Steps for Handling Depression

Many people struggle with feelings of depression at one time or another in their lives. These emotions range from mild feelings of being discouraged or "blue" to major episodes of dysfunctional behavior. Coping with depression can be difficult, but there is hope and it is treatable.

The first step is to consult with your family doctor to be sure that there is no physical reason for your depression. A chemical or hormonal imbalance, medication that needs adjustment, and various diseases or physical conditions may account for depression. The next step is to consult with someone who is skilled in helping people explore and understand their feelings. This might be a psychologist, a pastor with training as a counselor, or someone at a community agency such as Family Services. You need to ventilate and express what you feel, and try to understand those feelings.

Then take action. Don't wait until you "feel better," or until medication produces change. Take the initiative. Plan activities with others you like and trust. Stay in touch with your friends and family. You need the support of others who understand these difficult experiences. Even joining a support group of others with the same feelings, under the guidance of a counselor, can help you to see that you are not alone in this struggle.

Fourth, force yourself to turn your attention toward the immediate future rather than the past. Make plans, map out what you will do today, tomorrow, next week, next month. This will keep the mind projected into hopeful situations.

Fifth, take on some projects that require both mental and physical exertion. This should be something which you enjoy doing, so give some thought to your special talents, abilities, and interests. The energy that has been wasted on fretting can be turned into something productive. Perhaps you could start a new hobby or become involved in a worthwhile community project. Start a program of physical exercise. A brief trip even for a weekend might give a fresh perspective for dealing with your situation.

Finally--and most important--start or renew your contact with the one who cares most for you, who wants to share your life with you. This, of course, is God. The central message in Christ's life is that the loving and compassionate Father God is saying, "You are important to me, I care about you, I want to help you." Give him a chance. Open conversations with him. It could begin an exciting lifelong adventure.