Question:
Jennifer,
I'm so behind on my email that I was just reading how you were going thru depression awhile back. I was laid off from my job, then I broke my arm and now I'm having stomach problems. I'm very upset. My daughter said after I broke my arm that I was depressed, but I didn't see it until I started having the stomach problems. Now I'm experiencing depression & anxiety. My daughters can put their faith in the Lord to take care of things. I've tried praying, I try to listen to what they say about believing in Him, but I get so frustrated and angry because I'm so miserable.
I went to church crying & felt like I couldn't go home alone to deal with this. All I want to do is sleep & cry. Can you give me some advice about getting through this bad time, learning to lean on Him and believing that He will bring me through this a stronger person in the Lord?
Thanks,
Lisa P.
Answer:
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa.... Sister, please go to a counselor or a doctor! Depression often has chemical origins. It is okay to go to the doctor to get medicine to help balance your chemistry that may be contributing to or causing your depression.
A Christian counselor can also help discern if your primary need is physical, such as chemical imbalance, or spiritual and emotional.
Sometimes the most trusting thing we do is admit we can't fix something. But, God provides experts, such as doctors, whom He uses to bring healing to us. Once your brain chemistry is better balanced, then you can start to deal with any spiritual issues of trust you think you may have. But, girl, sleep and constant crying are major red flags of depression. Go to the doctor and be honest with him or her. Trust God to lead your doctor or counselor to provide the help you most need.
Be patient with yourself. Even if you see a counselor or go on medication for your depression, it can take weeks to feel a lift. Right now, you just trust God with the small things-- like getting out of bed, taking a walk or being honest with a doctor. When you are struggling as you are, those "small" things feel very, very big. So, be patient with yourself and trust God for the next minute. Then, when that minute passes, trust Him again for the next one and so on. Let Him guide you--He will. He loves you, Lisa, whether you are trusting in Him or not. He loves you even when your faith is wobbly. Just rest in Him and let Him lead you. He will.
Hang in there, Sister. This is just a snapshot. Soon you will turn the page and this will be a memory. And, the whole experience is what God will use to strengthen your faith in Him. Allow yourself to make it meaningful by walking through it with meekness and faith.
Peace to you,
Jennifer
And, now the beans are officially spilled!
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