Do you struggle with depression?
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Depression is a common emotional condition that can range from a day of feeling blue to prolonged discouragement to thoughts of suicide. Depression is one of the most serious emotional challenges that many have been experiencing during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Have you ever been depressed? How bad was it? Depression can come from several sources. Here are six common causes of depression. If you can identify one of these causes, please talk to someone you trust.
- The loss of a loved one. When we lose someone we love, we naturally grieve. Depression is part of the grieving process.
- The loss of something important, such as finances.
- The loss of control, like of our freedoms or lifestyles.
- A biological imbalance…for example, hormonal changes.
- A learned behavior from a parent or caretaker.
- Past unresolved trauma.
I’ll never forget my darkest days. I was 20 years old playing hockey for the University of Ottawa. I was living my vision that college hockey would lead me to the NHL, fame, and fortune. Then, something hit me like a freight train—a severe depression. I was so depressed I contemplated taking my own life. I started to abuse drugs and alcohol. My thoughts for happiness were lost somewhere between Philosophy 101, Shakespeare, Nietzsche, and humanistic psychology. Have you ever lost hope or direction? It’s terrible, isn’t it?
As I look back on those dark days, I think about David’s insightful question: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalms 43:5, NIV) David coaches himself in the second part of this verse to “hope in God.” Unfortunately, I didn’t have faith in God, and I didn’t know how to coach myself.
Are you okay? Has COVID-19 or the media left you depressed or discouraged? Have you lost your job, company, or a loved one? I’m really sorry. Life is super hard on a lot of us, but today, I can share some really good news. This too will pass, and you will grow through this dark time. I’d like to encourage you to seek help, friends, counseling, prayer, and the Holy Spirit with your whole soul. Please don’t suffer in silence.
God is sending you a lifeline with this email. He sent me help with Athletes in Action on our campus, my eldest brother, and a hockey coach who must have been a Christian. Can we pray for you? Can we point you to resources that can help? Can we find you some pastors or good counselors in your area?
You are not alone. We love you. Because even miracles struggle sometimes.
Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
I’m going through a Separation right now from a marriage of 21 years. My Husband has been living a double life with an affair for 7 years. I’m completely broken. I also suffer from Major Depression. So all this Kaos and turmoil has completely broke what feels like my heart and spirit. All I have in my life is church and my children. No friends only a small few in my church and a Counsler that I need to see ASAP. I just pray God reveals light to me and close doors behind me and open new doors so I can move on from this hardest time I have ever felt. Thank you,
Nadia Brundage
Yes, struggling with a chronic illness, in an area new to us, no friends, no church home, exhausted, lonely. Been a christian my whole life but am in the hardest struggle of my life. Prayers for everyone.
Kathy
Paul I do struggle with depression,I was diagnosed with cancer in early 2016,and then towards the end of 2016 I had a major stroke that has left me partially paralyzed on my left side I’ve asked for help right now I struggling to get a lift for my motorized wheelchair ?? as no one seems to help after the stroke in 2016 I suffered 2 more but by the Grace of Jesus Christ I’m still here my health has cost me my job I can no longer work so yes I do suffer from depression I was getting to run a marathon in 2016 when I suffered all these illnesses I contemplated taking my life from being a to run, work, walk up straight to what I am now but I keep praying for a miracle your words have been an inspiration in my life thank you my name is Reynaldo Rodrguez
My phone number is (210)986-3617
My wife and I live in Texas
Rey, You and your wife are in my prayers.
Oh prayers for you! I am struggling with a horrible chronic illness, in a new area with my husband. No friends or church home and my health went from being super healthy to this. Jesus, please help us. I know Jesus is near us, I just feel hopeless. Also much loss and trauma before this.?
Thank you Paul
I have been listening to these daily devotionals for several months and eagerly looked forward to listening to them every morning as there were quite an encouragement for me.
Recently, the messages have not been encouraging and have a dark overtone.
I get it – there’s a lot going on in the world and a lot of issues but when I start my day focusing on how awesome my God is and how blessed I am rather than depression, addictions, etc., my day is much brighter.
I truly hope that my comments don’t come across as negative or hurtful, that is not my intent at all – I just wanted to share my opinion as I look forward to more uplifting devotions to start my day.
Thanks brother…I needed that encouragement!
Thanks for all your messages that bring encouragement and hope to so many. Fortunately I have only occasionally dealt with some depression when losing loved ones or going through some real rough times—but I have had many loved ones that have dealt with depression and anxiety and I have seen the long term affects on them and others that love them.
As I look back on my life the tough times were when I felt the Lord’s Presence more and would draw closer to Him. After many years of watching my youngest daughter choose an unhealthy lifestyle of domestic violence, alcohol and drugs, bringing 4 little children into this toxic lifestyle—it was only with God as “My Rock”—and Jesus becoming my “Best Friend” that I am here sane today.
All the years I prayed for my daughter and her children—my grandchildren—many times feeling like God wasn’t listening. But as I look back He was taking care of them and my prayers were answered—but far different from what I prayed for.
After losing our little grandson, ten days before turning five, of a so called accident (16 years ago) and then our youngest daughter suddenly dying in her sleep at age 40 (4 years ago) God has finally brought me to a place of Peace. I also felt Him leading me to write “My Story” in order to reach out to help others to connect with God. I’m hoping they will know He will be there to walk beside them and that they can make it through anything with His help—and also with the help of Family and Friends.
I’m am so very thankful for God’s amazing Love ❤️ and Presence in my Life and for my strong Faith and Hope!
THANK YOU PAUL MARC! MY FRIEND LISA NORYH AND I HAVE BEEN A LITTLE DOWN LATELY BUT I FEEL MUCH BETTER NOW BECAUSE I DEVOTED MY TIME TO GOD…NOY RUSHING THROUGH PRAYER BUT SPENDING REAL TIME WITH HIM. WHEN I WOKE UP I WAS FEELING THAT MY LIFE WAS AT A DEAD END BUT I MADE UP MY MIND TO SPEND THAT QUALITY TIME WITH GOD…BECAUSE OF THAT I FEEL MUCH BETTER! I’VE BEEN SINGING NEW SONGS TO HIM AND SPRAYING IN THE SPIRIT AND I AM GOING TO HAVE A GREAT DAY…A GREAT WEEKEND IN FACT. BUT PLEASE KEEP US IN YOUR DAILY PRAYERS AS I WILL KEEP YOU AND EVERYONE AND FAMILIES ON THIS EMAIL IN PRAYER! THANK YOU LORD GOD! I LOVE YOU LORD GOD!!! LOVE YOU ALL AND PAUL MARC AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY IN THE LORD!!????????❣?
I fit all 6 listed :( I’m trying to get my life back but something keeps knocking me down.. I’m ready to give up.. I keep praying every day for help
Hi Paul
Thank you for this message
Yes I have been going through some terrible things happening in my life I have tried to get help no one seems to believe me
I ask God every day to protect me every day
Please pray for me .