How to stay positive when you are depressed.

By now it's no secret that I have an ongoing battle with depression and anxiety. As a Christian woman, I sometimes find it difficult to remain positive and keep faith. This is especially so when I'm experiencing some difficulty, physical or otherwise.

As humans, it is innate for us to be happy when things are going well and to be sad when things are not going right. As Christians, we learn to keep hope and faith in our God through the good and the bad times. However, as a depressed Christian, it is not always easy to be cheerful and remain positive when things around you are tumbling down. So what can we do?

Can we be like Job and say "though he slay me, yet will I trust him"?  Or do we curl up in a ball of frustration and anxiety and await death? Well speaking from my experience, some days, I find myself leaning more to one side or the other.

I know my God and I know all the things he has done for me. But sometimes in difficulty, this overwhelming sadness bursts out from inside, and it is so hard to hold on to my faith and to keep hope alive. But this is how I do it....

With depression comes a tiredness that no amount of sleep can fix. Sometimes when things are going well, I am still mentally and physically exhausted. Reading my bible presents a challenge, but I try my best. When I am having difficult days and I feel helpless, I like to listen to some inspirational, gospel praise and worship music and I sing along. This lifts my mood from 0 to 90 almost instantly.

Leaving the house is not something I like doing when I'm having bad days, but I make sure I go to church. Fellowship lifts my spirit and I usually forget about what was bothering me. So my advice is if you're thinking about staying away from church because you're having a rough patch, DON'T!


In the end, all we have is Jesus. I try to remind myself that everything happens for a time, a season and for a specific reason.  Even when I don't understand the things that are happening, I remember I serve a God who is bigger than my problems. And that is how I make it through anything.

Be encouraged today and remember, all things work together for your good. God has not given up on you, your breakthrough will come in perfect timing. Have faith and hold on and if all else fails, remember this:

Psalm 23:1-3
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT. HE MAKES ME TO LIE IN GREEN PASTURES HE LEADS ME BESIDE STILL WATERS. HE RESTORES MY SOUL.

Jesus loves you. Until next time. Take care and God bless.
Latoya