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I'm Not Depression

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I am going to address something that many of us are feeling but nobody wants to talk about, something that I know very well and that is depression. Depression exists, but it does not mean it is who you are. It is a disease that can be treated once it's exposed. Many of us have hidden behind the stigma that we should not talk about it because if we do, we will look weak. I tell you from experience, when you don't talk about it, you get weaker. My Beauties, today we are addressing a topic that weighs heavily on my heart and the hearts of many.

Depression is a mental health condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness, and loss of interest in activities, and affects how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities. It impacts your sleep, focus, and appetite and it can linger and hinder you from living a fulfilling life. It can come from family history, brain chemistry, life events, trauma, and stress. It does not come from you being weak or from you having a lack of faith. It's an affliction, just like any other health problem. Proverbs 12:25, says, "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Depression and anxiety existed then, and they exist now.

God doesn't always take away the pain or hardship. Remember Paul's affliction? He pleaded three times with the Lord for relief, but God said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). God's peace and strength can provide comfort, even in the darkest hours. No, my Beauties, I am not saying it is easy; by no means, it is hard, and sometimes you can't even lift your head off the pillow to even ask God to help you one time, and Paul pleaded three times. It is hard, and for someone who has experienced this suffering, it is not something that I take lightly. The struggle was real, but as real as the struggle was, God was and is more real.

I suffered for many years, and I want you to know that it's okay to acknowledge your pain and your difficulties, and no, we don't give it power when we expose it; we actually take the power from it when we bring light to the pain that we are experiencing. There is courage in honesty. We cannot heal a wound that we don't acknowledge is there. It is when we acknowledge our powerlessness that God can come in and take over. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast our cares upon Him, for He cares for us. We are not alone on this journey; when the light is shined on the pain we are feeling.

Let us not forget that we have a loving and caring father who understands our struggles and is waiting to hold our hand through the trying times. Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." In your pain, the Lord is much closer than you might believe.

Remember the words of Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Trust in the Lord's guidance and seek support to overcome the challenges of depression.

While we stand on God's promises, we must remember He gave us wisdom to seek help when needed, something I did not do for a long, long time, and I promise you I regret it. I believed the stigma because that is what I was told to do. Nobody cared so neither did I, but God truly cared for me as I know He does for you. The word of God, therapy, counseling, support groups, and prayer can aid you in your healing. We will stand together, bringing our struggles to Jesus, comforting one another, and seeking professional help when needed. God is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Application

Prayer

Father, in the name of Jesus, we call upon your strength in these trying times, renew our minds, and give us the right spirit. Help us, Lord, to rely on you and not look at our situation, keep us in perfect peace as our minds stay on you, we thank you, Lord, for your unchanging hand and we welcome your love and peace as we wait on the victory that awaits us in Jesus' name, we pray by the power of the Holy Ghost, Amen.

Note: This blog is not intended to replace the help of professionals, do not hesitate to seek help, read your bible, pray and surround yourself with people who truly care about you. Call 988 or Visit 988lifeline.org

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