or stressful life events as possible causes. Those who participated in Dr. Nedley’ s program, which is aimed at changing lifestyle habits and reducing the number of these main causes, found that their depression and mental state improved overall. 6
Depression does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone: a peer, friend, family member, or partner. While those who are struggling don’ t always make it obvious, if we recognize someone in trouble, it is our duty to let them know they are not alone. Our eyes need to shed the lens of judgment and we are to become diligent searchers for those in need of support. We must learn to reach out and be with people in their moments of crisis, as Jesus does with us. A simple word of kindness can soothe the broken heart; an invitation to your home can fill their void for companionship. God can work through you to become a living remedy for that soul. Praying for them, with them, or spending time with them will allow God, the greatest physician, to work through you as a light to someone imprisoned in darkness. We must learn to hear the cries of the brokenhearted without flinching and let them know that they are welcome in the arms of Jesus just as they are.
Even with a disorder like depression, the Savior understands. He feels our struggles and wants to bear our burdens, if only we let him. When all seems hopeless, God asks that we cast upon Him all our anxieties, desperation, self-loathing and anything else that may steal our peace. He understands our pain and was beaten down by our sins so that He could lift us up above the struggles of this life. The Healer promises that we can do
“ God asks that we cast upon Him all our anxieties, desperation, self-loathing and anything else that may steal our peace.”
all things through Him who gives us strength( Philippians 4:13). He will soothe your troubled mind, comfort you when in sorrow, and give you hope when in despair. So turn to Him in prayer and He will
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