DEPRESSION OR THE BLUES
Josh 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Hebr 13:5, 6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
God will never forsake us or leave us comfortless even in our most trying times. Many people in the world are suffering from depression or the blues. The reasons vary but most of them are because of an event in their lives, triggered it, and in other cases it's because of a chemical imbalance. What ever the reasons, God can help us remedy anything in our lives all we have to do is believe and trust in Him. In order to do that we must let go of our fears.
Isa 41:10, 13 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Or I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Studies show that many people have had or will experience some kind of depression in their life. It can result from a death in the family or any kind of change that causes stress. Stress can sometimes trigger an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Medication can help balance these chemicals and help keep them in check.
The "Winter Blues,'' seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a very real problem for about 10 million people a year. People with SAD have lost the natural rhythm that signals the body to fall asleep and awake at the proper times. Researchers still don't know why some people are affected more than others, but they have found an effective natural treatment - returning daylight, particularly morning light, to the person's life.
Postpartum mental illness falls into three categories: "the baby blues," which strike half of all women a few days after delivery and disappear within a few weeks; postpartum psychosis, a sometimes homicidal disturbance that affects one in 1,000 mothers; and postpartum depression. In the best outcomes, the depression disappears on its own, but postpartum depression can worsen with time and require medication and counseling. Left untreated, it can even result in suicide.
Feeling isolated, downhearted, and unsure?
Nearly everyone has had the blues at one time or another. You can get stranded in these feelings so much that they weigh you down.
You can conquer these blues feelings and beat depression. Here are some suggestions. Try them and see what works for you.
GETTING UP IN THE MORNINGS: One of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even weekends). That means about 7 a.m. or earlier. Regularity helps your body function more normally.
LIGHTING: Light helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Even better, get dressed and go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can.
MOVEMENT: Be active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body.
LISTEN TO MUSIC: Play some active, cheerful music as you dress and have your breakfast.
EAT A GOOD BREAKFAST: Begin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, and cheese). Balance your most important meal of the day; add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread.
TALK TO A FRIEND OR JOIN A CLUB: Talk with someone you enjoy about subjects you take pleasure from or join a club where you will make new and interesting friends that you can interact with.
CONTROL COFFEE: Limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Drink caffeine free herbal teas with out the sugar. They will not taste as good, but they are better for you.
CONTROL SUGAR INTAKE: Sugar might give you an initial charge of dynamism, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too.
AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: Alcohol and most drugs like marijuana are depressants, so when feeling blue or depressed avoid alcohol completely and stop taking drugs altogether.
MAINTAIN FIBER EAT HEALTHY: Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals.
VITAMINS FOR ANXIETY-B COMPLEX: Some persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." Consult your doctor first.
HABITS: Changing your routines is another way to help shake the blues. Go out to a new restaurant buy yourself new cloths. Change your looks by getting a new hair cut. Pamper yourself.
TRY OUT HUMOR OR A NEW HOBBY: See a funny movie, read a humorous book, or listen to a comedy tape/CD. Start a new hobby or interest. Remaining active is a good way to beat the blues.
ACTIVITY - KEEP BUSY: Studies have shown that exercise is a great way to break depression. Take a walk, ride a bike, run or go to the gym. Keep yourself busy so the blood rushes into your body and brain. Other suggestions are to clean the garden, wash the laundry, do some house work, the important thing is to keep yourself busy.
PRAYER: Prayer and meditation is a good way to help beat the blues or depression. Talking about the problems that are affecting you will also help. Seek counsel from your pastor, priest or reverend at your local church. They are there to help you. So get it off your chest.
If these feelings of depression persist for long periods consult your doctor, as you may need medication to help you cope with the problem.
Rom 8:28, 31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Ps 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Ps 103:2-4 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
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