him it’ll look like we’re demanding something instead of us surrendering things and thanking Him for already taking care of whatever is that we’re struggling with – HE ALREADY FIXED IT, we just have to say thank you to Him and be faithful to His word by being in it everyday.
I’m SO ready to get home and have a “GODLY TIME” as I will call mine with Him and learning His word, praying and knowing that He’s carry me through!
THANKS MARK for this awesome journal you share with us and ETHAN for reminding us GOD is always there and we just need to wait for Him…for His time.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE – My prayers are with y’all!
May 13th, 2010 at 3:05 am
Please remember me in your prayers. I am having a very difficult time. Working two jobs, not necessarilly for the money but it keeps me so busy I don’t have time to dwell on things that are bothering me. I lost someone I loved very much, hadn’t cared for anyone in a decade. I am tired of trying to keep it all together by myself…the bills, the house, just everything that has to be done to have a home and raise a teenager. My depression has taken a huge toll on my 13 year son, he can’t stand seeing me so sad and crying all the time. I feel he’s better off being away from me as much as possible, another reason for the extra work.
Thank you and God Bless.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:06 am
please pray for my wife and kids.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:21 am
Greetings Rachel,
I could have writted the EXACT post as you have, the same sufferings P.T.S.S., panic attacks and anxiety. Also out of a job for 7 months now. Since my faith is newly rediscovered it seems that there is opposition from the enemy when I am unprepared. Thoughts creep in and try to weaken me throwing me off track. Now when anything starts to overwhelm me I ask a simple question, “Is This God Sent”? If the answer is a resounding NO, then I ask God to fill me with his love and protect me. This sounds simplistic but it does work. All of us can continue to pray for each other and grow in our own faith that God will provide for us.
God’s Love and Blessings to you,
Hope
May 13th, 2010 at 3:21 am
I believe God does hear your prayers, even if you have never read the Bible. But the point is that the Bible is God’s word. It is His letter to us. When we pray we are talking to God. When we read the Bible, we are inviting God to speak to us. Sometimes you have to read for a long time before you get to the point God is trying to say to you. And sometimes you may read and read and nothing ever “jumps out” at you. But you may find that later in the day, something you read that seemed totally unrelated at the time turns out to be a word of encouragement or insight that you can share with someone else. And it is such a great feeling to be able to share something uplifting with someone because of what we have read in The Word! Not everything we read is always for us, sometimes it is for someone else who has not yet gotten into that part of the Bible yet, or maybe didn’t have the same insight that the Lord shared with you. Keep reading!
Oh, and you don’t have to wait until you get home to read the Bible. You can read it online. I like http://www.biblegateway.com but there are other Bible online sites too, like the Blue Letter Bible. Try it! The search functions are awesome.
God bless you.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:31 am
I am dealing with depression and feels like what i do is never good enough…i just woke up with this song in my head over and over…He has turned my mourning into dancing…He had turned my sorrow into joy………..i love the Lord and have a relationship with Him as long as I can remember and through my failures, i can say that He has stood by me helping me through thick and thin….He had never failed me or lie to me….it was me that did so….and still he loves me…i just need praying for strength and courage to go and do God’s will and not my own…Give me visions that will help me see and how to use what God has giving me in the right way…..Love always Jolie
May 13th, 2010 at 3:32 am
I have struggled with “depression” for many years. I was so overcome at one point that I stayed shut in my home for two years. But, through the counseling of a great therapist, I was able to regain my life and go back to church. That was the best thing I could have done. Through God all things are possible and He has lead my way out of oppression. Because that is really what it was for me. Satan had a hold on me and I allowed him to live within me for those two years.
I am currently reading a wonderful book “Why is Everyone Crying?” by Steven B. Currington, founder of Reformers Unanimous International, a wonderful faith-based program that ministers to the addicted. This book helps to understand the Satanic oppression and how to take back your life and give it to God.
I still have episodes and struggles, but now I know that I have the power to tell Satan and his delegates to leave me alone!
Prayers to all who are suffering.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:33 am
Thxs- a tmely MSG 4 me @ just the right time. Please add me 2 ur prayers
may GOD continue 2 use u in a mighty way!!!!
May 13th, 2010 at 3:39 am
Please pray for my son as he is dealing with a conflict in school right now. He is a believe and he is a great kid and a great son but I think he has a tendency to get down about things. He’s very active in school, sports and loves church but I’m concerned. Maybe it’s Satan making me worry over nothing, I don’t know. I would just appreciate your prayers for him, also because he is going to be a senior and he is deciding what direction to go in. Maybe college, maybe not right away? Pray that the Lord will saturate him with His love and that he will feel God’s guidance as he decides his future. Also for peace and joy in his heart. Thank you so much!!!
May 13th, 2010 at 3:41 am
I will pray for you
May 13th, 2010 at 3:52 am
This came at a timely manner, as I have recently been struggling with this. If spiritual oppression, as your friend cited, can really manifest through the above mentioned thoughts/feelings, maybe that’s what it is. Regardless, we know Whom to run to and I’m thankful He is my Savior, my Redeemer, and my Deliverer. Please pray for me as I adjust to being single and very lonely for friendship. Thanks.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:52 am
I take medication for my depression and it stays fairly stable, but this week I am going through quarter finals for school and I am exhausted and can feel myself getting an “I don’t really care” attitude due to the stress, lack of rest, and financial worries. Please pray for renewal for me and success on my tests.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:00 am
i want to thank u for this, it makes sense, i have chronic depression and i would like to ask for prayers of healing and acceptence.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:02 am
I have been struggling with depression on and off for as long as I can remember but I have always gotten past it. The past two years though I have not been able to come out of it. My ways of thinking have become very jaded and hopeless. I grew up in the church and am a believer but I feel like I am living my life but not being present for it, numb. Just buying time till my time is up. A prayer would be greatly appreciated.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:04 am
I do suffer from depression and anxiety. I have for as far back as I remember. I am currently 47 and have had counseling and medication, to varying degrees of success, for a long time. Currently I am feeling the best I have in the long term of my life. Situations and fatigue can get me down. Also, have to be aware of over the counter meds which can interfere with my prescriptions.
I have wondered at times if spiritual attacks can be part of the cycle, especially with how I respond to depression or old habits which are persistant. I feel blessed that the Lord has kept my addictive nature away from drugs and alcohol.
Please pray for me to overcome depression and “the thorn in my side” issues as well as renewal and strengthening to my spiritual walk.
Thanks.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:04 am
I have those random panic attacks too, like a feeling death is near. Whenever it happens I just say to myself though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
May 13th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Ehthan, I adore your story
To everyone else who faces depression..It can change..
Please remember it can be spiritual, physical and phsyc…
I would highly recommend a nutritionist/PLEASE if one
thing is off balance it can throw you into deep depression. Please try whole foods/no processed!!
Chicken, veggies, fruit, smoothies….
(NO GLUTEN, it is in wheat) you can get gluten free
foods
This effects your mind!
Please add fish oils to your diet!!
I could go on, and on..but you must give your mind the
nutrients.
Sat. can attack, when you are doing something
amazing for the kingdom!!
counter with prayer/eating the right foods/fasting…
This too shall Pass!
May 13th, 2010 at 4:10 am
I also would like prayer for the stronghold of depression. It seems as if my whole family is suffering from it. I desire prayer that the stronghold of depression would be destroy.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:13 am
Just had our 28th anniversary and my husband says he wants to be free now. Have had great financial stress and he is mad at God so he is going to leave me, we have three wonderful young adult children who are heartbroken, angry and confused but none as much as me. Even though he has hurt me beyond words I still pray for God’s healing grace and that my marriage can be saved. Many days I wonder why because my husband has become someone I don’t even seem to know. Your message was a true blessing to me, woke up feeling so depressed had a hard time just moving. Please send a prayer for my family.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:14 am
I struggle with anxiety and depression. I have battled post traumatic stress disorder for the last 2 years and at this moment am feeling a panic attakc. I am on meds but ran out 2 days ago. A lot of the stress right now is due to my marriage of 26 years. I love my husband but he got caught up in porn and adultry and left the day after valentines to be with another woman. I have not give up . I am unable to work right now due to this disorder and will start counseling later this month. I thank God for being with me because without him I could not stand this journey. God bless. I pray for a miracle soon and that my husband will come back home.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:22 am
My brother; David Jones” has been batteling depression for a long time now and he takes meds to help,but nothing has helped so far. We pray for him…he is in a bad shape,will you pray for him. I have batteled it all my life and prayed
over it and with GOD and always win. When I was aa kid my mom and dad would tell me i was to young to be depressed so i had to grow up fighting it…most importantly prayed over it while no one understood what i was going through…but GOD did.
Thank you And
GOG bless
Bob
May 13th, 2010 at 4:23 am
I am struggling with my exams that are coming up next week and I have been wasting a lot of time just doing things that are not as important instead of studying and U have failed most of my tests even though I want to do well, please help me!
May 13th, 2010 at 4:27 am
GOD bless ( I hit the wrong key in closing sorry)
Bob
May 13th, 2010 at 4:31 am
I have read the post before me. I can understand how it feels to be in depression. I was married for 27 years to my soul mate who was bi-polar. She finally took her life 2 years ago. I spent the better part of these 2 years trying to grieve and fill an empty space in my life and my heart. I thank God for bringing me back to him because through his unconditional love and grace. I have finally started to heal. My pain is still there but the love he gives is all powerful and he does heal. I have been told time heals all wounds. I disagree time eases the pain but only the unconditional love God gives us do we finally heal. I praise God and glorify his name. Without his love I would not be here. He has started a new life for me and I am still a work in progress. I am still growing and waiting to do what he wants in my life. I have truly fallen in love with God. Thank You my Lord My God!
May 13th, 2010 at 4:31 am
Thank you. This was very helpful to me today. Your insights are always helpful.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:37 am
This is a painful agony that many might understand as “A Black Hole” understood only by those who have “been there”. It can come with no warning, too. It can improve
and the come and go in “waves” in returning from time to time and varying from person to person. For everyone Mark, all of those things you mention do help and including prayer. Thanks for your article and from dealing with this for nearly 35 years now – J
May 13th, 2010 at 4:41 am
Thank you for this post. I have been feeling “depressed” but after I read this post, I am now wondering if it is spiritual oppression…I really have no serious life issues right now, just normal daily stress that everyone has…stress over finances, some guilt about things I’ve done lately, and worrying about teenagers. But I tend to have VERY frequent thoughts of suicide and think that things would be better if I were gone. I really do wonder if this is just Satan attacking me now that I am trying to spend more time listening to sermons on podcast when I walk every evening and reading the Bible? The timing surely seems to coincide with these activities! Thanks for opening up my eyes to this possibility.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:41 am
God bless you sister saint for sharing. Your story is a vehicle for me & many others who are struggling as well. Open the eyes of my heart Lord so that I may step confidently out of denial & face the ugly demons of depression, When they are exposed to the light & breath of God they shrivel up, let go their chocking hold on me & I am free. This is the conclusion I reached as a result of your sharing, thank you so much…here comes the Son!
May 13th, 2010 at 4:43 am
I know those things are so true. Depression and mental health problems can be triggered by spiritual attacks. There have been times I have know that totally going on in my life. I just hate how badly it hurts; the pain and darkness that takes over when the voice says not to cry to God b/c its too dark for even Him to reach me. I know thats not true but it shows the depression is part of an attack.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:44 am
Sorry Ethan, I meant brother saint
May 13th, 2010 at 4:48 am
God bless you brother saint for sharing. Your story is a vehicle for me & many others who are struggling as well. Open the eyes of my heart Lord so that I may step confidently out of denial & face the ugly demons of depression, When they are exposed to the light & breath of God they shrivel up, let go their chocking hold on me & I am free. This is the conclusion I reached as a result of your sharing, thank you so much…here comes the Son!
May 13th, 2010 at 4:53 am
I have struggled not with depression but very low mood. I was healed through prayer and confession but God worked in a very ‘pragmatic’ way. I visited my doctor and he told me I needed to increase my exercise to 5 days of gym per week and eat a healthy diet, particularly oats and bananas as these increase serotonin levels, which make you feel better.
This reminded me of a story of a man stuck on the roof of a house during a flood. He prayed for God to save him from drowning. A little while later a man came along in a speed boat and asked if he wanted a lift. They guy replied ‘No thanks, I have faith that God himself will save me’. Soon after a helicopter arrived and asked the same thing. ‘No replied the man. God will rescue me, I don’t need your help’. The waters grew and along came a lady in a canoe who again offered a lift. the man responded in the same way and promptly got washed away. When he finally met God face to face he asked ‘God I asked you many times to save me, why did it not happen?’ God replied ‘Well, I sent a speed boat, helicopter and canoe, what more did you need?’
What I am trying to say here is that prayer is absolutely essential in fighting all these mappers and miraculous intervention does happen. Sometimes it is a spiritual ‘attack’ but don’t wait out for the miraculous by avoiding other ways such as medical help which the Lord can use powerfully. God does heal through miracles but can also work through the people and institutions he has placed around us. Consulting a doctor is not a sign of defeat or a lack of faith. Thank God for these people but always remember that he is the Lord of all things and it is he alone who heals the deepest inner needs which medical science cannot touch. Blessings.
May 13th, 2010 at 5:01 am
I think it’s almost unforgivable that any Christian would tell another they don’t have enough faith…God forgive them. Your children will always be with you in spirit & I will gather with you in spirit to believe their heart will be moved and the eyes of their hearts will be opened. God bless God, and God bless you & nothing is too big for Holy Spirit to handle. I believe if we follow the steps Mark outlined today we’ll all make it just fine! Keep it Simple Saints, Half the cure is believing & the other half is being open to receive the blessings, true?
May 13th, 2010 at 5:07 am
I was in a very depressing and tense marriage for 25 years which lead to depression. Then I divorced. I also got injured while running a habitat restore in which I completely set up and ran for 6 months. The injury accurred over 3 years ago. They had no worker’s comp insurance on me so my 3 herniated discs in my lower back will influence my abilities for the rest of my life. I have not been able to receive employment since that occurrance. I am alone and jobless. Life just seems so hopeless. If I don’t receive a job like today I will also be homeless. I am totally lost in depression. I love my Lord and Savior….I am just confused, depressed and losing hope.
May 13th, 2010 at 5:09 am
I have dealt with depression since childhood,some due to all kinds of abuses,and also because of my dads depression and bi-polar. when I was a little girl, my dad would go into a depressive state and take his gun and go into the cellar. minutes later we would hear the gun go off ,but when we called out to my dad there would be no answer. we didn’t know if he was dead or alive,and on many occasions it was me who would finally go down in the cellar to find out. I have also been diagnoised with bi-polar and PTSD.I have tried to take my own life many times, but it seems God has other olans for me. I still go through times of depression,but I turn to God and He helps me through it. also, having a good doctor and neds has made a big difference in me, and nbo,it’s not wrong to take meds, God allowed these meds to be created to help us if we need them,and it doesn’t mean you don’t have faith in God. so turn to God when you need Him, He wants you to do just that and let Him hold you in his arms til the pain and your tears go away.
May 13th, 2010 at 5:10 am
I too have dealt with chronic pain…two images I want to give you that I saw & heard. In the movie “The Passion” where they tear Christ’s side with the spikes the sub caption read, “Will thou be healed”, and I accepted that when I saw it. right then & there, as that’s right where my past back pain & shingles were effecting me…then I read in the Word that it is an insult to Heaven when we respond to the pain & give it credence or credibility. So as soon as the nerve receptors would start to sound their alarm from Hell, I refuse to dutifully obey and be bound by the pain. I’m not being in denial re: the pain, I just refuse to respond in the way the devil wants me to. I hope these images give you wings & assist you the way they have me. God bless you!
May 13th, 2010 at 5:23 am
Thanks ,Mark for sharing this topic on depression today. As christians, some may think that everyday is suppose to be in perfect harmony, but as I grow more in the way of the Lord I find that I get into these moments of uncertainties and feel moments of depression too. As your ex pastor wrote these are times of spiritual oppression. The more we want to do to glorify our God, the more the enemy will try to attack us. We are fighting a spiritual war and that is why we have to put the armor of God on . I find when I go thru these times , I pray even if I don’t feel like. I praise God in songs of worship and I go to his word and even fellowship with others. The devil would just like us to give up, but we know that the victory is already won by the one who gave his life for us ,JESUS. I pray for all the people that are going thru these hard times . May the Lord ,fill you with Peace that surpasses all understanding . Please , my brothers and sisters I ask you to cling on to the cross and don’t let go. There is true freedoom and healing in Jesus. Wait on him no matter what you’re going thru.
May 13th, 2010 at 5:30 am
Please get back to the Word, if you do nothing else! Folks refer to it as the Living Word because that’s what it does is live inside you. A pastor suggested just pick up on Proverbs on whatever day of the month it is. What I got from your words is an obsession on your friend, (which will make them uncomfortable & run away), when, I believe, if you turn that compulsive side to the study of the Word, you’ll find some relief. Depression is depression,,there are varying degrees, but I encourage you to call it what it is….that alone should assist you. Call out your enemy so you can name & claim it, and call in the greatest warrior of all time, The Holy Spirit to do battle for you. Please put on your spiritual armor everyday…the helmet of salvation, the breast plate of righteousness, gird our loins with truth, shod our feet in the boots of peace, use our shield of faith, & our sword to cut clean between the soul & outer spiritman,(woman). Just Keep it Simple Saints! Also remember that God is shaking the candlesticks, (church bodies), in these last days..so keep seeking the places where 2 or more are gathered, and you will find your support from other saints. God bless you for reaching out, I hope I helped some.
May 13th, 2010 at 5:38 am
Sometimes we give more credence to a doctors diagnosis than we do to the prescription & solution for the world’s problems which happened the day Jesus was resurrected. Let’s quit giving the disorder credit, or allowing it to be the influencing factor in our lives, when the truth, the light & the way should be our focus…true?
May 13th, 2010 at 5:39 am
Iv been suffering from depression for the last 3 years, it comes in waves just like many of you have said but recently iv noticed it faiding away. I pray everyday for god to give me strength and i have found that the times when i feel that i can beat depression is when i have something to fight for. It is only when i try my absolute hardest that i feel that im not alone that god has his hand on my shoulder suporting my every move. I believe that god has given me depression for a reason, maybe as a way to learn to strengthen my soul and to bring me closer to him. I wish you all find your way out of depression, there is a door, just ask god to help you find it, and i pray that you all have the will to walk through it.
May 13th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Please pray for me.
May 13th, 2010 at 5:46 am
I will pray for you Donna
May 13th, 2010 at 5:48 am
You know what to do,,,,just do it. Stay AWAY from the demons..that ride along on the meth train that is speeding out of control on it’s way straight to Hell!! They said it in the 60′s & it’s still true today…SPEED KILLS. This is one of satans blatantly obvious tools. Get away & pray like you’ve never prayed before…I would start praise praying every second of the day…fear is only False Energies Appearing Real….realizing this will clear your confusion & the conflict is over once you turn it over totally to Holy Spirit. Put on your spiritual armor everyday as you are engaged in a mighty battle, but you cannot do it alone, as you know, or you wouldn’t be on this page. God bless you!
May 13th, 2010 at 5:49 am
Lovely,,thanks for sharing!
May 13th, 2010 at 6:09 am
Please pray for me to be strong enough to handle my present problem.. Please pray to enlighten my husband’s mind to come back for us, his real family. I think i have a depression now because of so many problems that i encountered for the past days. Please pray for his enlightenment because I don’t want my children to suffer having a broken family.. thanks
May 13th, 2010 at 6:30 am
I have been battling depression for the past few weeks. I have extended my studies to 2 different ones during the week to be more in God’s Word on a more structured level. My problem is when I am alone, as I am divorced, I think about all that is wrong in my life. The list is too long for me to go into. I so want to strengthen my relationship with God, but I am out of ideas. I have even tried to make friends with people who are single (as all of mine are married) so as to do things together so I won’t spend so much time alone. That hasn’t worked out either.
If anybody has any suggestions feel free to share them with me. I need help.
May 13th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Kathy i suffer from panic attacks and depression real bad. its horible. I believe its attacks from satan. He will do anythin to get us away from God. keep yor faith
May 13th, 2010 at 7:11 am
I too have suffered with depression for years. I have dealt with being given up for adoption at the age of 4 and then being sexually abused by my adoptive father from the time I was 8 until I left home at 17. In the process of trying to have children with my husband I suffered 4 miscarriages. I currently have 3 wonderful children, but the last one was unexpected and my husband was not supportive at all. I have been diagnosed with severe depression and have to deal with feelings of inadequacy and pessimism on a frequent basis. I also have a sister who committed suicide 3 years ago after countless years of battling drug addiction as a result of our shared childhood abuse. I know that Satan uses my depression against me. I am thankful for the Christian friends in my life that put up with me when I am feeling this way and the many times they pray with and for me. God truly uses those around us to uphold us when we need it!
May 13th, 2010 at 7:19 am
I have suffered from depression (who doesnt?) one particular bout was long and severe a result of burnout, at that time I didnt want to go to church and when I did I was like a dead fish during worship, totally unable to lift my hands to praise God. My husband kept on encourgaing to put on the garment of praise and when I finally did resist the devil and kept pressing into lifting my hands and entering praise, (despite how I was feeling), it did begin to lift. I think depression is one of the devils subtle tactics to get us away from God.
But I know everyone has their own story. Kia kaha tatou katoa. My prayers go out to you all especially those who are living in pain, nothing is more hindering.
May 13th, 2010 at 7:20 am
PS I also found the best cure (for myself) was to get my mind off of myself and go and do something to bless somebody else.
May 13th, 2010 at 7:26 am
Hi, I suffer from depression also, I walked out of my job last week due to being depressed, i will be on the steets next week and I will be paying for a house that i dont have anymore need prayers, cheers.
May 13th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Mark,
I too suffer from depression and have most of my life. I take medication but no longer see my PSYC. because I knew what he was going to say before he said it, I knew all the right answers, but they never helped me. So I take my meds and live it with the help of God. I know my life has been hard but I feel there is a reward somewhere, someday. I often think of death, and if it were not for my spirituality I probably would have already done that. What can I say? I don’t know why or how to help myself get out of this condition.
May 13th, 2010 at 7:55 am
First, thank you to Ethan for your story. Second, I’ve struggled with depression since the earliest age I can remember. Cried myself to sleep nightly, and would often cry upon awakening in the morning, just at the prospect of having to get up and face another day. I’m now 49 years old and facing an uncertain, unknown future. Am about to lose everything, just about, and have no idea where I am going to go. There doesn’t seem to be any place for me in this world. Have difficulty with relationships, and my past is strewn with broken friendships. Never married and very few romantic relationships in my life. One word to describe my life would be FAILURE in just about every area. So yes, I guess you could call it depression. It’s also fear of success, fear of abandonment, fear of intimacy, fear of rejection. . . you name it. My relationship with God has been as unstable as all other relationships, though there were periods of time when the only intimate, loving relationship I had was with God. I simply cannot trust people (or I trust those who should NEVER be trusted, because at least I know what to expect from them). I feel so empty, alone and unable to cope with being an adult in this world, and now, nowhere to go. Once again, as I did so long ago, I could wish that I could cease to exist. But I know that life continues even after we leave this world, so I have no choice but to face life as best I can. If only I could cry or feel something other than sadness, emptiness or anger. But much of my problems are my own fault and I am only reaping what I’ve sown. After so many times of turning away from God in my anger that He would not heal me or give me the relationships with people I so longed for, I am now so far away from God that it seems impossible to get back. Perhaps He has rejected me once and for all. It certainly seems like everyone I’ve ever known has.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:15 am
God has a plan for u dear …. keeep pressing in ….trust in him with all ur heart… ur hope in him will not go in vain…. He will lift u up in his love …..
N’ yes u r completely worthy
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
……
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
So plz keep pressing in for the grace ,mercy, spirit n love of God to rain on u …. the light of the lamb is not far away…praying for u <3
May 13th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Mark, you are really fortunate that it lifted so quickly. I don’t think we will ever know the real causes, but I do think that all aspects can contribute; it’s not necessarily one thing or the other. No doubt satan will make any physical disposition even worse by putting the knife in; that’s what he does. But I tend to think that usually it’s a physical cause.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:20 am
praying for u ….
May 13th, 2010 at 8:25 am
thnks for the nyc testimony …. just keep pressing in … dont forget wht the Lord has done for u .. but the devil is still on the search prowling like a lion looking for a victim to devour …. hope u get over those bad habits n replace them wid gud ones lyk reading bible …. hope u have gr8 tym in Lord … mighty blessings
Overcome evil wid Good
May 13th, 2010 at 8:36 am
I enjoy your comments on Facebook. I am going through some trials and would like for you to pray for me. I believe in God and he is my best friend. I also know that all things are possible with God. Thank you.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:39 am
I get your posts periodically through a bible study friend. Until today, I never felt the need to visit your blog personally and comment. I feel like I’ve been dealing with depression since age 12 (I’m 45 next wee); but more so in the last 4 months. My husband decided he didn’t want to be married to me anymore due to infidelity. Your ex-pastor’s words hit home because it’s what I feel like happens to me every day. And I do try to practice your five things daily; but still need to do better.
Some days I feel so attacked and alone, suicide is a welcome thought. But I thank God for His abudant grace that’s renewed each day. If I didn’t know God loves and forgives, I wouldn’t be here today. I try to live one day at a time, going beyond that is overwhelming for me right now.
Thank you for your ministry…your thoughts remind me where to go for me comfort, love, strength, and companionship.
May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:51 am
I receive your posts through a bible study mate and until today, never felt the need to respond. I do enjoy reading your words, but today really spoke volumes to me. Since my husband decided he didn’t want to be married to me anymore last Jan (due to my infidelity) I’ve felt like I’ve been under constact attacked; thinking that’s why I couldn’t shake me depression. Pastor Illingworth’s words about spiritual oppression makes much more sense. I truly believe God has a plan for me and is trying to use me; and each time I feel a break-thru and closer to God, the attack seems greater.
I’ve gotten so overwhelmed in these past 4 months, that suicide has seemed liked a welcome release. But God has not let go of me! I’ve been doing 3 of the 5 things you mentioned; I’m getting better with confessing my sins and still need to start exercising again.
I try to live one day at a time; going beyond that makes me feel hopeless and that’s not of God. I thank God for your and your ministry; may He continue to bless both.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:56 am
I’m not trying to be hyper-critical, but as a current mental health practitioner, I urge you to make a clear distinction between a few days’ downturn and a true clinical depression.
My concern is that there are, as you note, many who suffer from true clinical depression. Saying that you experienced a depressive episode for three days and got better sets up those who have clinical issues for a lot of flak and criticism.
Many clients have told me that their families and friends have dismissed their very real pain by telling them to just “snap out of it” or “get a grip.” And of course, there is always the “You’ve got a secret sin causing this” diagnosis.
Yes, God is always with us in the midst of our trials, but to present a simplistic formula along with a misleading definition of depression may do more harm than good.
May 13th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Thank you so much for your words re: depression. I have had several severe bouts of depression since about the age of 17; unfortunately, some of these bouts lasted for years (I am now 53 and have been in remission for 8 years).
During those times, reading my Bible was hard, going to church was hard, praying was hard. BUT GOD NEVER GAVE UP ON ME, and I know that it is because of His great love and compassion that I continued to be able to function for the most part during the worst of those times. His constant presence during those trials have refined and strengthened my faith in Him.
So, please, if you are experiencing depression, DON’T EVER GIVE UP, and remember that He is there even if at times you can’t feel His presence!
May 13th, 2010 at 10:00 am
pray for me please!!
May 13th, 2010 at 10:11 am
My family, although cared for in many ways, have experienced a large amount of disruption of our normal life this year. Our daughter has sufferd with surgery upon surgery as well as other medical problems and procedures. She is 17 years old. She’s been isolated instead of loved and cared for by her brothers and sisters in Christ. They didn’t mean to do this, it just happened. They were too busy and too caught up in their own lives, schedules, and families to see that she needed help. We’ve been guilty of the same. We’ve now changed churches, and have entered into a loving congregation who eagerly wants us to become part of their family in Christ. We are eagerly awaiting summer and look forward to serving God in our new church home. Depression is not something we realized was a part of our lives until the puzzle pieces began to fit together. Please pray for us as we daily look up to Him, seek to find and emit His joy and glorify Him above all. God Bless You all as you ferverently seek Him daily as do we! Amen.
May 13th, 2010 at 10:38 am
I suffer from clinical depression. After a testimony by my former associate pastor’s wife about her battle with depression, she and I banded together to form a Depression Support Group at our Church. Though attendance has been hit and miss,we, God,using us, helped prevent at least two suicides. We are not professionals, by any means. We are just fellow sufferers who use our experiences to help others in our community.
May 13th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Mark, by the number of responses you’ve received you may realise how broken God’s heart is for people suffering all manner of depression, anxiety etc. I don’t really want to share my story as I have learnt that many see it as an individual’s problem, and between them and God. This is partly correct – and the wonderful suggestions you and your previous pastor gave above are LIFE-SAVING. But there is another whole part of recovery that – in my experience – the modern church does not want to face – and that is how the body of Christ will respond to “us”. Having clinical knowledge is a great start – but there is much more that could be done, but I have not experienced it much within the church. However my gracious, awesome and loving God has given me what I need within my husband, kids and a few very special friends and so I am learning to not be greedy and expect to have a church that can love me as well. What these amazing people do for me can be encapsulated as “acceptance” and “encouragement” – but to do really be capable of that they also need to take the suggested advice – read the word, pray even when it hurts etc, etc. When all the body of Christ does the same thing – whether we are “damaged” or not, then we may be able to really hear God’s response to us – LOVE, I call it!!
May 13th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
I suffer from clinical depression and probably spiritual oppression also.
I am in the process of selling a house that I thought was my “final” earthly home. Turns out it is not. God has other plans.
My spouse and I are having difficulty finding a suitable house in the location we are led to move to. I know God has one for us – - we just haven’t found it yet.
Various close family members are facing serious health issue, divorce, separation, child custody battles………it goes on and on.
I need prayers to face these challenges and stay strong.
I love to look back and see God’s hand in my life………..the journey is sometimes very difficult.
May 13th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
I have to say this message came to me at the right time. Today has been a very hard day and I definitely had the initial signs of depression. But after reading this message I can keep myself from actually getting into the deeper stages of depression and stay positive. So i just want to say thank you very much for the message because I really needed to hear it and put it into action.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I need your prayers. I am at the time going through a stage of saddness,depression,tired all the time,no energy. Not sure what is going on. I need a good job,but have problems because of problems with my right shoulder,arm,elbow,and hand.and neck. Please pray for me.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Many years ago I suffered from depression. I had such a high level of suicidal thinking that I had to do a week to week suicidal contract with my doc saying I would hurt myself and I had all my meds taken away from me. It was the darkest time I have ever experienced and know that it was only by the grace of God that I am still here today. I still keep my journals from back then and am amazed at the immense pain I must have been in. This is one of my journal entries from that time:
‘I don’t know how to end the pain, the sadness, the tears. I feel so much, yet I am just one person. How did I become this person. Am I even the same person I was before? I feel so different. The pain radiates from my chest, some days it is so immense I don’t know if that day will be my last. On those days, I am not scared to die. If it weren’t for the three people who care about me right now, I may not be here. I long for the relief of the pain I feel.’
I didn’t know Jesus then the way I do now but I know he protected me through all of that. He loved me through all of that and much more and finally brought me back to His love.
Thank you God for saving my life and for the mercy you have on me.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
It seems today is a day of spiritual attacks, eh? Shortly after I posted my earlier reply to this message, my visionsgame.com website was hacked. I fixed it. Then three hours later it was hacked again! I fixed it again, but it’s a temporary fix. Subsequently I spent the rest of my day working with my friend to get our permanent solution implemented. It’s been a trying day. One of many ups and downs. Nothing as tragic as losing a loved one, or marital distress, though my husband doesn’t exactly favor my game project. But still, the stress and discouragement, and the fragmenting of my plans for the day have been a drain. Relying heavily on the Lord tonight.
Hang in there everyone. After the rain comes the rainbow!
God bless you.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I am not one who usually comments on anything but this one I decided to. I need alot of prayer I guess and maybe a little support from some who understand. I have been fighting major depression for a long long time and just can’t ever seem to rise above it. I have been on meds, this one, that one now a number of them. I have counseled with some very good Christian counselors, for a while I feel as though I am doing well so I stop but before long I’m back again. At the present I am seeing a therapist for PTSD. My story is long with much entailed so I can’t even begin to explain. All I know is that I want to be freed from the pain, constant unwarranted guilt, worthlessness, helplessnessand the empty lonely feeling that is with me always. I know God has something for me to do and I know what it is and I can’t help but think that Satan has it in for me. I would never say that because you always hear that it is just an easy out to blame the devil. I am and have always been a strong person, a survivor but I have had near breakdowns, developed many physical conditions that drain my energy and has made me into the extreme opposite of what I always was. People don’t understand it, I hate it, I have near to no support system. I sometimes say I swear Satan is trying to destroy me either through my mind or my body. He will not win. Am I off base or could this be so? I need people to pray so that I can overcome all of what doctors say are here to stay so that I can move forward to do all of what God called me to do and my heart burns to do. I am going to trust that there will be some that will lift me before our Almighty Father, our Holy Physician and Healer,who loves me and will not allow me to be destroyed. Amen. And thank you.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Dear Amanda, Telling a depressed person that their illness is caused by lack of faith is very inappropriate. Imagine the reaction if that line was used on other illnesses like diabetes, MS, stroke, myocardial infarction, cancer. Actually, getting though depression can improve one’s faith, which is true for all illnesses. I do not understand why depression is singled out as a culprit. Let’s stop blaming people for an illness caused by external stress factors and internal neurochemicals. Peace be with you.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Hi Cat, I’ll be praying for you. It’s not easy being a mum of preschoolers – especially 5 of them. And with depression on top! God will give you strength.
Do you have a MOPS group where you live? They are all around the world. God used this to help me out of depression and surround me with wonderful, supportive, Christian friends. You can look up MOPS groups at http://www.mops.org.
God bless you … you will get better and life will be joyful … hold on tight!
May 13th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
A couple of days of depression! Try a couple of decades of deep depression.
May 14th, 2010 at 3:44 am
please pray for me my boyfriend recently broken up with me and i been very depress
May 14th, 2010 at 4:12 am
Erika, so very sorry for all that you and your family are going through. A young lady in our prayer network would like to help you, if possible. Her church has a group that might be of aid. We are in North Carolina. You can reply to me at the above address or contact Summer Doyle at: Summer.S.Doyle@Lowes.com
Jesus loves you!
–sam allen
May 14th, 2010 at 6:29 am
I need prayer….I have a long time on and off boyfriend and we decided about a month ago to just start from a clean slate of our painful past. Unfortunately he keeps pondering on it and it poisons our relationship now. It’s gotten to a point where I’m falling back into depression and having anxiety attacks. I’ve cried for 2 days and he turns his back on me stating he hates to see me cry. I don’t know how to approach him anymore…I try with love and kindness and everything I try to say he comes back with something or a challenge. I know that I should probably get out of this abusive behavioral relationship but since I’ve been going to church I just try harder.
He goes to a different church and when I bring it up to him on how he could be the way he is with me knowing what he knows, he gets angrier.
Please pray that GOD will give me insight on what I should do and what direction I need to take. Do I just give up and move on or do I stick it out?????
May 14th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Samuel David,
Thank you for the kind and caring words and really means a lot that someone cares enough to take a few minutes out of their day to respond with such kind blessings! Thank you so much and God bless you and yours! I know God will provide for my family because he is a WONDERFUL God, and I have FAITH that he will! Thank you again!!
May 14th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Sam Allen,
I am so touched that you have responded to me! I have done as you have said and emailed Summer S. Doyle…I just want to say thank you for taking the time to read my post and for caring enough to offer your help! Sam, it’s people like you that make this world a wonderful place! Thanks again and God bless you and yours!!
May 14th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I’ve been very depressed before. I know how dark and hopeless it can be. But at that time in my life I didn’t quite understand the hope that is written in stone. I firmly believe in our God’s holy scriptures. He wants us to only take Him at His Word. He asks us to be a living sacrifice for Him. He wants complete surrender of all that we have including our family members and personal possessions. He has told us in no uncertain terms to trust in Him (and I mean totally). He also said to lean not into our own understanding. He said acknowledge Him in all our ways and HE will direct our path. So as you surrender to the will of the Father, as Jesus did, its impossible to go wrong. You are a citizen of heaven representing our God. Rejoice in the complete hope you have in Jesus. God bless and keep marching!!!!!!
May 14th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I have many times found myself in that very spiritual battle. It really and truly is a battlefield that takes place in our minds. The things that we think on and dwell on take on life in our lives. We feed them and leave open holes in our armor. being steadfast in God’s Word, seeking him in prayer even when it seems like he doesn’t hear us is the key. I agree with your friend in regards to spiritual oppression. I was in a really bad car accident almost a year ago. My right ankle was almost severed along with my left ankle being broken and various bruises and contusions. I was hospitalized for 10 days. Next month I have to have my right ankle fused – it’s been a long, tedious and many times dark path to get to where I am right now. I finally came to the end of myself and surrenered it all to God. I still battle with the pain and at times the darkness will overwhelm me, but that when I remember that the light of God lives inside me and darkness does not keep company with light. So hold on to Jesus and He will see you through.
May 15th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Thank u i really needed to see this. Ethan ur story made me cry. God is so good.
plz pray for me. i feel so depressed i stay in bed under the covers all day, and i cant work or study.
i will stay in bed even in summer.
i believe my depression is from the devil. and i feel like i cant even go to church, and when i do, the devil ‘attacks’ me and i feel so sick and tired after church.and i havent even been able to read my bible since i started going to church. plz pray for this to go away. i need to get over the past, and myself and start living for God. like our pastor said recently, u are depressed because it is all about you. he told us to go serve at a charity, and help someone less fortunet than us.
May 15th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
It’s no coincidence that I found this post today. I have been suffering with depression for the past two years. I have lost the zest of life and often operate like a robot just going through the motions at work and school. For the past few days, my symptoms have come back and I think I’m going into another episode. I’ve been listening to praise music, reading the word, and talking to God although I don’t feel Him near. Every comment in this post about God’s presence has given me the strength to go on for another day. I will pray for you all and I ask you to pray for me.
May 18th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
WOW! I discovered your website through facebook in the account of The Bible which posted your article on worry. Reading your article really ministered to me, so I read on to your previous posts. Now I know why. Thank you so much for this article on depression. I think I am experiencing Spiritual Oppression. I will follow your advise. I am really encouraged and now I have a better understanding on whats happening to me. I am quite disturbed why I was feeling very down to the point of suicidal. I am filled with worries and have so much self doubt. I am beginning to have a negative outlook in life. I am a full time ministry worker and a pastor’s wife. This just has to stop. I refuse to allow the enemy to oppress me this way. God has called me and I have given my life to know, love and serve Him. This is His wake up call for me, to help me thrive in the place He has called me to be, and fulfill the destiny He has for me. BIG THANKS! God bless!
May 20th, 2010 at 5:37 am
Ethan, tears flowed as I idenified with your story, and as i praised god for your deliverance. Its been 16 years for me. I’m still looking to the Lord for deliverance.
Bless you for sharing
May 27th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Please pray for me. i am suffering from depression and great loneliness and i cannot bear it any longer.
June 8th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I will pray for you Kay that the Lord will lift your suffering.
June 9th, 2010 at 9:05 am
AMEN, SISTER!!!
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:23 am
Please pray for me. The devil is a defeated enemy. I need healing for my mind and protection for my thoughts. I`m exhausted… but resting in His Arms. Pray for my husband Neil to gain his strength from Jesus. God please help! YOU ARE MY ONLY HOPE.
July 12th, 2010 at 8:00 am
I have been going through Depression for a long time (probably at least the last 10 years were the worst)- some periods of time were better than others, but the deep, horrible Depression keeps coming back and no matter what I do I can’t get out of it.
I have tried a handful of different antidepressants, but none of them made any significant difference, and I was very sensitive to the side effects.
I belong to a church- Catholic- and my pastor is an amazing, wonderful person. He is a huge support for me. I am also involved in the parish as a lector (reader). I also exercise- walking, stretching, yoga- I am very conscious of eating healthy (water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains)- and I do allow myself treats if I feel like it, but I am also very aware of my choices here too.
I have an individual therapist who I see once a week and I also go to group therapy once a week.
The problem with “doing things I enjoy” is there really isn’t anything I really enjoy.
And I am extremely anxious around people- feeling VERY judged and self-conscious and certain that people are thinking bad things about me (how I look, etc)
So, I have been getting help- therapy- and I think I am doing at least most of the things that they say you should do to help Depression.
I feel frustrated and (yes, hopeless sometimes)- I want to have hope and try to be positive, but it is SO hard sometimes.
thank you for listening.
August 16th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Please pray for me. As part of my Borderline Personality Disorder, I suffer from intense bouts of depression after my inability to manage the pain, hurt, anger, & shame that results from my emotional rawness. I have been this way practically my whole life but only recently I have surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ and acknowledged that only He has the true power to heal me. Unfortunately, I am losing hope and feel like God has abandoned me…I try to go to the Lord but it seems the Lord ignores my pain. Being a born again Christian & understanding the importance of being in community w/ followers of Christ, I tried to go to church to connect, only to feel rejected, unwanted or insignificant…
August 16th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I am praying for you right now Heather! God bless, Mark
August 16th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Heather – Press on and keep trying. Don’t give in to the feelings of rejection. Keep on going to church and maybe even visiting other Christian churches until you experience a break through. God will bless you and reward you for your perseverance!
August 17th, 2010 at 2:31 am
I feel very misunderstood- by everyone, including myself- and I feel hopeless. I have been fighting this depression for a long time (my whole life maybe) and I also have PTSD and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder).
I feel that I am exhausting everyone- all of my supports and myself.
I do go to church and I do pray… but it is enough. Today I prayed for God to please take me to be with Him. As soon as I can get things settled, as much as I can. If I still believe that God knows everything about me, more than anyone, even myself, than He knows how I feel.
November 22nd, 2010 at 10:56 am
Interesting, thanks for that. My son has a terrible aversion to eating fruit , so I made it into smoothies for him and then he can’t get enough of it! I also found some great smoothie recipe here and thought I’d share – lots of other great ideas there.
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I have dealt with depression all my life. I was molested by my brother when i was 9 and raped by his friend. I have gone through several marriages and have always found the wrong people. I am trying my best to keep my faith in God and have felt like i have done a good job. But my little quirks are coming through again and i just would like prayer so God can take these away and i lead a normal life without the pain and suffering that i have gone through. Please pray that i can get on track and live the way that im supposed to not only with my kids but everyone around me.
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I have dealt with anxiety all of my life and depression most of my life. I was molested by my brother, fondled by my Grandpa & Uncle when I was a kid. I have been divorced 4 times, broken engagements 3 times and several failed relationships. I choose all the wrong men and several men don’t want to get involved with me due to my mental illness and being on permanent disability. I have been through years of physical and mental abuse. I am now 52, lived alone for over 6 years. I’ve regularly attended church twice in my adult life, but went through great discouragement from my ex husband and ex boyfriend who attended with me, due to both of them being “fake Christians”, treating me badly and being betrayed by both. So therefore I quit attending. I still have faith in God, pray and read the bible, but not as much as I should. I just want to live a normal life, have a happy relationship with a normal man, for once in my life! I have prayed so much for all of these things for so long, sometimes I feel like giving up. I’ve contemplated suicide, but haven’t attempted it. I have no grandchildren, feel like I have nothing to live for or anything to look forward to. I spend most of my time not going out of the house, not getting dressed or eating properly. I feel as though I’m only excisting in my own prison.
November 22nd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
i have suffered with chronic deperession for years, i have seen doctors , theripists , phyciatrists, many med’s that do not help, my only hope is faith and prayer . it is what gets me through , still i have bad days and good days , but a dear friend once said to me , do, not let the evil one take one more day from you, this put a new perspective of my illness , it gave me hope and joy of the possibility of getting better , with more prayer and faith .
November 22nd, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I need prayer for depression. I just lost my son and it has been very hard just to go through life. He was just 28 years old just starting living. I don’t go out and I don’t want to deal with people. I don’t go to church. I just stoped. I do pray and I do belive in God. I don’t blame God I no what happens happens for a resonse. But it hard to just go through a day.
November 23rd, 2010 at 1:23 am
Praying for you Renee.. may you feel God’s rest and relief. Mark Brown
November 23rd, 2010 at 1:53 am
my husband left me 5 months ago today since then i found out my brother died and when i started therapy i finally dealt with my grandpa molesting me as a child and no one protecting me from it my dr put me on prozac..but my lifeline is my personal relationship with God. for it took all of my brokenness to drop me to my knees and get serious with God.so i’m trying to be thankful for even that.i read my bible every nite i drop to my knees evryday to spend time with God but it seems as tho nothing is changing for me..i faithfully pay my tithes and go to church i have a hunger for god and he is giving me knowledge but the sadness and rejection feelings won’t go away.any helpful suggestions..and please pray for me
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I have been getting depress alot due to our financial situation and it is eating me up. I pray alot to God to please help get out of this situation and open a door for us. We have 4 boys and I cry every time my kids ask for something and I have to say no. I know that other people might be worst then us, but the financial situation is actually getting me so depress. My husband and I fight over this situation and almost at the point of separating. But I am waiting for that door to open. Please pray for my family and that our financial situation gets better. I know stress is not good for me because of my disease, but I try not to get stress out. Please pray for us and also for my depression. And God Bless all of you.
November 27th, 2010 at 2:11 am
Would just like to leave a request for prayer. I have been depressed for quite some time although most of those around me do not know it. As I read your story at the top, I realized that I could be facing spiritual oppression as well as depression. In fact, I truly feel within myself that that is the case. I know that satan will attack anyone, but most especially those who are called upon to spread God’s Word or be His representative in any public and/or formal way. Please just pray for me as I feel like I am losing the battle. My thoughts are often suicidal, I am sad all the time, pessimistic, and function on “remote control” if you know what I mean. Please pray for me. Thank you and God bless you.
December 8th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Praying Linda, have you got good supports sister? God bless, Mark
December 8th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Praying! God bless, Mark
December 8th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I’m a subscriber to your blog and your reflections and I would just like to say that every time you post something, it fits perfectly into my life, and is just the message I need to hear. I can definitely see and feel God working in my life through you and I’m so grateful for all the posts you do. I want to say thank you! But I am also facing a tough situation with depression and it affects all my loved ones around me. If you could say a simple prayer for not only me, but my loved ones, I would be so greatly appreciative. Thank you again!
December 8th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I have just become a subscriber to your blog and your message today on facebook really hit home. I feel like Linda who posted above me. I feel like I am both depression and oppression. A little back story I live in the U.S. and two years ago I lost my job, and recently my unemployment ran out. My husband and I have no kids, but we do take care of my mom since my dad died. I promised him on his death bed I would take care of her. I could go on and on of all the trials in my life but this post wouldn’t be big enough. I just ask you and everyone please pray for me at this time. I know the Lord only gives us as much as we can handle, but I feel like I am at the end. Pray for the Lord to give me strengh to fight the battles ahead of me, and to work miricles in my families life. Thank You Mark for what you are doing.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:29 am
serious depression here,most of my whole life.thank you for acknowledging it,as a disease! thanks for writing this. please pray for my son,thank you.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:37 am
My wife and I are seperated and it looks like the time is close to the required period of time before a divorce can be filed.
Some days I actually feel like ending it all, wondering where god is and why he hasn’t intervened. I hear the free will argument but it conflicts with answered prayers.
I hear the no remarriage argument, but it conflicts with law/grace..
I fear divorce being a way to lose my faithful wife to another man and forcing our child that lives with me to bear the brunt of this when they eventually take custody do higher combined incomes. The thought of this is so hard I would rather our child adjust with mom now and Dad be gone than to have to do it later
December 9th, 2010 at 3:39 am
I’ve been having problems w both my children’s fathers. One seems to want to take my son away and live with him. Another one abused me severely the other week in front of my son and our daughter. Am going thru so much stress of worrying about whether I’d lose the kids. They’re my world and I can’t lose them at all. I’ve got to keep them together. Pray for us to be together forever.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:41 am
I have suffered with depression for years. I first went on medication in 1995 and over the years have had a number of serious episodes including one that lasted well over a year. Now that I am coming out of it more and more each day, I can look back and say with a fair amount of certainty that it was because of a spiritual lacking. When I came out at gay in 1997, I did not feel welcomed by the Catholic church. At the same time, I didn’t feel comfortable going to a different church because of my upbringing. I struggled for years to have a relationship with God because I thought I had to go through the Catholic church. Fortunately, a therapist helped to open my eyes and when I finally came upon a pastor from a different church that was willing to spend time with me each week to help me rebuild that relationship, I made a realization. I could not have the relationship I wanted unless I gave up the option of suicide. Once I did that, my whole life changed. After being homeless for over a year and in a deep depression, I was able to find housing with assistance from a local agency, finally have a job that I enjoy again and now have a wonderful family through my new American Baptist church. I’m still on medication and have my days of depression, but I also have the relationship I have longed for since 1997. God is great!!
December 9th, 2010 at 3:45 am
As I scrolled through the comments, I was somehow comforted to see that I was not the only one going through depression right now. I am usually bubbly and outgoing by nature, but lately have been more down than I ever remember being. It is hard going through these feelings as a Christian, because,as we all know, I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart, and it’s there somewhere, but so hard to find, so hard to feel. thanks for sharing mark, Thanks to everyone for sharing. It helps to not be alone.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:47 am
What a timely reminder. Unfortunately, this depression forced me to go to the doctor. Being a single mother is extremely difficult and as of late, there is no strength in my body except to lay on the couch, sleep, and cry. Thank you for posting this, God works through people to get to others. I am grateful for your words of encouragement. Depression has been my main struggle for the past 45 years. Prayer, God’s strength, and my son are the only things that keep me going.
Thank you once again, God bless you.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:48 am
The Lord sent this passage to me. I feel better knowing this. These 5 things will help me and I thank you.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:51 am
I have been struggling with depression since I was 8 years old. I am now 42. It has been very severe at times. I am now taking the limit of antidepressants. Too much serotonin can be toxic. I was reading the bible today and happened upon 1 Samuel where Saul took his own life. Please pray for me. At the moment I am doing fine but I never know when it will return or how bad it will get.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:52 am
Need prayer. =P
Basically, have struggled with depression most if not all of my life. Not diagnosed or treated with medicine but at times I definitely think it could have been. I am gay and went my whole life dealing with this. Many fears in regards to falling away or if choosing Christ the lonely days I could face ahead. Life seems so unfair. Have thought of suicide but thankfully God has always kept me safe. Just tired of life and dealing with this area of my life and the gay aspect.
Thanks.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:55 am
friends all around me are struggling, and so am i, but i feel awful if i say a word of complaint because my struggles are nothing at all compared to theirs. but if you could pray for sarahann and her family that would be amazing. i would say more but i dont think i can. she’s got it ridiculously tough, though for a teenager.
and thanks for the post. it’s a big help.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:56 am
I am 30 and have struggled with depression since I was 12. I am also Bipolar 1. I don’t know how to handle life. I have been a christian half my life. I have been struggling a lot more lately and have been relapsing as well. I also have a couple of support groups I get help at but sometimes it is just not enough. I would appreciate all prayers. I was so glad for this post. Thank you…
December 9th, 2010 at 3:59 am
First off, thank you Mark for the information that you have provided! I feel like I have been going through spiritual oppression for the past few years. Not so much depression. The 5 things you suggested doing are what I have been trying to do. Before these attacks happened, I prayed that I could come closer to God and I asked for help to be the best Christian that I could be. Awhile after that, the evil voices came and kept trying to tell me that i dont believe and I found myself judging people more and more. I went and talked with my K-8 Youth Group Leader/Counsler and he gave me some versus and he was surprised that I found the verse in 1 Peter 4:12, like your pastor said earlier. He could tell that I had been reading the Bible more to figure out what was wrong and he said, “You know how you asked God to bring you closer to Him, well He has been doing that!” I felt so much better. But the voices still linger, not as strong as they use to, but I try to read the Bible everyday and I have now started reading a bedside devotional book with daily advice and versus. Thanks again Mark! Your helping me fight the good fight so that I can be with my Savior, Jesus, in His blessed home.
Lord, please be with all people who are going through depression and spiritual oppression. Help them to know that you have good plans for them and let them know not to worry on how bad life may look now. But give them confidence that it will all be better someday. Also God, please keep everyone safe the CHRISTmas season. Help everyone to know the true meaning of Christmas and how you gave us the best Christmas gift of all, your Son Jesus who died on the cross to save us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. All of these precious things I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:59 am
please pray for me i have been married 28 years and going hrough a divorce it is really hard i still love him but he cant get over cheating even know he has cheated on me ! also have alot of personal problems please pray for me tthanks!
December 9th, 2010 at 4:02 am
please pray for me that even when it gets dark,He will continue to use even those moments,as well as the good ones for His plan
December 9th, 2010 at 4:03 am
I have been in a funk for almost two months now. I have been working really hard at earning my teaching degree while my own kids are in school…..I am 40 now….and just had a crack at a real teaching experience…which has left me feeling hopeless. Kids today seem to be very lazy, and act like they are entitled to everything without working for it…….It’s all very disheartening…and I feel like I have been working hard for nothing. I hate the profession and feel lost. I haven’t prayed as much as I know I should but…I feel more inspired after seeing this post. I need to accomplish something in this life…otherwise I feel like I am here for nothing. Pray for me as well. Thanks.
December 9th, 2010 at 4:06 am
It is so beautiful to see so many people being so HONEST on here. And what a blessing we can be to each other!
I, too, have battled depression since I was 12 years old. Along with severe anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks…geez, what else!?
It is a struggle, but it is such a BLESSING to know I am not alone! To read all of what you have said. To hear encouragement of those who have made it through, and even those who are going through it still. We CAN get through this life with our Heavenly Father leading the way. Maybe our depression will cease at times, maybe forever, or maybe there will be times it will be bad and we will relapse back into it..either way..GOD is our ultimate, and He is carrying us every step of the way.
Thank you all for sharing and letting God use you. I prayed about my depression and shortly after came to this article without even looking for it (through a Facebook post) God is good!
I also go to a group called Celebrate Recovery (Started by Jon Baker and Rick Warren is involved too). It’s a church service..but it’s like a REAL church service! It is worth checking out- TRUST me! So many of you are struggling like me…please look it up online and see if there is a Celebrate Recovery service near you (there most likely is). A great support service of believers who are willing to get REAL, and realize their need for God…check it out!
Blessings to all..keep looking to Him!
Sharon
December 9th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Thank you for the work you are doing to share God’s word and His love. Facebook (and other venues) really need the Truth.
I would also ask for prayer regarding depression. There have been medical issues for my parents, my husband, and me since 2007; my job has become relentless over the last five years, and I am questioning a lot of things – about society, my church, and my long-held belief in the Bible’s inerrancy. Depression/spiritual oppression (thanks for that perspective!) has reduced my health and stamina, clouded my thought process, and taken most of the joy from my life.
Thank you for listening.
December 9th, 2010 at 4:11 am
You have a lot of comments/prayer requests here…
I’ll just say that I don’t know if I suffer from oppression or depression – but I’ve been going through it for six years…
December 9th, 2010 at 4:12 am
**TO KARLA**
This is gonna seem crazy I got here from fbook and I am thankful to God for the biblical counsel on here…Reason I am have come here is to reply to KARLA’s seeking advice on MAY 13th: please feel free to shoot me an email at ffbhall82@yahoo.com.
Karla Says:
May 13th, 2010 at 1:05 am
I’m new in learning about the Good News, reading the Bible and attending churches etc. I was enthusiastic at first, but as I fell and fell on my way to deal with emotional challenges I got more and more discouraged.
I don’t think I’ve ever had real depression as (thanks God) I’ve never had the most significant symptoms of it – suicidal thoughts. But even without this it has caused me a great deal of pain.
For a short period of time I was well, but these few months I think the almost-depression symptoms are returning.
I prayed and for a few times God answered, but I always got back into the viscious cycle after awhile. I’m really really discouraged that I stopped reading the Bible and stopped going to church…
Because of this emotional problem I become unreasonably dependent on a very good friend who is a very faithful Christians. Every move she takes, I start analysing whether I’m still loved, still wanted as her good friend. The feeling of being abandoned, being lonely and lost become so familiar that tears have become part of my everyday life. Everytime I talk about it to friends I feel worse because I feel ashamed and useless for being so weak emotionally. My self-esteem is dropping following every ‘outburst’. I feel like a trouble to friends around me instead of a blessing I’m supposed to be.
I’m studying in a demanding course (medicine)… I can’t keep this going or I’ll fail to complete my studies. Yet I’m so powerless to make a significant change to this situation.
I was in one of my worst states when I saw this update on your blog about depression. As doubtful as I am I believe this isn’t coincidence… I’d really like to hear some advices…
December 9th, 2010 at 4:15 am
I have been in a depression for years. I feel like I don’t love my husband and just want to stay in bed forever. I have felt like I’m all alone like no one cares for me. I really could use some prayer
December 9th, 2010 at 4:23 am
Hello all,
I understand, depression is awefull! I sometimes think that it’s my destiny to commit suicide. Life is hard sometimes. I do take medicine for the depression I struggle with and it helps sooooo much. For all of you that are struggling right now, reach out, admit it to others, and remember it’s a war between principalities. I know my depression red flags: when I have thoughts like: God doesn’t love me He doesn’t hear me, He doesn’t care and I hate the world. I know to say okay this is just the depression. I also like to play encouraging scriputures when I sleep. Make sure it’s encouraging, because I have experienced the devil using scripture against me. Remember he knows what the Bible says too. I love the “I AM’S” of the Bible to. Ya know the scriptures that declare what we are in Christ. When I am on top of the depression, I do believe that God is healing me, one day at a time, and I do look for the miracle of healing. God bless you all. I do pray for others that struggle with depression.
December 9th, 2010 at 4:24 am
This has brought new light to my battle with depression which also exacerbates my battle with fibromyalgia. For 28 years I have suffered from depression and maybe before that. It hit as a child and has repeatedly hit during adult hood. I once enjoyed working with the disabled but eventually became ill with fibromyalgia and am unable to continue. I appreciate all the prayers I can get for the last 6 months have been a huge struggle and I am tired and would like to put down this burden. I have been trying to focus this fall on what the right path for me is for I honestly do not know and feel that I am just going through the motions. Thank you for your message and ideas.
December 9th, 2010 at 4:33 am
While I appreciated most of your post, the “Face your sin and deal with it” gave me pause. I hope I’m misunderstanding what you meant by this, but this seemed to imply that depression is a result of “a” sin. Yes, we’re all sinful and need to confess our sins, but we are also supposed to participate in communal worship, the sacrament of Holy Communion, etc, and those weren’t mentioned, so I think it’s significant that “face your sin” was!
Also, a previous poster said, “Let’s quit giving the disorder credit, or allowing it to be the influencing factor in our lives, when the truth, the light & the way should be our focus…true?”
Those of us suffering from clinical depression don’t “give” it “credit” or “allow” it to affect us. This sentence, which implies that a true Christian who has their Christian act together won’t suffer from depression. That kind of thinking and the unnecessary guilt that some Christians feel as a result causes much more harm than good; it actually keeps some Christians from getting help for an actual physical problem. Would you say that a person with diabetes should stop giving diabetes credit and allowing it to influence their life? I doubt it.
My husband died 16 months ago after a 6-week battle with cancer. He was 47 years old. Long story short, I made it through the first year fairly well, coping with the horrible loss, selling my home, moving, etc. But just after the 1-year “anniversary” of his death, I began struggling emotionally. I won’t go into all the details, but I can assure you that nobody would “allow” the pain and suffering caused by clinical depression.
I hope that others who are thinking thoughts similar to the poster I am responding to will think and, with an open mind, do a little research on the subject, utilizing sources that are credible and reliable.
Thank you!
December 9th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Praise the Lord….the last few days I have been experiencing a lot of anxiety, stress, confusion, and it’s been brought on by feeling attacked at work, not only that but someone made a nasty comment about me and it made me feel really unsettled! I thought, as I have been taught, that we are here on earth to build each other up, encourage each other, not tear each other down. The Lord has been watching over me and I’ve been receiving e-mails regarding what depression is, it’s symptoms, how to work through it. One thing I’ve come to find is that I need to get my life back on track, get right with the Lord. And tonight at service, my pastor made an altar call at the beginning, for those who are experiencing a need. I had to step forward to the altar to receive prayer and let God take away all the negativity inside of me. Now I understand that it’s not only depression that I’ve been dealing with, but also spiritual oppression…thanks for sharing this!
December 9th, 2010 at 4:42 am
I pray for all of you as well as myself that the lord comes he comes and lifts all of the negative energy from us the feeling unworthy and the hopelessness. I pray lord you fill us with your love as we all know how great your love is lord be patient with us in our struggles you are the almighty lord the maker of all things noone is above you lord you can and have worked miracles. I ask you lord to please work this miracle for us today lord to dry up our tears of pain and fill us with tears of joy to let us be free for all of the hurt and pain to just focus on our brothers and sisters and you lord i pray this in jesus name amen!
December 9th, 2010 at 4:43 am
Please pray for me. I have been struggling & need to be lifted. I need the Lord’s positive love to carry me. I feel sad and heavy…lonely, unappreciated & overall just down. Thank you for your prayers! God bless you!
December 9th, 2010 at 4:46 am
I’ve been dealing with depression for a while now. I got so depressed over our bills, that no matter how much I paid, we were not gaining any ground. I quit paying them! I just had had enough, not really thinking of the circumstances. Now my wife no longer loves me and wants me to leave. She is not working and on my income I can not afford to move out much less pay for her and the kids. My wife is my life! My depression has increased since she told me she doesn’t love me 6 months ago. Now my heart breaks daily! I need help and anger management due to all this.
December 9th, 2010 at 4:51 am
Thank you for your post on FB. My youngest son (33) is going through a state of depression curently and has been seeing a doctor for about a month. Currently on his 3rd medication(the first 2 did not help)and still struggling.I know alot of it is because he moved 2 states away from family due to job loss and is unable to see his children every 2 weeks as before;but besides that, I believe he is under attack because he has been drawing closer to God. I believe that if all pray for each other in agreement that God will deliver those who seek Him, we can make a difference.Please pray for Jason and we will be praying for all of you. God bless !
December 9th, 2010 at 4:53 am
I am at the same state of trouble like them. Now I reaalized that it is more of spiritual oppression rather than than depression. i used to work as an ER nurse in the biggest hospital in the middle east together with my husband. 5 months ago, my husband had a job offer from another country. The place is better for our family epecially the children. The salary and benefits are better too. So we both agreed that he should accept the job. And so he does. 3 months after he left, I, too, ended my contract and followed him to the new place and there where my troubles started. I have struggles finding a job… so I felt worthless, depressed, isolated myself from others, and worse,trying to ignite my husband’s anger so he would fight with me. But God is so good. Despite all these feelings I am going through He never left me. He blessed me with persistent friends who constantly reminds me of beautiful blessings from God. He blessed me with a husband who’s been very patient with my tantrums and never fights back. A blessing I would never exchange or return just to end to job right now. I am still submitting applications in hospitals and companies who’s got vacancies and hoping to land soon to the place where God prepared for me. I believe He just needed me to be patient and wait awhile until the right time comes. God’s watch always strike at the right time and i keep holding on to His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans i have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
December 9th, 2010 at 4:53 am
Wow! God is definitely using your message to speak to me. I am still in denial about my personal situation. Depression, just the word itself, carries such a dark undertone and stigma. Who ever wants to admit they are depressed? I sure don’t! But, it truly is clear to me that I am. It has even caused me to withdraw from God. Please pray for me. The struggle I have has been going on for many years. I do want all of this to be over. Why is it so hard to trust? I struggle to even trust God!!! If that is not a definition of hopeless, I don’t know what is!
December 9th, 2010 at 5:00 am
I too am battling depression. The last four or five years have just beaten me down over and over again. I remarried in 2005 and it was a nightmare from the first week onward. My stepson was violent and into drugs/gangs. He damaged my home and shattered any peace or joy in the family. I had to send my four children from a previous marriage to their dad’s just to ensure their safety. My new husband did not back me up with his child at all. He only cared about my stepson. I miscarried my fifth child and had to undergo emergency surgery to stop the bleeding. I conceived again and this child was put in danger by my stepson’s behavior even before he was born. I lost my job and 2 weeks later I went into premature labor and he was born weighing only 4 pounds. Four years later, he is healthy for the most part except for some digestive troubles that the doctors just can not nail down. In the meantime, my stepson went to jail for felonies, my husband began to refuse to pay the bills unless it was for his biological children, he became increasingly controlling and suspicious and he lost his job. I worked with the mortgage company to save my house with no help from him. We went on food stamps to buy food. All of this culminated in our separating a year and a half ago. He’s fighting the divorce and dragging it out as much as possible and being as vindictive as he can be. I still have no job and four children to support on my own. I am still fighting to keep my house but it’s a losing battle without a job. Last Christmas, I met a wonderful man and we fell in love. For months, things were good. Then when he felt he had no right to drag me down with some legal issues he had going on, he left me unexpectedly with no warning and no explanations. For seven months I was lost, dazed, confused, lonely and so very sad. Out of the blue, he called and came back into my life. Dec. 1st he rejected me, my kids and my home and is gone again – at least I think he is, I just don’t know anything anymore. I am facing foreclosure on my house next month, no job yet, my parents have supported me and my kids for the last year, my youngest son is still having digestive problems and now I’m having health issues of my own. I am alone without the man I love and soon will have no where to live. I am so scared and feel paralyzed. I don’t know what to do anymore and don’t have any energy to do it anyway. Where do I turn for help??!! Or do I just give up?
December 9th, 2010 at 5:05 am
i had a depression from many circumstances , but after reading this article and ur experience i think i should do this like you , read the bible and pray , take rest , do exercise
)
December 9th, 2010 at 5:05 am
things seems not moving forward for me, got lots of bad dreams which normally result to a kind of set-back. gat plans and eventually get dissolved, almost setting me in an motional trauma
December 9th, 2010 at 5:10 am
Im suffering from depression since i was a teenager and it took me a while before realising it was depression.Its getting worse and worse now c
because I’m suffering from insomnia too…I do pray sometimes and know that I should pray more so please help me with ur prayers!!!
Thank u
December 9th, 2010 at 5:13 am
Your story seems oh so familar,sad to say..but I’m very happy that God has lifted your burden of depression! They say,”GOD doesn’t give you what he thinks you can’t handle.” Sometimes I wonder HOW MUCH he thinks I can handle?! I have suffered from depression since I was a child..being an incest survivor,I blamed GOD for a long time,thinking if he was what every1 said he was,he wouldn’t allow things like that to happen. I wasn’t raised in the church,but wanted to find PEACE in my life so when I was 30 I my son & I started going to church & was babtized together at First Church of Christ. I’m now a member of Asbury United Methodist Churct & have been for over seven years. Since 2007 life has been very difficult & I have allowed Satan to stray me away from GOD and have made some very poor decisions & SINS!! I didn’t feel even worthy enough to go back to church,even though I had asked for forgiveness..I still struggle that GOD still loves me & that I will ever be worthy of him because I allowed SATAN to tempt me & I committed SINS that hurt GOD & people I love. When I’m depressed I pull away from GOD and I don’t know why other than I can’t go to church because I just want to weep the entire service,so I don’t go. Thanks to GOD my friend,who I call my ANGEL..who introduced me to church & the LOVE of GOD has helped me back to church! SATAN will not win..I will FIGHT him till my dying breath! Please pray for me and I will for you. Your story brought tears to my eyes and I have WASTED years of my life to depression & spiritual oppression,BUT not any longer,because your story has given me inspiration and I know GOD loves me & will forgive me! I need to follow for 5 steps back to salvation! Thank you for sharing your story & may GOD continue to BLESS you always! Sincerely, Angie =)
December 9th, 2010 at 5:14 am
Please pray for me. I’m @ a place in my life that scares me, I pray for Christ to show mercy and grant me his attention and favor. Please all continue to Pray for me:-)
December 9th, 2010 at 5:16 am
I pray for those who are suffering as I do for myself. I too suffer from depression. I try so hard to snap out of it but I just can’t seem to find my motivation. Times are tough yet I have so much to be thankful for. I have so much going through my head lately that I feel like i can’t seem to accomplish anything.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:26 am
Prayers please. Nearly 30 years, many therapists, medications & even a stay in the psych ward and I still struggle with depression. Jesus has helped keep me from harm, but it is a daily battle.
Thank you & God bless.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:27 am
WOW Not sure what to say except Im hurting in in serious trouble. Im in a crisi period and Im very afraid. I don’t know if my thoughts are just thoughts or if I’m really feeling like just ending ALL OF THIS HURT.
I hae hurt myself before and have failed and Made a promise to my husband and family that I wouldn’t go there again But the pain is so much to bear .
I’m trying to survive but I don’t know how much fight I have left in me!!!!!!!
Thanks for everyones postings – I will try and get some strength and hope from them somehow
December 9th, 2010 at 5:31 am
Hello. I am a single mother who is struggling financially…I just divorced an abusive man and I believe this all contributing to my depression…I am actively spreading the word of Jesus on Facebook and other places so I know this is probably a season but this season has lasted a very long time! Please pray for me and my spiritual oppression…thank you.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:32 am
Dear Mark;
Please pray for us. I am struggling to keep our home. Just as I triumph over one hurdle another is thrown at me and it’s taking a toll on my life and health. I cannot lose our home. My mother is 86 years old and I cannot have her lose here home of over 19 years and her pets. It will kill her. I don’t know what to do anymore or where to turn. I need help and guidance.
Thank you for God hearing you. AB
December 9th, 2010 at 5:33 am
I have been taking medication for a few years now for Depression. Recently I decided to stop the medication. Since then I have been having Physical and mental “withdarwal” symptoms and can feel myself going back into the depression AGAIN…… I think my family suffers the most. Please pray that i can stay strong and the depression doesnt take hold of my life again!!
December 9th, 2010 at 5:37 am
I have gone through a very hard, tragic life and yes I know it could be so much worse. I have gone through many horrible fazes in my past, but then I was SAVED and now baptized, involved with my church and I talk to God everyday, more the once or twice a day even. I have bulit a better relationship with God I have now decided to dedicate my life to him and live for him.
But these past 2 wks have been a struggle for me. Not because things keep getting worse or because of a specific thing. It’s just life has been very stressful and I have been trying to stay positive, but I have noticed these last two wks have been really a struggle for me. I have been exhausted.. so so tired, I have been feeling kinda angry and then very sad to the point I will cry. I want to get up and do things, but i’m just to tired and feel like I don’t have the energy to do so. I have felt very negative and nervous on life as well.
I have been praying and asking for strength and energy to carry through my days, to help me stay positive and not live in fear and to remind me that everything will be ok. I ask him to take this feeling away cause it’s really been effecting my last two weeks. I really havent gone out of the house much eaither because of it.
I know God is here for me, I know hes listening to me, and i’m not alone and I know I wouldnt be a strong as I am if it wasnt for him… but I just ask that you pray for me, becuase it really has been so hard. That is why I took the time to open this page you have written for us, it’s something i’m struggeling with and i’m only 21 and I don’t want to fall into this depression.
Thank you and God Bless you! <3
December 9th, 2010 at 5:39 am
I’ve always wondered if depression was a spiritual attack. I’ve been delivered and I have to say walking into that church, I felt heavy with grief but after the deliverance, I was light as a feather!
December 9th, 2010 at 5:49 am
I have depression and spiritual oppression. I have a hard time even getting up and going to church!! God knows I love Him and want Him in my life and marriage but I’m at the point to where not many people will talk to me at church or even call when I dont go not even my Pastor. I have not been reading my bible at all I even thought about walking away from my life. Reading this artical I felt I was writing it but I have really no one to talk to about this, all I do is put on a smile on my face and just live that is all I can do. Please pray for me as I am in this fight:)
Thank You in advance
December 9th, 2010 at 5:56 am
This is all about my gf .. the way she changed her self today after she left me its really paining me a lot. now she is into the hands of SIN, and i tried my best to restrict her and explain her but the enemy isnt supporting her to listen to .. thatz it she is going away from God day by day .. now this lead me into depression, why is this happening ? why cant she come back to me? its been a year she left me, but frm the moment she left me many frnds of her spoiled her spirtual life, yeah now is she far away frm JESUS CHRIST, please pray for her before the things get worst on her side .. pray so that she realises the mistakes she has done and the path she took is real wrong path .. i need prayers please help me out
…
December 9th, 2010 at 6:07 am
I have some advice…Anxiety is a form of fear and the bible says at least 360 places ot fear not. Its not a suggestions, it is a command. So that is well and good, right, but how to. Well good old Paul talks about taking every thought captive and casting down any vain imaginationt hat would put itself abover hte word of God. This is spiritual warfare 101. So God did not give us a spirit of fear, but power love and a sound mind. We are not a slave to fear, but have been given a spirit of adoption whereby we can cry out Abba Father, our very own Dad. he will not leave you of forsake you, but the trick is you have to go first…becasue you have free will. SO start to choose to believe Gods word over fear (anxiety stress and worry) Make a scripture list that is the TRUTH about your situation. If its fear of poverty that is stressing you out..then say nope God takes care of the birds, how much more precious amd I to Him. God has a Good plan for my life. If its fear of man/fear of rejection, i am accepted int he Beloved, He will never leave me or forsake me, His thoughts towards me are as countless as the grains of sand, and He rejoices over me wiht singing. Google the Fathers Love letter and look up every scripture that was used to compile that letter and really get a handle of Gods love. And the next time you are tempted by a thought, do what Jesus did when tempted by Satan, answer it is written…and quote one of these lovely truths to yourself form scripture. You will be renewed with the washing of hte water of the Word. Also take a moment and repent..tell God you are sorry for all the lies you may have believed about how little He cares about you or that you are worthless. When you start to lay down fear and seek to believe what scripture says, God will meet you in that He is all about it…but again you have to go first. Ask God to heal your broken heart if you are grieving…Grief is natural for a time, but when it drags on and becomes depression, its ungodly grief. Make a praise list, write down every answered prayer, start the morning with praise and worhip. The bible says put on the garmet of praise as a cure for depression/opression. jsut some thoughts. Our bodies and biochemistry respond ot our thoughts. the bible tells us to keep our mind fixed on whatever is good and true leaving the past behind. People walk out of depression for good all the time with this approach. It really works. (www.beinhealth.com)
December 9th, 2010 at 6:30 am
Hi, its hard to face deppression when you are in denile, I have always been the possitive one when it comes to family, friends and work situations. During my life i have been around an influance of negativity no matter how much you tell yourself you wont let it affect you,it gets to you in the long run. I am the strong one in my family even though i am the youngest… and mostly on my own. I have been distant support for my family on an emotional, alot of physical and financial where i could level but no way of release except through prayer… Reading what you wrote here made me realise that it runs deeper, I believe God can help me but i also believe i cant do this alone… My mom struggles with serious depression but the greatest cause if it is her medication, (chemo), my eldest brother suffers with suicidal depression and its all due to his choices in life and he has decided that his family dont exist appart from when he wants something my second eldest brother has brain eppelepsy and just trances out now and then and when he is not busy it happens more frequently, but he is strong and wants to make a difference just has fewer oppertunities. I been working in the same place for going on 12 years and the people i work for mean alot to me but i am not happy, was about to take a bold step and take a month off to work things out in my head to see where my heart lies when my bossman got diagnosed with cancer too. I am the only one who can run the shop and his wife was in a state too she lost both her parents through cancer about 55 years before so it was as the shaddow of death was cast over her. that was in March this year. He is recovering very well and his scan came back clear, but i am back where i started at the begging of the year… I cant do this anymore i cant do it alone. God says where one or more are gathered and stands in agreement He will be there… PLEASE help me by praying with me so this all can clear. Blessings Mel
December 9th, 2010 at 6:32 am
Thank-you and thanks to all comments. I need all the help I can get.
December 9th, 2010 at 6:39 am
I have struggled with depression most of my life. I am a constant worrier, a habit developed when I was very young. I am a faithful Christian. My depression has caused problems in my marriage and my relationship with my son. He is my only child, so I am constantly worrying about him. He is 23 years old and there is not a lot I can do. He makes his own choices. He has strayed from the Lord. I often try to talk to him on his relationship with the Lord. He really doesn’t wanna hear the lecture….which is really not a lecture. He is not rude about it, he just doesn’t wanna listen to me. He is a very gifted athlete and I try to tell him what a great influence he can be on young kids if he’ll learn to make the right choices. Please pray for me, my family, and my son. I deal with my depression with daily Bible reading, constant prayer, and a little bit of help from my OB/GYN. I really hate I have to do that, but I think there is some chemical imbalance there. Depression is very common in my family. I do feel it is often a spiritual attack because on some days, it is often unbearable. With continued prayer, daily Bible reading, and quoting God’s word (remember Jesus did this when He was tempted in the desert) it lifts after a few days. Then I think, wow, that must have been an attack and I have been the victor! Praise God for His word!
December 9th, 2010 at 6:45 am
Just this week my doctor admitted that he couldn’t help me except in increasing the anti-depressants. Have an old lady friend who is a Christian and she just keeps saying that you have to talk to God about it, not pray but talk just like you would with a friend. Many days I forget, but when I remember.the improvement in that day. I have realized that life has ups and downs and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I have been amazed that even though many things are not going well and sin is crouching at the door, God has not left me but is waiting. I have been encouraged by Luke 22:31-32, where Christ said to Peter,”Satan has desired to have you; that he might sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you. that your faith will not fail you, and when you turn back, strengthen your brethren. That tells me that we go through things in order to become stronger and to give strength to our fellow believers. Even in heartache and despair we serve
December 9th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Please Pray for me. I have struggled with depression for several years. Praise God that every passing day the battle gets a little easier with help from God and my mother. My biggest fear is it puts a lot of stress on my family and friends, and keeps me from living my life to it’s potential. Please pray for strength for me and those around me.
December 9th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Hi,
I have faced depressions my whole life and never really came out of the depressions. I took a course, the church i am in offered me the course. It is called cleansing stream. It’s a course about how to live in Christ, and after this course. I really experience freedom that God offers us. Of course the road to heaven stays a small road, but now i don’t feel depressed anymore, and everything that is happening around me doesn’t affect me than it used too affect me in a very good way.
God provides us with tools to live like a free Christian, and it’s bibicle. (Forgive me my english..I am dutch)
I read more bible, i pray more, and i feel much better!
December 9th, 2010 at 7:55 am
I am not crazy just because I get depressed occasionally!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Please pray for me as well! I’ve suffered with anxiety for years and the last 3 years with depression. These have got worse over the last few weeks due to me being single (again!) and my ex girlfriend recently ‘boasting’ about finding the ‘the one’ for her.
Feels like i never will find ‘the one’ (although i know i will!) but i feel so lonely, including the other feelings you’ve detailed.
Encouragingly i’ve been given your Ephesians verses from 3 separate people over the last couple of days – so obviously God is there.
) It’s just so hard though.
HELP!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:12 am
I am manic and as such have had a fiery temper over the years on my highs. My husband has preferred my lows but the deep feelings of inadequacy have been hard to take. I just spoke to a Ladies Bible study today about surviving the emotional storms. At times, I have purposely acted really crazy and silly in order to try to generate happy endorphins and I have found it actually pulled me out of my “sloth mode” and also, fear can. Downhill skiing did once for me. I have learned to temper the highs so that I do not get mad at my husband any more and expect him to be as motivated about things as I and the lows have shortened over the years. I have learned that I can’t always just “have character” and do the right thing in getting up out of my bed where I read a book all day. I am not innately lazy. Depression is a sickness like cancer and I can’t just WILL myself out of it all the time but if I don’t live in guilt over the lazy days, I get over it much faster. God is good and I thank him for always being the “lifter of my head.”
December 9th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Please pray for me as well! I’ve suffered with anxiety for years and the last 3 years with depression. These have got worse over the last few weeks due to me being single (again!) and my ex girlfriend recently ‘boasting’ about finding the ‘the one’ for her.
Feels like i never will find ‘the one’ (although i know i will!) but i feel so lonely, including the other feelings you’ve detailed.
Encouragingly i’ve been given your Ephesians verses from 3 separate people over the last couple of days – so obviously God is there. It’s just so hard though.
HELP!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:50 am
I am experencing depression as I am dealing with Acid Reflux .. I have this drainage on my throat that makes me nervous about choking when I eat when I sleep (wake up all night with this stuff). Seeing a gastro doc right now and had an endoscopy but so far the meds are not dong the trick.. I have a childhood fear of choking since an incident I went through. I am seekingg councelling and now going to go to a phychiatrist on Mondey for some medicine to get me through this till I heal. I am a middle age woman with a wonderful husband and he has supported me through this.. I read my Bible daily and seek Him in prayer.. Praying for a miracle to get my life back to normal.. Would appreciate prayer from a fellow believer.. God bless..
December 9th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Pastor Mark,
Hi. I’m Josh from the US and I could really use some extra prayer right now for my family and friends. I haven’t personally that I know of been in a state of depression, but I have family members and friends that have struggled and are currently struggling with it, and have seen first hand the destructive nature it unleashes and the hurt it brings (several friends have commited suicide and others have attempted due to depression). I ask you to please pray for them with me, that they are healed and renewed in God through Christ before it is too late.
And please pray for me that God will show me what his plans are for my life. I am at a sort of crossroads in my life, and am torn between two paths. I could use a little divine intervention to point me in the right direction.
Thanks for your time in reading this.
Sincerely, Josh
December 9th, 2010 at 10:14 am
I am Shackled by depression. Please pray for me to break free and Live again. Thank You
December 9th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Hey…..i’ve been depressed since i waz thirteen i’m now 16 and it is brought about by me hatin ma skul so…much tht i hav dreamz of goin back i cry in ma sleep.i also hate ma personality and can’t stand maself.thotz of suicide hav cum to mind , cuttin maself which i’ve done three tymz and feelin anxious.pliiiiii……z pray for me i need God’s help
December 9th, 2010 at 11:37 am
I am a 28 year old single mom of 2. This year has been the worst. We recently lost our home we had for 3 years to a fire and then finally found another house. We moved in and things were great at first, then the love of my life walked away. The pain is unbearable. I find myself thinking of my dad, he passed away a month and a day from my 11th birthday, and I long to be with him again. I also had both hips repaired this year and the outcome was bad. I cannot work, I was taken out of LPN school and am in pain 24/7. My depression is at it’s worst. Lastnight I actually wrote a letter to my ex, who stayed with me lastnight, telling him one day I won’t be here and how I felt about him and us. I am at a loss and unsure what to do. I feel so hopeless and worthless that living just isn’t what I want anymore, I know for my babies I need to fight this. But how, when I can’t work, excersice, I need to move again and with no job I don’t have the money. The worst is my kids who are innocent in all this will not have a Christmas. How does a parent see them so hurt and can’t do much to ease their pain? If you could pray for us I would appreciate it. I also just started going back to church I do believe there is a GOD I also have to wonder why my life is a living hell since my dad passed? Did at almost 11 I do something that GOD punished me?
December 9th, 2010 at 11:58 am
This week has been exceptionally bad. Have felt very depressed and cant stop crying thinking that God has forsaken me and that its my fault because i havent been able to handle the challenges i have been facing very well. I found myself thinking that HE is punishing me for lack of faith. I try very hard to do things right by God (not by my power but HIS grace) but it seems the more i try, the worst my situation gets. I try to hold on to HIS promises for me but as the year runs out i am fast loosing hope. I know HE works best at the last minute when it seems all hope is gone but i situations i have faced recently have been very intense. He hoeever always speaks to me through his words because whenever i am this way, He send his word through wahtever means to assure or help me and i beleive reading this post is HIS doing. Please pray for restoration and to hold on to the fact that things will work out for my good.
December 9th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Thank you for your insights on depression, Mark. I understand the similiar feeling. I like your prescription. I think I need to do all of them which I have been lazy.
Please pray for my depression/negative thoughts/ post traumatic to be rid of completedly and God’s guidance on weaning it off successfully after 4 years of medication. Am planning desperately to have another baby . Thank you so much for your prayers. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
December 9th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Thank you for letting God work through you. Dealing with a loss of a loved one and yes can now see the oppression happening. I would love to have you pray for me. Thank you!
December 9th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
The television commercials say “Depression hurts”. It’s true it does hurt. Depression hurts the person living with it. It hurts friends and family of the victim. It seems like there are many in my family that are bi-polar or deal with deep depression.
Back in April of 2010, I had a bad spell. My bi-polar depression set in and I attempted suicide. I spent 3 days in what I call a living hell!!! I was locked away in a mental hospital, under 24/7 supervision. Being a state run mental institution they couldn’t give us access to religious materials. But thats what I craved. I wanted the word of God. I wanted devotionals, I wanted scripture, I NEEDED prayers. There was only one magazine there that came anywhere close and it dealt with Angels. I kept it close. I read and re-read it, holding on to what little bit of peace it gave me. I couldn’t imagine being in there for longer than 3 days.
I was depressed, suicidal, and physically drained, but that place made it worse. When I was released a volunteer drove me home. He had the local Christian radio station playing in the van. Oh what a blessing that was. Its what I craved, its what I needed and its what I continue to use – daily doses of that radio station and its scripture readings and positive music to lift me from my depression.
I was given medication for the depression. I used it for three months and stopped – I still and always will deal with being bi-polar and manic depressive. But I’m not a slave to it anymore. I have the Trinity on my side. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are with me constantly. They will not forsake me.
Two more things that have made things easier – I read the bible and Christian books. Battlefield of the mind, The Shack, The Love Dare (Fireproof), Guidepost Devotional, Chicken Soup for the Soul books, reading how others have dealt with they pain and depression have helped me.
I pray that God speaks to you and that he lifts you up above the anxiety and depression that you are facing. If I can help you in any way please don’t hesitate to write me. Although I’m not cured of my illnesses I am better and I thank God for that.
May Gods blessings be with you today and every day. Pray that it continues for me also. I honestly don’t want to be in a mental hospital ever again.
CM
December 9th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
I am a single parent, divorced with one little girl. I am an only child and my parents are with the Lord. I am very alone with not many friends right now. The furnace broke and I have to pay an expensive repair bill. They won’t wait until after Christmas for the money. I am not going to have much money for Christmas, food is a challenge right now. I do work, and am not receiving government assistance. I have been fighting off some stupid illness and have been a little weak lately. They want over $1,000.00 a month for the treatment, which my insurance does not cover(not taking the treatment). I am standing for healing, by His stripes I am healed. Christmas is not about presents, but it is one more thing weighing me down. Decorating the house and putting up the tree is a challenge I am not winning. It is a struggle. I like buying things for people I love, not real sure if I can do that this year. I am aware of the symptoms of depression around me. It is hard to tell if it is the illness or the circumstances fighting against me. I am not feeling any joy, hope or energy, all I do is sleep. Christmas needs to be special for my daughter, and I am failing at making it fun for her. I feel so far away from the Lord right now. Anxiety and depression have been assaulting me. I have been afraid of almost everything. Looking for freedom, healing, peace and joy, needing energy and money. Wow, this is long. Thanks for praying for me.
December 9th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I am so glad to read this article about depression. What was good about this article is using scriptures from the Bible to help overcome it. I prayed and read some scriptures from the Bible this morning. After I read this article about overcoming depression, I felt very uplifted. Good article. I need prayer to help me overcome financial crisis and unemployment.
December 9th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
i have dealt with depression on and off all my life. My parents divorced when I was 4. I was raped at age 12 by a neighbor, then molested by my step-father, whom I looked up to & trusted at age 14. Pregnant at age 16 and the father dumped me, married the 1st guy to come around at age 17, we stayed married for 17 yrs. Then both gave into Satan and gave up on our marriage. I turned to alcohol and men, which really messed with my kids lives. Five of them my oldest being my daughter, age 13 at the time and 4 boys and the youngest being 3. Needless to say, my daughter took over taking care of her brothers.
After five yrs of putting myself and my children through hell, I found my self laying on my kitchen floor begging God to take the alcohol away, I got into counseling and was able to quit drinking with no problem, but I still felt I needed a man in my life. Went through a dating sight and married the first guy that would have me, just to find out he was still very much in love with his ex-wife and seeing her on a regular basis, so I left after 3yrs and again went searching on-line for a man. Yep, married the first one that came along, things were good in the beginning, just living together, going to curch, havng my grandchildren over on weekends. Then we got married, no more grandchildren allowed over, church stopped, he found his biological family after 45 yrs and I was told all long weekends and holidays would be spent with his family, because I had my family for the past 45 yrs and now it was time for him to have his. Then I found out he was having an emotional affair with a girl who had ben living with one of his friends who had just passed away. So I felt down and alone and began having an affair with someone I had known 30yrs ago. I got divorced for the 3rd time. The new b/f had a serious drinking problem which caused alot of problems. He couldn’y get over the fact I had been married 3 times and wasn’t sure if him & I could ever marry. Then in the end of Sep 2009 I found out my father was dying, he died in Oct 2009. My father and I hadn’t been close for almost 25 yrs. and this was very hard for me. Then in May 2010 I found out my brother was dying and he did in about a week. I was very close to my brother, so his also was very hard. Now me and my b/f have broken up, because i can’t take his drinking and he don’t know how to handle my sadness around the holidays. Three losses in a yrs time. It has really been a tough year, but i have 5 children whom i love deeply and who, even though I could have been a better mother, love me deeply in return. I also have a very Loving & Forgiving God who Loves Me and he sent His Son to be my Knight in Shining Armour and my Prince of Peace. This is what I cling to when I “think” i need a man in my life-I already have one, His name is Jesus Christ and He loves me unconditionally, despite my past and how many times I have been married.
There are times I long for a physical touch, but I grab my Bible and read how much He loves me and in no time I am OK, but then there are times I cry myself to sleep…Please pray that I will continue to be healed from my depression and the losses in my life. God Bless
December 9th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I have been struggling with doubting my salvation…its such a heavy burden. Am I truly saved? how do I know?
December 9th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Diana, I praise God for your commitment. I have a heart to pray for you. God bless, Mark Brown
December 9th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
There is reactive depression and clinical depression. Reactive is when the mind, heart, emotions, react to circumstances and, although has all the hallmarks of other depression, it is usually short lived. Clinical depression is usually due to chemical inbalances or other psychiatric problems and can last from a week to forever. I am a manic depressive with overlapping BPD. I also have chronic illnesses and am in severe pain 24/7. All I want to say is this: myself and everyone whom I have ever known has prayed for me since diagnosis 30+ years ago and I am still suffering. Also that when depressed to this level, there is nothing one can do for oneself and that includes reading the bible, praying, exercising ect. those are all good and wonderful things to do – but believe me they go out the window when you can barely lift your head off the pillow and get out of bed because you are engulfed in a huge, black cloud of oppressive depression. It does not go away by reading the bible, or praying. It goes away through a mixture of bible reading, praying, medication, therapy, hospitalisation, rest, exercise, supportive family and friends, and just plain hard work to tell yourself – “I will survive this”. So you will.
December 9th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Pls pray for me…iv been believing God for something and the same thing just came through for my sister but mine is still pending…i feel sooo DEPRESSED riggt now and its making me loose my FAITH IN GOD. Pls help and interceed for me…for i am soo weak right now. Thanks.
December 9th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Praying Jeddy, have you told your doctor or pastor about how you feel? God bless, Mark
December 9th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I’ll like for you to pray for : to get a job soon and to get my wife back to me.
December 9th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Hi….I would love prayer….I’m not exactly sure that what I am going through is depression, but I am experiencing great bouts of sadness. My husband and I have been trying to conceive our first child for three years now. I recently went through surgery to remove some problems that were keeping it from happening. Three months later and still nothing. I was really hoping this would be the month because of Christmas and all, but it isn’t. My sadness is beginning to really take a tole on me, so any prayer would be greatly appreciated.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Thanks for posting this. I struggle with ups and downs as well. It is interesting that you say this, because I had just made some major break-throughs and that is when I was struck so low again. Maybe the devil notices my personal victory and doesn’t like it very much. I like how you break down the clear steps you follow, I know this to be true, but it is wonderful to find support from fellow Christians! I really needed this today- God Bless you!
December 9th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
currently off work again with depression, had depression since 6th form but this year is the worst. the only comfort is self harm in various forms and despite talking to the pastor pleaing for help noone visits, calls or seems to care. i cry as i write this as i want to feel normal but how i feel is indescribabl rejection, pain and despair.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
In 2002, I attempted suicide. I was depressed, and found to be bi-polar. At the time I had 3 small children and I had turned my back on God. I wanted to know if He loved me so much why he was doing this to me. It took me years,and the loss of all 3 children, plus another little boy I had to finally realize God didn’t do any of it to me. I was reaping the “benefits” of the life I chose to lead, instead of the one God had planned for me to have. The devil definetly will attack your mind, as well as your body, when your faith is weak. I thank God for His love and mercy at the times in my life when I didn’t even think He cared. Through this love and mercy, all 4 of my children are back in my life. The guilt is sometimes overwhelming and can send my right back into a tailspin if I choose to give Satan that opportunity. So I try to pray hard, be in church every time there is service, and study Gods word. Praise God for every day he gives you life.
December 9th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I agree with Merly. I have been lving with MAjor(clinical) Depression for 8 years…its not easy. But with medication and seeing Doctors , therapy…im able to work full time. I deal with chronic pain as well which is exhausting and doesnt help the depression. PRay for all of us with clinical depression.
December 9th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Please pray for me and my family. My husband and I both experienced job losses over a year ago. We need encouragement and hope for the future. We have a 7 month old son as well and desperately need to find work. Thank you and God Bless.
December 9th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
always keep me in your prayers. I have struggled with depressive and manic episodes all my life, but it was not until 2006 that I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I. I have to take medications everyday for this illness. But I declare that I am healed by his stripes and I declare that I may have a disability, my disability does not have me. Still I have those days every once in a while that knock me down really bad.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
It is sad and yet comforting to see all the hurting people who have posted something on this site. I know I am not alone in my affliction, I know others suffer also and most important God is with me. I have suffered for most of my life with depression, at first self medicated with a drug addiction which masked my depression. Then got clean and sober and had children and along came postpartum depression. That took me to many years of many different counselors. I finally got Christian counselling and things changed and I found God, I continued with counselling. One and a half years ago I thought I was well enough to go off meds, for a little bit was doing good. then one year ago one major stress after another came along and I little by little got more and more battles with down feelings. I kept pressing on and praying etc. Suddenly about 8 months ago I started to think about leaving my troubled marriage. I suddenly felt like I had come to the end of myself and I had no love left. Shortly after that someone very close to me very unexpectedly committed suicide. It rocked our whole house. Then many stressful things started to take place at work one after another. I began to not be able to sleep.which made things even worse..finally 2 days ago, I came to the end of myself and went to emerg. and got back on my antidepressant pills…marriage is still holding on by a thread-husband is confused, angry, depressed,etc. We are a mess…BUT I truly believe somehow, someway, God is going to restore what the enemy has been trying to destroy..I just pray it is soon. 2010 had been one of my most difficult years to date, I pray God for healing and restoration for 2011.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I would like to say to Meryl that I too have bipolar 1 and am in chronic pain, and that life is a battle because of this and you have to be strong to survive. I have found a few things helpful that I would like to share, and we could at least support and encourage each other. Please send me a friend request on facebook if you would like to do so. I will lift you up in my prayers.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Hi, you have no idea how much this post has uplifted me! thank you.
I have been feeling very down for some time now, it all started when my uncle was brutally murdered a year ago i was just about getting over that tragedy when just 5 weeks ago another uncle is dead.
In space of three years i’ve lost two uncles and both grandmas, who i was close to. I didn’t know grief until now. Please pray for me as it’s totally consuming me and taking over my life…i need to be strong for the rest of my family who needs me…also please pray for my mom who have lost her two closest brothers. thank you.
December 9th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
I have depression really badly right now. I have never been depressed and I know what your ex- pastor said is all true. They more I read my bible and work for jesus the more depressed I get. It is the devil trying to stop what I am doing. I know I need to keep working for Jesus and telling others about him but I just want to stay in the bed. I need a break and a time to rest, but I am to busy. Thanks for listening.
December 9th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
When I am depressed and I get that way often I will often search for answers on the web. Since I am a Christian I will stay with advice from those that also know the Lord. In my search I came across the Comedian, Chonda Pierce.
Please watch Part 1 and 2 of her on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2twMznJHc3E
It is very touching to have someone talk about their struggles and still be able to laugh at it. She is real and honest . . . . and I like that.
December 9th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
I am 34 years old and I suffer from depression from a very early age. I am a Christian and I love the Lord with all I have, but these last few months, I have been in such a bad depression I could not pray, read bible or talk with God like I always do. I kept having terrible suicidal thoughts. I inflicted self- mutilation on myself to try and get rid of the terrible pain and heartache I felt. I finally realised I needed some help and got some herbal medication from a Homeopath which is helping me alot but I still have a constant heaviness and sadness inside of me. I started praying again but with difficulty. I want to try and understand why God is letting me suffer like this but I don’t. I did not have an easy life and I am alone in a foreign country without my family. Some days I question my existence so much. I could really use some serious prayer.
Thank you!
December 9th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
i lost my mother father,and oldest daughter all in 2 years. please pray for me.
December 9th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
I really do feel previlege going through these God sent elevating article. Now i can confidently say that the devil is a total looser. I’m a 24yr old Nigerian and all my life i have known happiness and joy. But when i started living a worldly life, i realised everything changed. At first i thought i was having fun smoking, drinking, fornicating and commiting all kinds of ungodly things. But just a few months ago, strange things that have never happened to me before began to happen. It is frustrating but i know the devil is liar. All my yrs in the university, considering the population of students, no one has ever told me i walked strange but all of a sudden, just a few months ago people i barely know now complain about the way i work. Even on my streets where i have lived for over 5yrs, people i know well mock me about the way i walk, which is frustrating. This experience is quite strange because i have never experience such in my life before. This strange experience depresses me every time and makes me think of things i shouldn’t think of. Sometimes at night when i sleep, i suffer this attack like i’m being suppressed. I do pray to God now and i feel the effect of it. I really need serious prayers and guidance because i know the enemy is at work.
December 9th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
GOD IS GREAT AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED. I THANK GOD FOR DOCTORS AND FOR MEDICATIONS. I BELIEVE THAT THEY ALSO ARE INSTRUMENTS GOD WORKS THROUGH. I AM A 46 YEAR OLD NURSE AND HAVE BEEN IN NURSING SINSE I WAS 19 YEARS OLD. i ALSO SUFFER FROM CHEMICAL IMBALANCES IN THE BRAIN BUT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK AND FUNCTION THANKS TO THE LORD MY DOCTORS AND MY MEDICATIONS. I AM STILL BELIEVING GOD FOR A TOTAL BODY HEALING BUT I FEEL IT WILL HAVE TO BE WHEN I RETIRE FROM MY STRESSFUL CAREER. I KNOW THAT THE THOUGHTS AND PLANS HE HAS FOR ME ARE FOR GOOD AND THAT MY DESIRE FOR AN EARLY RETIREMENT WILL BE INCLUDED IN MY DESIRES FOR HE KNOWS MY DESIRES AND MY PHYSICAL BODIES CAPABILITIES. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TO ALL THINGS THROUGH cHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH AND THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH. I WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK HIM FIRST AND ALL THING SHALL BE ADDED UNTO ME AS IT SAYS IN HIS WORD. I GIVE MY SERVICE UNTO HIM AND MY PHYSICAL PAINS AND CHEMICAL IMBALANCES TO HIM EACH AND EVERY DAY AND CONTINUE TO PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD. I CONTINUALLY ASK AND SEEK HIS GUIDANCE IN MY LIFE AND WISDOM IN JESUS NAME. MAY HE BLESS SOMEONE TODAY AND STRENGHTHEN AND ENLIGHTEN YOU THROUGH ME IN JESUS NAME I PRAY! AMEN.
December 10th, 2010 at 12:26 am
Depression all starts in the mind, when we start thinking about it then it takes over your minds. I try to start singing song to take my mind off the problems. The word of God says to renew our minds from things of above
December 10th, 2010 at 12:39 am
I lost my husband on Oct. 25,2008 we were not married with the paper we belived we were married in God’s eyes and after being with him fr 7 years even his family call me his wife . But after he passed away they even turned on me . I loved him with all my heart and that’s how he loved me . when we go together we both asked God if we were to be togherthat we would love each other for life and I keep asking what I have done so wrong that God took the man I loved. We always worked together on the Simi and for months we were together . But now I can not work and trying to make it on my own but at times all I do is cry becouse I miss him so much. I pray that God will show me what he what I am to do but it’s very hard to make it .The bills keep comming and all I get is a very small check from SS and when I pay all my bills there is about $35.00 left for food and gas .But I try my best to do the right thing and keep my faith in God and the love that he has given me . Please say a pray for me . Thank you and may God bless you .
December 10th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Please pray for me. My sins are gross- adultery; i have confessed & asked God for forgiveness and am ashamed to say i ended up in this situation only after “she” dumped me & left me broken after using me….
December 10th, 2010 at 2:15 am
Please pray for Anthony, a significant person in my life who helped me believe in God again…..he has been suffering with depression for 5 months now……and I am so sure that God can lift this veil of uncertainty on his head and make his feet to return to earth, not the sludge they are in…..God bless you, Anthony……….I love you.
December 10th, 2010 at 2:42 am
I am really down this holiday season and don’t feel in the mood for Christmas and that makes me feel guilty – llike a bad christian. Does God care if we don’t feel like celebrating?
December 10th, 2010 at 5:20 am
I am in need of help!! Depression has taken over my life. I sleep or cry, constantly in emotional pain. I have never felt this before, and don’t know how to overcome it. The pain is horrible. God have mercy. Please, Please, Pray? Thank you
December 10th, 2010 at 5:45 am
This has been my 3rd year fighting clinical depression. After lots of drugs, therapy and prayer, I still find myself returning to the land of the dead. Each time that occurs, I find God further and further away. After so long, I feel a afraid to ask for prayer/talk to some Christian people from church as I think and think they will think that after this long, I should have sorted my life out. I realise now that I can’t do this AGAIN alone. Please pray that God will show me the right person to talk to.
December 10th, 2010 at 6:45 am
I have battled depression since I was very little. For the first time since 4th grade I am not on meds. I am struggling but I feel more alive – usually. I am new to faith and have been praying and hoping Jesus can help me by making me stronger, more faithful and trusting in Him, and more balanced. Icould really use some extra prayers if anyone can spare some. Please pray for my health and faith, my husband to stop drinking, and for our family. I feel like I am just spinning my wheels and never getting anywhere. I am trying really hard and feel very invisible and never good enough. I could really use extra prayers. God bless
December 10th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Praying! God bless, Mark
December 10th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
God will never abandon us or leave us, He is always there. He listens to us, Loves us so much, and Cares for us. Pray to God at all times, Read your bible everyday, and go to church, this honors God. If you want to be close to God these are things you should do. I have been with God 8 years I have been through alot myself, but I have learned alot through these years. When you have thoughts that are not good, quote scipture, also obey God, because that shows that you Love God. I went thru spiritual attacks very severe, I got attacked by demons, it was the hardest thing imaginable after i got saved. i hanged on to God, never left him, and prayed all day, God got me thru, i never gave up. dont ever give up, God will see you thru
December 10th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Please pray for me
December 13th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I found this very interesting. My family has gone through a lot of hardships over the course of 30 years. Even though I was born with a familial cavernous angioma in my temporal lobe, I still had many problems with depression, feelings of horrible guilt, suicidal thoughts, fear of losing my mind, so many negative things and I often wondered if the devil was the root of it. The reason I say this is because I was raised in a family that did not attend church unless it was Christmas or Easter. I was never baptized, but at age 30 something I was saved by someone who came to my home.
Recently my husband had a stroke, and some very strange things started happening in our home. Odd things happened before, but it increased. My daughter and I heard my husband comment on a man standing next to him when he was having a stroke, even though we saw nobody, so morbid curiosity struck us and we began looking for an answer via EVP sessions in our home. The things we heard frightened us terribly and now I’m not so sure that whatever was standing next to my husband was a good spirit or angel.
My faith in God and Jesus have always been with me, even without church, but I have prayed more than ever since I heard these voices in our home. It drew me closer to God for protection from whatever was already in our home, or whatever we might have let in on accident by performing an EVP session. I mean, if you believe in God, you HAVE to believe in spirits. So I didn’t see a problem with trying it. Since then I have become incredibly depressed and frightened, as if something bad has taken hold of our home. I pray that Jesus will remove whatever it is that is making our family so uncomfortable, but like many people have told me in the past, the answer isn’t always “yes”.
It’s the holidays, we are broke because of my husbands stroke and the bills, and we have 5 children in our home. I know Christmas isn’t really about Santa Claus and presents, but they have always had the traditional Christmas’ with home baked cookies and presents and such. But this year they won’t and it’s breaking my heart and making the depression even worse. Everything I do in my life is for God or family, and I feel I have let both down.
Please pray for our family that whatever is trying to destroy us will go away and leave us in peace.
December 14th, 2010 at 1:53 am
I can think back to a time when I was praying and reading my bible consistently, and I was so excited!…but for a while now I feel like I have regressed…by alot. I don’t know why and I can’t explain it either. Recently I have also been struggling with feeling depressed alot….almost constantly at some points. I feel like I aam not going anywhere. I know in my mind what I should do…but I don’t know how to findthe motivation to do it. it seems so simple to just try to pick up where i felt off yet in practice its really difficult. But after reading this anda few of your other posts i think i can try again. My God has been so good and kind and patient and loving and forgiving with me, that i can’t just give up completely. I am not going to throw in the towel so easily, even though at timese it feels like the towel is being taken from me by force.
Thanks
December 14th, 2010 at 2:25 am
im 15. ive been depressed for 5 years. suicidal for 4 and cutting for about 8 months. There isnt nearly enough room to even fully discuss one of my problems….but i am so messed up. I (voluntarily) go to church twice a week and do bible quizzing. i also go to church camp in the summer. i try to read the bible every day. Im trying so hard but half the time i barely belive in God. I live in a house of athiests. my family mocks me everyday for my beleifs. i find my own rides to church. Im really struggling and im desperate. I just want to recognize Gods love. Please please pray for me.
December 14th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Mark,
Thank you! The volume of responses you’ve received is testement to the numbers of people out there who struggle with depression!
Mental illness runs strongly in my family, as is scientifically proven. I myself have been diagnosed with recurrent severe depression. Although right now it is well managed and in remission, I know it’ll strike again, and I realize that when it does strike, I pray fervently. But I also have this analogy: While I pray without ceasing, it’s a time where it is difficult to hear God responding. It’s like my God antenna is broken…not receiving. I’m sending messages up, and I KNOW he is sending messages back, but all I’m getting is static. I have to ride the waves with a quiet contentment knowing that this too, will pass. The worst part is feeling the immense guilt at knowing that my genes have passed this on to my children.
December 14th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
Hello. I myself have been dealing with depression for awhile now. Since my mother walked out on our family when I was 13. 17 years later now, I’m still dealing with sadness. I have a family of my own now, a good husband and four daughters. I want to be a great wife and mother, but it’s hard sometimes because I feel down on myself sometimes I feel like I should be doing more. My husband has depression also. He doesn’t talk to me much, we never kiss, he likes being alone and always plays online poker, and watches tv when he’s not at work, I can never really talk to him because he says that he’s trying to concentrate on his game or tv show. He seems anrgy alot and the smallest things will set him off it seems. He doesn’t like his job outside of the house. I know that his job is really bothering him because they expect alot from him, he’s overwhelmed from it alot. I just wish that he could take some time off so he can relax alittle. I’m not working currently, I was let go from my job in April this year. I’m unemployed and take care of our children everyday. Sometimes alot latley I feel like I should be working like my husband. I like being home with my daughters though, it’s a fulltime job and I like being with them. We just started going to a good church so I hope my family and I can learn about the bible and christ together and be happy. I’m praying for a change.
December 15th, 2010 at 1:09 am
i’ve been through a lot of life’s hardships. i am so depressed that my ex-boyfriend has to break up with me by the time he comes home abroad. i even got text threats from his girlfriend. he did not apologize for this action and even told me that he loves his girlfriend so much. in time for Christmas for breakup. i am so desperate to this day hoping that he will come back. for so long, what i am doing is to pray for those people i care the most and i dont neglect those who do wrong to me. despite his negative past, i accepted him whole heartedly. and yet what i got was a broken heart and a broken trust. everyday i kept on praying and i thank God that i am standing still. i pray that his conscience will lead him to the right path and realized how difficult it was for me to cope with this traumatic experience. may he come to me one and apologize for what he did. God is with me. i will help you pray for all your intentions and please help me pray as i still struggle to move on. Peace to everyone.
December 15th, 2010 at 3:49 am
Wow! That is the most insightful blog I have seen on the subject yet. I do have depression that I’ve been treating medically for almost 8 years. I do get into the Word and I do pray all the time it seems like.
Sometimes it is as though you are being attacked by the enemy. I’m glad that someone out there sees ALL the possibilities of it, and not just state the usual like “snap out of it”, etc. that depressives hear all the time.
Excellent post!
December 16th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Rev Mark…I am going through a terrible depression and spiritual attack. I need many many prayers..Please all who read this ..i am begging you to pray for my family…my sanity…my patience…and my faith.
December 16th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I have dealt with depression most of my adult life in one way or another and I am 51. This Christmas time is not the worst, but is pretty close. My father,brother and sisters are all on the outs with each other, and I in the middle. My husband is an alcoholic who is fighting his own battles of depression, anger and anxiety. My children are all facing their own issues, whether it be money, job issues or family issues. I lost my job a year ago and haven’t been able to get a job. I am either over qualified or not qualified enough. My mother died 6 years ago, and whether I knew it then or not, she was the rock of the whole family. I miss her terribly, and for some reason I feel the need to help all the family heal and reunite, and know I do not have the energy or the power to do that. It wasn’t until 2 days ago, when talking to my mother-in-law that she helped me to see that I needed to go back to prayer and to church to lift my spirits and heal myself, and to let God heal the others in my life through His time. I am still struggling with that, but am trying to do just that, and I wanted to thank you for your advice. I am not much for exercising, but will start with walking, and taking time to sit and pray each morning. I have problems with the take time to do something you enjoy and to relax. After years of taking care of everyone else’s needs and wants, I don’t really know what I enjoy or how to relax. So I will work on that too. Thank you for your insight, and please say a prayer for my whole family and myself. Thank you so much, DeAnne
December 16th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Thanks for the great verses and explanations from the word of God to fight against Devil. Actually it is the same conditon with me as you have faced before. I feel like life is worthless, suicide is the solution but I am glad that I got chance to see this comforting verses. I think I should start praying and be close to God as much as I can to win the battle against our greatest enemy, devil. Thank you so much. Please pray for me.
December 16th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
hello my name is carole iam a 48 yr old and in the resent yrs i learned that i have a infectionous disease that will never leave my body so most of the time i go into a depression stage and it gets hard to function because of the pain thats comes and i cant stand to long and i have six children but two are grown up and one has just resently move back home and he try his best to help me but the more he helps the worst the bill collector wants i dont want to lean on him to much so i try very hard to deal with it myself but it is so over the top my gas is about to get turn off and lord knows i cant really afford my children nothing for christmas or tree and my husband cant find a job because he has conviction on his record and is on parole and most jobs dont hire convicted felons but he also study the bible now and go to church and has turn his life around he and i have did drugs and the lord turn i’ll life around so it very hard for me and then i am a person that cares so much for people i have open my doors to my lil brother that also has a drinking problem that really doesnt have no where to live and also my brother in law and my grandson so it very hard for my lil ones to enjoy their child hood and to have the things that children have on christmas morning i try to explain to them about the struggle but even then there eyes was so gleammy and then i got my landlord that jumps down my back when i cant afford to keep the water bill down please pray for me i need so much to move away and most of the time its my landlord that takes me out of my path i do go to church i pray but i need to study the word more but it constantly activity in my house and also please pray for my sister and her husband to come back to church they have been a big inspiration in my life when i thought that there was no hope when i was into drugs and then i join their church me and my husband and children but there was a lot of misconseption in the church that might have remove them from the church so please pray for them again and my family and this nations
December 16th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Please pray for me too….I don’t want to write all the things down but reading through so many of these, and there are many, i see that i am not alone even though it feels like it….thank you for your faithfulness in this ministry. The silver lining of my cloud is that I will do the same thing ministry wise one day when I’m motivated to get with it. Right now I am leading the most unproductive and disappointing life anyone could imagine while on the outside it looks great. I feel alone, childless, loveless though married and simply don’t want to get out of bed. I feel as though if I died in my bed, no one would know for days or weeks and my cats would eat me. My expectations of life are contributing to my sorrows….I hate my life. I hate myself….God I need you to help me and return unto me the joy of my salvation and the heart to built up my life again and live life with passion and hope. I know this is not the end for me. I know you have a plan for me. I know we will get through this together……thank you Lord for hearing me.
December 21st, 2010 at 2:53 am
I have read many of the postings and my heart goes out to all of those who are suffering. I too have suffered from depression and anxiety much of my life. Now, I also have chronic pain from all of the years that I participated in contact sports. I am a psychologist by training and find it more difficult to ask for and receive help, when I have been on the other side of pain and suffering, helping others cope. Perhaps the greatest
part of the challenge is to give my pain and depression to the Lord, but somehow I find it so very hard to do. I feel guilty about this especially when the rest of my family it seems are much more faithful than I am, especially my parents and older brother. Thank God they are all alive. One of my greatest fears is losing my father, who has always been there for me and continues to support me in my ongoing depression and chronic pain. Please know that even people like myself,a trained psychologist, also deal with all of the issues that you other good folks do. I wish that I had a companion to discuss this with. Unfortuantely, I never married and now regret that very much as well.
December 21st, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I woke up this morning exactly like you described. I have been having difficult family issues and they are what is trying to devour me…my lion. In the business of the season I didn’t go talk with my Lord as I do everyday so yes–I was weak. The lion in my life jumped and I was in a battle of epic proportions (in my mind). Thank you for reminding me of where my efforts need to be. Thank you for sharing your struggle. Please pray for me as tonight I will be around my “lions” at a family birthday gathering. The “lions” both need you dearly and I am the only “church” they know. So, when I stumble they take that as a picture of the church as a whole. Pray that I can be a better example of Christ’s love.
December 25th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
The below statement happen in Nov 2009 but even now I am still hurting and feeling almost the same way, God has been with me I know because if he wasn’t I think I would not be here.
all happen to me in a matter of 2 months
1. He had affair (7 months it was going on)
2. I got laid off.
3. I maybe losing my parents home that has been in my family for almost 40 yrs,
4. we were $25,000.00 in debt
5. I will have no medical insurance( for me and our son)
6. He just left and walk out the door Dec 25, 2009
7. He told me that God is Blessing him
8. He moved in with her and her 2 children
9. He doesn’t even speak to me at all ( after being together for 18 yrs)
10. The other woman was marriage too ( says she is a Christian)
11. He has told his whole family that seem like they don’t even care and took her to meet them too.
12. She can just have my husband and live happy ever after
13. My husband can do all this and still get blessed with all his heart desires.
14. He said that God is in control
15. He said that this is Gods will
16. My older son is going to jail
17. My husband totaled our car, but now he is riding in new one with her
18. I was out of work ill for a month, while he was having his affair
How on earth do I still be able to hold on to God with all that ?
So he can just do all this and live happy ever after and it’s ok with God.
I hurt so bad I can hardly breath,
I have lose a lot of weight, very depressed, can’t eat or sleep right.
I try to read my bible and pray but still the pain is more then I can take
please help
December 26th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I have suffered major depression for many years,and faulsely thought for a very long time that God must hate me and therefore had left me!
However I didnt realise that these thoughts were coming from the devil not God.You see the devil is a liar and the father of all lies,not only does he lie but he is also a master at twisting scripture to make it seem like God has left you and forsaken you. For a believer in Jesus Christ this is absolutley IMPOSSIBLE!!!! Even if you sin willfully or acciddently Romans 8:1 says “therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” NIV and 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins,he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness!” NIV. We must confess what the word of God says about us to destroy what the devil is telling us! Even Jesus had to speak Gods word out to combat satans lies, if jesus had to use the word of God to combat satan dont you think we do also? The answer is yes we must also! So put on the full armor of God-read Ephesians 6:10-18. Jesus said man cannot live on bread alone but by every word of god!As christians we’ll live defeated lives if we dont know and speak the word of God and satan knows that, so he’ll try anything to try and stop you from knowing who we are in Christ. So right now go to the mirror and look at yourself and say out lowd “I am the righteousness of God in Christ.”And keep saying it until it sinks in and you believe it. God punished sin once and forever in the body of Jesus Christ on the cross, it would be wrong of God to punish you when you sin when it was already punished on the cross! God cant and wont punish sin twice, either Jesus sacrafice for sin was once and for all acceptable to God or it wasnt! But according to scripture jesus sacrafice for sin on the cross was totaly acceptable by god forever! So next time the devil makes you feel guilty for something youve done or says to you that God has left you Quote ” I am the righteousness of God in Christ” and Hebrews 13;5-”never will i leave you; never will i forsake you”You’l believe whatever you put your faith into so dont put your faith into what the devil tells you, put your faith in gods word, and watch some of those dark heavy clouds that have been hanging over you start to let sum light in! I pray that everyone who reads this testimony will be tenacious in reading Gods word and find out about who you are IN CHRIST! amen
Grant
December 30th, 2010 at 2:53 am
I too have been facing depression here lately. On 09.15.2010 I woke up and was unable to get up from a lying position. When I was finally able to get up, I couldn’t walk. I finally got myself up and dressed and my mother took me to the hospital. Well the doctor, or course, blamed this injury on the type of work I do(I am a preschool teacher assistant) and said that it was from me picking the children up(we rarely pick them up). So a month had past and I had not gotten any relief so my primary doctor sent me to physical therapy. That provided no relief either. From there I was sent to a neurosurgeon to talk about possible surgery to remove this herniated disc in my spine that was causing so much pain. Well, because of my weight, and limited surgical tools at this hospital, the surgeon was not comfortable with doing my surgery. I was back at square one. Unable to work, still in excruciating pain, and on these horrible pain meds.
My doctor referred me to a different specialist in the city of Baltimore who was way more qualified. I was supposed to have my initial appointment with him on December 20th. Well on December 15th, they called to inform me that my appointment would need to be rescheduled because they were going to be moving to a new building. I have been changed from taking Percocet to taking Morphine pills by this time and my depression was getting worse by the day. I went back to talk to my primary doctor and he told me, “maybe t his is a sign from God for you to not have this surgery(WOW!) and that 75% of people with this disc issue, end up having the disc heal on its own.” Mind you I had attended church faithfully up until my back pain, so I have been away from church since October. Since then I have fallen into this depression, become overly negative, satan has clouded my thoughts with nothing but negative thoughts, and I have even committed sin. I was feeling so lost and disconnected from not only God, but from my life in general. I since then have started reading my bible daily, praying to God for forgiveness as well as asking for healing, cleansing, and a closer walk with Him. I love God and want for Him to be the head of my life. How do I get over this depression? My doctor has said I may go back to work and said I can stop taking the pain meds so hopefully I will be feeling more like myself again soon. I know God will never leave nor forsake us but, how does he feel about saints who fall to sin and backslide? I need some prayer please, I just want to be happy again, to serve God like the saint I am, and to just live a long, healthy life in a walk with Him…..
December 30th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Thank you for this timely message. I too suffer from depression. I try to remember that an evangelist once said that often depression is caused by the fact that someone won’t do what you want them to do. Please reflect on this. I pray that I can remember this DURING a bout of depression, rather than after.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:12 am
Dear Sir,
i am facing legal trial on 4 jan 2011, 9.30 am, i am facing some depression, lethargy and some pessimism, some spiritual oppression. I am trying to get out of a franchise contract and they are making it difficult for me. Please pray for me Thank you friends.
January 25th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Please pray for me at this time and I too will pray for others.
January 25th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
I am married to a man that is DEFINATELY a God send!!!! We both know that, but the problems that we are facing are just unheard of. It has got us SO depressed! I am looking up, but how much more does He think we can take. Requesting your prayers…. Thanks!
January 25th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Dear Rev. Brown – Please will you pray for me – I am at the end of this month without a roof over my head. I have no car, no income – I was taken for a ride by my last employer and have had no income to speak of in the last 6 months. There are no job prospects on my horizon, and I have a 10 month old baby girl to take care of. God has provided for us amazingly over the last few months – especially this month, but I am finding that my faith in waning, depression set in badly last week and all my prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling. I need a miracle of Almighty proportions…. Thank you and God bless
January 26th, 2011 at 12:46 am
I would like to say depression is a tool the devil uses to steal the JOY of the people we LOVE, If we could all encourage other with the love of JESUS, OH what a beautiful world it would be! LOVE TO ALL!
January 26th, 2011 at 3:33 am
I suffer from Borderline personality disorder. Isuffer from depression and mood swings all the time. I’m so lost right now I don’t know what to do. I use to be pretty close to God but for awhile now I have wondered so far away that I don’t know if I can ge back. I’ve had so many things happen that I don’t know if I can hold on much longer. My youngest daughter has a mental disorder that just started all of a sudden in 2008 and has gotten progressively worse. She attacks me when she goes off. I’m scared of her, she is twice my size and 10x stronger. In the state I live in they don’t have any long term facilities. It sounds bad when you don’t want your kid to be at home. Physically I can’t handle her and everyone knows it. She’s only 16. Then in Dec 2010 I lost my youngest son in a car wreck, he was only 25. I don’t know how to deal with it. And a lot of the time I try to pretend that I’m ok because I don’t want to deal with it. I’ve struggled financially for awhile. I font hardly have enough to pay bills. I thought God didn’t put more on us than we can handle. Ive cut, burned, punched things and overdosed over the years. I’m not ad bad as I use to be but I still do it to feel something. I can’t show my emotions. I have suicidal thoughts ad well. They have gotten stronger at times. I felt I was suppose to go to the church I use to go to this last Sunday and during the invitation I felt I needed to go up but I couldn’t move. I don’t know what to do I’m about ready to hive up. R
January 26th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Oh yes Please Pray for me,I know GOD is Bigger than this depression I’m dealing with I know He is Able Cause He is A Mighty Great GOD:::::: GOD Bless.
February 5th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Dear Mark and Brothers and Sisters:
As I also have dealt with depression many years, and even experienced mental breakdowns, I understand the pain that I am reading about here.
I sympathize with each one of you, and love and believe in you to overcome, however;
One thing, that I have come to realize, alot of times when we are in depression, is the fact that we are thinking to much of self.
We focus on what I am going through, how I am hurting, how I need this or that.
I find this to be true, when I start battling this depression.l have learned when I realize that I am feeling the onslaught of depression, I focus and take time to call others, pray for them, or go help someone.
My job is not to focus on me, because God will take care of me. I just have to believe it, and trust Him. so now I trust Him to care for the needs of others as I pray. It helped me overcome, and hope it will you, as well.
God Bless You all
February 10th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Thank you for this motivation in Christ. Please pray that God will heal and honor the issues of my heart. Well as my child. Thank you.
February 17th, 2011 at 11:32 am
I am facing a big decision at the moment. I have Trichotillomania, and it comes and goes when I get more or less anxious.
I am the secretary of my uni Christian Society (Unite), but I now have to decide about my university course, and what I am going to do about it. I really don’t want to leave university because of all my friends, and the support I receive here, as well as my church and Unite. But my course is falling apart, and I feel I cannot continue with it. Having to make this decision is making my trichotillomania worse, and that is making me more anxious and I’m getting depressed because of it.
I keep putting off the decision that I have to make, but I cannot put it off any longer, and I need some guidance and help with making this decision soon so that my anxiety doesn’t get worse than it is.
February 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 am
Please pray for me and my 18year old son, i am a single mother, my son takes and deal in drugs and he is so close to prison ar even death.
i have so much dept and so depresses. i need spritual break through.
NEED HELP
March 30th, 2011 at 5:59 am
I cam across your post again today and just needed to read it , thank you for sharing once again honestly, God knows what we are going through and when we cry out ‘God help’ He listens , today I did just that, that is all I had strength for , God give me strength just for this day . May God alweays be your Rock and strong fortress.
April 15th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Depression comes from the loss of someone or something.
April 16th, 2011 at 7:05 am
It was neat to come across this entry today. I’ve struggled with depression on and off over the years. Since I got married 3 years ago I’ve been doing a lot better. Really grateful to the Lord for bringing a loving wife across my path.
Currently we are trying to immigrate her/our daughter from Africa. We are very close but the process has been held up at the US embassy overseas. Needless to say it is very challenging for our daughter, my wife and for me. I feel it is important to be strong, but over the past two weeks as our uncertain waiting for our daughter’s visa turned from days into weeks I felt my emotional well-being begin to crack under the pressures of this and some stress at work.
I missed a day of work each week, and the days I did go were pretty lousy both at the office and home. But I did contend with my faith and a seemingly a weakened trust in the Lord. Though 2 days ago the heaviness lifted! Seems like I’m learning a couple of important lessons. Our experiences do require contending for the faith God has given us and learning to keep our eyes up and off our problems. Also God is very intent on developing in us a heart that though it may be offended at God at times does not remain offended.
Thank your for posting this. I’m going to refer back to the practical and spiritual tips in the coming days.
We very much welcome any prayers for my wife and her daughter to be reunited here in our budding family in the States and for God to restore what the “locust has destroyed” in each of our lives. Also for wisdom for me to lead my family in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
April 29th, 2011 at 11:55 am
well hello gm am a 41 year old mom of 2 and married for 20 years my mom died aboutn 11 years ago and i cant shake it i try i tried docs rehabs and i just am lost with out my best friend please pray for me it is really hurtn us cause of me
April 29th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Please pray for me also Mark. I have been very depressed as of late since finding out that my multiple myeloma (cancer of the red blood cells in my bone marrow) has returned in stage one after 3 years and 4 months in remission. I beat it in stage three in 2007 with 7 months of intense chemo, radiation, and a autologous stem cell transplant and thousands of prayers! I can’t help but get depressed just thinking about how sick the chemo made me in 2007. I lost 84 pounds of body weight in 7 months! I just don’t want to be that sick ever again as I came very close to death. So far I am being treated this time with only chemo pills called Revlimid and Dexamethasone, no IV stuff this time so far anyway! I love my life on Earth and hope for many more years with my family, especially with my 2 year old grandson. Please remember me in your prayers and that goes for anyone reading this post! I am ready to meet my savior when the time comes, but I would like to live a few more years with my family. God has blessed me abundantly during my life and I will be 50 years old on May 10th, 2011. I hope for at least 20 more years!
April 29th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Depression has hung over my head since my 20′s, and continues to today at the age of 42. I think depression is worse than a prison sentence. Afterall, it is a stinging condition that robs you of joy, happines, and even other ppl. No one understands it unless they have been there, and most will not even admit it if they have. For me, usually all it takes is for one person to reach out when noone else will. If no one does, it lasts longer and hurts even worse. The weird thing is that when I feel depressed the first thing I want to do is close everybody of and hide; but at the same time I need someone to reach out. I know it doesn’t make sense, but depression is real and more common than ppl realize. Just because a person is smiling doesn’t mean they aren’t depressed. I smile and laugh all day at work and the moment I get in my car cry. With the internet and cell phones ppl have become less and less sensitive to the ppl around us. that is a horrible fact for the depressed, who’s very survival depends on the touch, not text, of another human being. God Bless. Jana T.
April 29th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
I have been suffering with depression since my lay-off in 2004. It has been up and down. I go to church and volunteer with special need children and the motorcycle ministry. I pray every day, sometimes to never wake up again. When someone needs me I am usually fine but now that I know no one needs me I am worthless. I isolate way too much when it gets tough. Today with the economy etc, it appears everyone is too busy and I know I am not worth anyones time anyway. I read the bible but never enough. I personally feel if I knew how to get some of us together or at least email, or phone calls it would help all of us. Yes, most of the time I feel why waste God or anybody else’s time. My 1st prayers is always to help all of his children 1st. The only real goal I have is to help others in life. I could say much more but why waste anyone’s time on a nobody. I ask for prayers if you have the time and one more little request please smile and remember God Loves you and so do all your relatives and friends and you are needed by many people and all of you deserve to be Happy!
P.S. I have been missing church a little lately they don’t need me either.
Hope I have not wasted your time.
April 30th, 2011 at 5:03 am
Oh my god, i am not alone in this battle, i need prayer for me and my family, My mom was diagnosed with cancer and i huve been depressed for a long long time but now i’m getting anxiety attacks as well and i feel so tired of been tired and depressed, i pray a lot but sometimes i feel that i don’t pray enough, I know my father has a purpose for me. I just don’t know what that purpose is yet. This depression is consuming me to the point that i can’t enjoy my life and my children, even my beautiful grandchildren and they just moved here a month ago. I hate feeling this way so please pray for me.
April 30th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Being facing depression now n d problem’s no one seems †☺ understand what iam really going thru,can’t study D̶̲̥̅̊ word or pray,infact lost hope in all until read this post n then D̶̲̥̅̊ lord gave M̶̲̅ε̲̣ strength in D̶̲̥̅̊ passage mark 15,16….
Iknow He rose for M̶̲̅ε̲̣ n ma future τ̲̅§ guaranteed
April 30th, 2011 at 7:12 am
Being facing depression now n d problem’s no one seems †☺ understand what iam really going thru,can’t study D̶̲̥̅̊ word or pray,infact lost hope in all until i read this post n then D̶̲̥̅̊ lord gave M̶̲̅ε̲̣ strength in D̶̲̥̅̊ passage mark 15,16….
Iknow He rose for M̶̲̅ε̲̣ n ma future τ̲̅§ guaranteed
April 30th, 2011 at 11:40 am
It seems I have come to this post a year after you wrote it. I came to watch your video on stress and saw this on the margin of the page. I am currently being treated for depression, you see…
When you wrote this post, I was in the best physical shape of my life, but was struggling with many things emotionally. Exercise was a double-edged sword: while it helped me be healthy and manage the stress of my single-parent/full-time nursing student life, it fed my vanity and pride. Today, I find myself married to a wonderful, godly man, but my depression has taken its toll spiritually and physically. My counselor (PhD and a believer in Jesus) has helped me tremendously in my return to regularly attending church again and reading God’s word daily, but now I find my depression is hitting me hardest in honoring God with my health.
I just can’t get motivated to exercise regularly. Satan is making a mess of me in this area and I’m at the end of my rope with the battle. I know that when I’m at my weakest, God is at His strongest. However, my family needs me, and to be frank, I’m losing patience, and that convicts my spirit as well because it feels like faithlessness to me. The 30 lbs the depression has caused me to gain over the last six month is taking its toll, and I feel like its ruining my testimony and walk with Jesus. Please, if you could, pray for me to be freed from this spiritual oppression.
Thank you for your ministry. God used you today, and I pray you have a blessed day today.
April 30th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Please pray for me. I have periods of depression and anxiety all throughout my life. At this very moment my depression is at it’s worst ever. Right now my marriage is falling apart. I want my marriage to work, but he doesn’t seem to care any more. I have been praying every day to have God help me through this hurdle.
May 11th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
hi
please pray for me because ive been experiencing problems and deppression right now. me and my boyfriend plan to get married and settle down but unfortunately because of some belief on their religion and family we cant get marry because they said that our stars sign are not good to be together instead his family look for other girl for him even he do not want but we do love each other for how many times he tried to fight for me to his family but things becoming more worst than before. my boyfriend now dringking too much and using drugs just to forget i dont want him to do that but he cant coz in his heart he is crying to death. how many times that we talk and we nd up crying in each others arm because we cannot do anything. every night i cried. i always talk to god to give us the blessings of getting married coz i know for God nothing is impossible. i always dreams us being together even at the reality i dont know if it will happen but i never lose hope coz in my hearth it will happen coz thats what my hearth say and feel. i really love my boyfriend too much and i want to spend the rest of my life with him. please pray for us.
May 12th, 2011 at 6:51 am
Hi I am struggeling with depression, my husband says it cant be possible because it is not a sickness its all in the mind. I was a policewoman for 18 years. I was raped by our gardenboy when I was 10. When I got married I lost our baby and can not have any more children. I have a daugther she is 21 and just got married. My husband waqs transferred to another town and started a ” relationship ” with one of the women that worked with him. They sms each other at any time of day and night. When I saw these sms my heart was totally broken. I confronted him and his excuse was that the womans husband does not give her any attention and he was lonely. I am heartbroken. They still continued with the sms and I send everything to her husband. My husband nearly killed me and I had to send her flowers appologising for ruining her life. He is working in Jbh for a month an will be returning soon. Two weeks ago he went for an interview regarding a new job. I am praying that he will get the job because I am scared when he comes back to Ellisras the woman will work for him again and every thing will start all over. I don not trust this woman she had relationships before in her marrige.
My marrige is on the rocks and I whatched Fire proof the movie. It changed my life and from the 15 April 2011 I am trying my best to safe my marrige , I do every thing for my husband because I love him with all my heart. When we fight he tells me I do not listen to him and if I do not change he is going to divorce me.
Every since he left for Jbh I can not sleep if he is not with me. Since the 15 April I read my bible every night and pray to my Heavenly Father for strenght and guideance to heal my marrige. I also pray for patience because it fells that nothing is coming from his side, but I will not lay down, I will fight for my husband. Our daughter got maaried the 7 May and when we came back home he told me that we should not fight any more its only the two of us. I told him he should not be so angry with me and that I would stop fighting with him from my side. He left for Jbh early on Monday morning and I send him a lovely sms wishing him well and a save journey and that God would bless him.
Some how I am starting to feel a bit better, I pray when ever I feel lonely or worthless or as my husband says I fell sorry for myself.
But you know what, God is amazing since this weekend I fall asleep right after I said my prayers !!! It is wonderfull because its the first time that I sleep when my husband is not at home. Please can you keep praying for me, I want to save my marrige and make my husband see how much I love him and that he is my wolrd. Thank you
May 12th, 2011 at 10:31 am
A friend of mine shared a link to your page on my facebook, and something told me to take the time to look. I’m glad I did, for on the front page… was this post. I have lived with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder for my entire life, though was only officially diagnosed 12 months ago. I’ve been on a medical roundabout only to be told “it’s all in your head”, have tried so many counsellors with no result, so many medications… but nothing works. I am at the point where I don’t feel that I am living, I am merely surviving. I’m living in black and white when I know there are colours out there. I feel the shame of my condition, which makes every single aspect of every single day a struggle. Nobody knows what I am going through, I am too ashamed to share what I live with every day for fear of judgement, because of my pride, because of the stigma associated with mental illness. Everyone thinks I am happy and I hate that I am living a lie.
I love the Lord but I am lost. I know God is watching over me, but I can’t feel Him any more and that makes me so sad. I don’t know what to do any more. All the while, my life slips away, and I am upset that I am not making the most of my life, for in so many ways I’m so blessed. Please pray for me, I feel so hopeless and I am living in darkness and can’t see the light. Please, I don’t know what to do any more, I am at a loss. I don’t know how long I can keep going when it’s an effort to just get out of bed. I know it is always the darkest before the dawn, but none of this knowledge is comforting anymore. I need the dawn to arrive.
May 13th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
I have suffered from depression pretty much my whole life (Clinical Depression). I lost my Mom when I was 9-yrs. old & my Dad when I was 16. So it has been an emotional roller coaster. I am seeking the Lord, (more now in my life than I ever have), I’m asking for guidance, strengh, prayer and the angels to be with me. I know God has a plan, I am currently praying for an apartment of my own. (right now live with boyfriend). I know I’m not suppose to. My Grandma did not raise me to live with somebody before marriage. God is dealing with my heart, I know he will provide a way, (when I see no way). Currently waiting on Social Security Diability approval. I have been diagnosed with lumbar disc disease in my lower back from an old injury that never got fixed right, & also depression. (Diagnosed from S.S.D. doctors). I know the Lord will provide. This is the 3rd time I’ve almost moved out, and I always changed my mind, did not think I could do it on my own. Before this, was married 17-yrs. and been with this gentleman for 9 1/2 yrs. It has been laid on my heart many a times, So I’m trusting the Lord in all my situations. I’m getting back on the right path. Thank You for your prayer support. May God Bless You!
July 11th, 2011 at 3:14 am
First I would like to thank the god and the efforts of Mark Brown for the contents I have found through his ministries on Facebook. Two years ago, I was lost from god and beginning to realize that how I lived my life, my outlook, my opinions, and my behavior was the cause of the emotional distress I was going through. I dove into the word and prayed like crazy and after a very short time god brought an old flame back into my life. We fell madly in love again and I asked for her hand in marraige. She eagerly agreed, but soon after she began to shut herself off to happiness. After 9 months of this, she ended it, which devastated me and continues to consume me day after day. Diving back into the word and prayer has helped, and so many of your posts have been spot on, but I still show signs of clinical depression—basically, I am afraid. Afraid to live and afraid to love. As I continue to reach out to god and ask for strength and peace, it would be great to know others are praying me as well. God bless!
July 20th, 2011 at 5:25 am
Im glad to read about so many people going thru the same thing Im going thru, Lm not alone,I think I had it since I was a child. I knew I was differnt, hid it from my family when I was older I feel misunderstod,I made belive I was having fun when i was not. I like to be isolated but now with 4 adult kids and 7 grandkids it’s hard. im going to a new church I have high hope that by going to churh ,bible study increasing my prayer life I will get rid of this horrible depression that consumes your life.
July 20th, 2011 at 5:28 am
I was reading through some of the posts. I was struggling very badly here lately and I Know that it was spiritual oppression. I have bipolar adhd asperburgers as well as conduct disorder but besides all of that i had been feeling afraid had alot of worry and self doubt about every little thing that invovled my walk with god and I really didnt see it at first i was confused and angry with myself and soon begain to have evil thoughts against god I hated that because i knew god has brought me through so much in my life and yet i kept praying and he wouldnt help me through or so i thought i read the bible somewhat but everytime i read the bible i felt sad and started crying because i felt condemned. God had sent me Joyce meyers book on battlefield of the mind but yet i started to read it and i stopped reading it because it was too dificult to understand and so i kept up this vicious cycle of feeling down crying and having a sad face and feeling horriable inside i didnt know what to do and all the while god was saying be obedient pick up that book read trust in me ive got you. It wasnt until i picked up the joyce meyer book tonight that i have felt completely better because in that book i have read a couple of chapters and it explains all thoughts that go through the mind and how you can have victory over the enemy. 3 simply ways read your bible Praise god and mean it sincerly in your heart and pray. You have to keep it up and have to have courage and dont stop because its not easy and you will have victory over the enemy. If you are struggling with troublesome thoughts and think its depression which it will bring you into depression then i encourage you go to your library and check out Joyce Meyer Battlefield of the mind.
July 26th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Here’s a bit of a twist in what I ask for- instead of praying that He take my depression and anxiety away, can you please pray that He show me the reason I was given this problem in life and to use it as He wants me to, in ways to reach others in a more profound manner? I’ve had some pretty nasty bouts of depression and anxiety and I know others suffer with it as well. As much as I want Him to take it away, if He wants me to use it to teach others or reach others, I’d like that very much. If you could please pray for me, that would be wonderful. Thanks.
July 26th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
I’m on every type of anti depressant and anxiety meds. I’ve been suffering for most of my life. It got worse after the sudden death of my father.
I’m married with a son. I have no desire to live, not even for them. I curse every day I wake up. I’ve prayed, I’ve put on my armour, I had a complete deliverance…. I just can’t do anymore. I have no friends. My family has shunned me. I feel so deeply misunderstood.
Today is my birthday. I wish it was my death day.
I just want to die. I want to go home.
August 2nd, 2011 at 4:43 am
i am having excruciating panic attacks lately and i struggle with depression at times. my therapist and i agree that more should have been done for me medically years ago.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I have been depressed these last couple of months an I need pray, First I made a huge mistake by trying to make my kids happy an not looking out for my well being are my younger kids well now because I didnt put my foot down are put me an my younger kids first. I am facing losing my section * vouchers an there is no way I can lose them at this point in my life cause I need all the help I can get right now to maintain my living for me an my kids I am just holding my head above water an losing my vouchers would hurt me so bad..I know have done foolish things with money I have even gave guys money an I was buying them to be with cause I thought I needed a man around me an that could of been money to take care of things in home. However in these situations I have learned I love my older kids but if they want to lay up an have all type people around they have to get there own my house is so peaceful right now an that’s how its going to say an I thank God for letting me see the light an know that situation will never happen again. An as far as me giving men money that I dont have to give away thats over I am learning to like me an know who I am an love myself cause I acn’t truly love noone until I love me an get rid of this low self-estemm. When it rains it pours cause now my health want to try to go bad on me however I am not claiming it I know I am healed I just cant wait till this swollen go away an I look like my self again I am getting so tired of people saying negatived stuff about the way I look I want to pretty again lose this weight an my stomach go down an everybody can quit asking me am I pregant. An they also find a blood clot in my leg an I know it will resolve. An all those other illiness they are trying to put on me I am not an I repeat I am not claiming anything.So pleaes pray with me that I get to keep my vouchers, I find myself worth,This swelling go away do to those steriod injection in my back I start looking like the person I use to be these belly go down,An I know I don’t have to pay no man to be with me,An I am not claiming no more bad health reports I am healed,An I also want to have more faith in me an be able to clear mind so I can here from the lord cause I know where I want to go I just need help to get there, I want peace at work, not get wrote up no more be more productable at work, get my certifaction,An I know this is a long shot but learn how to drive so I will stop being a burdened to so many people. however I believe you can do anything through christ who strengthen you. I am so weary right now I reallly need him right now in so many areas of my life. BUT I REALLY NEED PEACE,AN STRENGTH TO KEEP MOVING AN MAKE IT THROUGH CLEAR MY MIND SO I CAN HEAR FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST…..
August 5th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
nd an be happy an be able to maintain her bills, My uncle really takes his health more serious so he can be around for these boys an me even though he try to get over sometimes I love that man an try to help him from trying to get over people an I don’t know whats going on in cheyenne life but if its not meant for her open her eyes dear lord, give my visha strength an the will to want to finish high school an also give it to sheala so she can go to hair school I want them to make something out of there lives not struggle like I dif are doing an my sons a gift to play sports an be on somebody nba, nfl team are just have knowledge to get a job making money I dont want them in streets, I want them in church. I just want to pray for my family, enimies,an all those who need it….
August 5th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
The beginning of my second one was cutt off I was praying for my sister to find a job she has worked so hard an I really think she has learned her lesson an she is ready,an for momma to be able to get out this sistuation with her ex-husband an ba able….An the rest is in my other blog GOD BLESS YOU ALL….
August 16th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Please pray for me,I’m in a deep depression,have anxiety and panic attacks and bad migraines. Recently I have moved into a small apartment…first time in my life I had to live by myself.I can’t work because of my disabilities and waiting for ssd but that could take up to 2 years to get it.I don
t drive so it is very hard to get to the store for groceries.I have a daughter who wants nothing to do with me if it means she can’t have her time with her guys,smoking stuff and partying all the time. I feel very lost,alone and very lonely all the time.I don’t have friends…I was in a relationship for 19 years and they up and walked out on me and never looked back. They threw me out like Friday’s garbage.I cry all the time and don’t know what to do any more.I’m on Cimbalta for depression and it’s not working.
August 16th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Please pray for me,tysm
August 16th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
I like to think I’m a Christian, that is I believe in God and Jesus. I have a REALLY hard time trusting people. I have struggled with depression since I was 10, my first suicide attempt was when I was 16 and my second was at the age of 20. I was finally diagnosed bipolar @ 32 when my first child was 2 after my 3rd suicide attempt. I was also diagnosed with anxiety, OCD, arrested development, and PTSD. The bipolar is genetic but everything else was incurred at the hands of “Christian” Foster parents. Physical, mental,emotional, and sexual abuse for 7 years. So,yes…please pray that God finds his way back into my life.
August 19th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
I suffered from chronic depression for years before being diagnosed and medicated for a time. I was in therapy, group and individual for some time after a divorce from an abusive husband. The real healing came, though, as I developed a deeper relationship with God. He has totally delivered me from the debilitating depression. I have not been on medication for years. In pondering the problem of depression I am convinced that it is indeed a tool of the devil. For those who have suffered emotional trauma and are perhaps vulnerable to depression, Satan will use this as a way to severely oppress them, thereby rendering them ineffective in their walk with God and as a witness; but, He can and does deliver from this and I am living proof of it. I find Him awesome. Walking with God and receiving Him as Savior not only liberates one from sin but with ceaseless prayer renders Satan’s tools ineffective! I praise God’s Holy Name always for this and wish I could wrap up this knowledge in a box with a bow and give to those who hurt. Unfortunately, I cannot do this, but I can pray and do pray for other hurting souls.
August 19th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
i have no specific reason why i am suffering from depression. a lot of it is from the way my mother has talked to me since i was a child but i know she didnt know any better as she came from an abusive home. it actually makes me feel worse knowing that i didnt have something bad happen to me and yet i am depressed and have been for almost 10 years. i suffer from a severe lack of self esteem to the point where i dont even think people want to talk to me and i have no friends. i dont go out of the house unless i just have to. i have prayed to have depression lifted off of me but it just feels like when i do it, that it is not enough.
August 19th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
I would very much like prayers
September 27th, 2011 at 4:22 am
Depression is something that I have suffered from since my 6 year old daughter was born. Looking back, I may have had some depression before that time, but it’s been quite profound since 2004, especially after getting laid off from my job. I’m on medication and I’ve been getting closer to God, which helps. God helped me get first a contractor position, and now a permanant position. He helped me get through the trauma of selling my beautiful home and figuring out a way to buy another home that wasn’t as expensive. It has been much work — but I’m feeling better. Next steps are to get back into exercise and work on getting off the medication. I’ve been exercising, on and off, for the past couple of years – which helps so much with everything. Now that I’m working, it’s so hard to fit it in, but I know it’s ultimately my key to calming my mind and making me feel good.
Thank you for your prayers. And my prayers go out to all those who struggle with this horrifying illness.