Well it's Tuesday. Yesterday was "Blue Monday" Supposedly the most depressing day of the year. I try to stay positive, encouraged and good humoured. But you know, sometimes it is a struggle. It's like treading water for hours on end - I eventually get tired and start to gulp water. It's the times when I start to gulp water that are the hardest. I realize that "I'm running out of strength." I realize "This is getting hard." I realize "I need help - really soon."
That is when I look up. I say "Lord, I'm tired...Lord, this is hard...Lord, please help me." Sometimes the help comes as a sun shining day. Sometimes the help comes as a friend calling out of the blue. Sometimes the help comes by seeing a doctor...yep - seeing a doctor. My thoughts are that doctors are gifts from God. No one thinks twice about seeing a dentist if there are problems with your teeth, an eye doctor if there are problems with your eyes, a heart specialist if there are problems with heart....so why is there so much resistance if the signals in the brain aren't working correctly in getting medication from a doctor to help the brain work smoothly? Just my thoughts...
I do know that there are also a lot of things that I can do...
1. Get exercise – go for a walk, swim or ride your bike.
- Make time for pleasurable activities – do a craft, watch a movie, listen to uplifting music.
- Spend time with someone who will support you – hugs help, just have a nice talk.
- Relax – take a bubble bath, read a good book, get some sun.
- Set simple goals and small steps – set goals that are attainable, acknowledge your accomplishments, don't try to solve big problems at once.
- Eat balanced nutritious meals – cut down on junk food, avoid alcohol, include lots of fruit and vegetables.
- Pray – tell God you problems (He already knows them, but there is something renewing when you verbalize them.)
- Read my Bible – the Bible is full of encouragement! Did you know that Elijah the prophet – yes the one that called fire down from heaven - had a bout with depression! (I've got a study on that....maybe later in the week I'll post it)
One of my favourite verses is Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." I have held on to this verse throughout my life.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." I have held on to this verse throughout my life.
I know that everyone is different, and I am not writing this with anyone in mind but myself. I find that a little bit of self help and self examination helps keep me on the right path.
Have a great day !
Tim, I really enjoy your writings. jeremiah 29:11 is my favourite bible verse for numerous reasons. It is so full of promise, hope and reassurance. My wedding verse,
ReplyDelete"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
also has guided me ( and Henry too) through our marriage and through our lives both as a couple and as individuals. Throughout my life I have had bouts of depression and anxiety which sometims still rear their ugly heads and its at times like these that I cling to those verses....as well as follow your good advice for helping ourselves. We are complex people, us humans, and God is willing to equip us with the tools to conquer our struggles. Without Him though, life would be empty indeed.
Thank you Tim...you are very profound.