How does a believer
overcome depression?
What has worked
for you?
Discussion
95 comments
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Reading the word aloud
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Depends on the cause of the depression, but junk food can cause depression. You have millions of brain cells in your gut. “You are what you eat” is very true. There’s lots of studies on the gut-brain connection.
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Avoid CARBS (sugar) and exercise!
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Medication, counseling, being surrounded by positive people, and being involved in your church community.
If reading the Bible or going to church makes it worse, than you might be under demonic influence. -
If not then you might just need time in prayer with God, and to set your theology straight.
Because one possibility is your view of God is deficient, and needs to be corrected.
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Watch Spider-Man TAS on Disney+ ?
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Just don’t be depressed. In all honesty i have no way to relate to depression so I’m not the best at giving advice on it.
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Depression is a state of mind, by certain hormone imbalances or external influences. It can be treated with proteins and vitamins and counseling.
But more than that, Understanding and Confessing Our Christ Within Reality.. is an amazing kingdom Capsule. I strongly recommend it with my own testimony, dear ones. ??
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Medication is there for a reason. To think it’s wrong to take is like saying antibiotics are wrong to take if you have an infection.
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Absolutely amen. Remember God created doctor’s. Do not do not listen to anyone that says do not see a doctor or take medication. My psychiatrist is Christian which is extremely helpful
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volunteering – do something that forces you to get out of your own head and DO something tied to a corporal work of mercy for someone else less well off than yourself. By being God’s instrument in service to others we a) do what we are meant to do b) help another person c) regain perspective on all the blessings we have. All 3 help us move out of depression
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The Joy of knowing – blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Amen and Amen. <3 <3 <3
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Try this message it is clear and concise out of the Word be blessed
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One hour of worship music. ?
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Always remember how much God loves us (John 3:16) ❤️ our assurance is in Christ, not in this world.
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P.U.S.H. pray until something happens.
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Knowing that Jesus as all God & all man felt the same emotions we feel. And placed his trust in the Father.
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I always believed anything that has to do with mental is actually spiritual in nature and it needs to be addressed as such before it can be treated any other way.
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Stay in the word and in prayer. Remember Jeremiah was the ‘ weeping ‘ prophet. Charles Spurgeon suffered depression. Many great men of God have had to battle it. I battle it, and some days are better than others. I ride my bike while listening to praise music, or the word. I plant flowers. Find simple things you enjoy and thank God for these simple things, and give Him glory when your heart is breaking…..
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This is an important issue, and I’m convinced that in the near future this will be at the forefront of life as we know it. The most important thing is to NOT suppress and act like it isnt happening. And it has ZERO to do with your faith or lack of faith. It’s a HUMAN condition.
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Knowing that Jesus Has felt everything that we felt so when in these times of despair we can turn to him in comfort and relief becaus he knows exactly how you feel
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I’m not convinced talk about ‘overcoming’ depression is helpful. Episodes of depression are like seasons, they come and go and often return again. God can use every season to bring about a harvest.
Give the clouds to God (there are plenty in heaven) and see what He does with them. -
Healthy diet and exercise.
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Cleaning up my diet really helped. Get rid of nearly all carbs. They are terrible at causing brain fog. This is hard to do when you are sad because you want comfort food, but carbs work against you. Figure out what it is that you are truly angry about and address it. Throwing stuff at the symptoms is a band aid. Dealing with the cause of your anger addresses the problem. Yes, depression is often rooted in anger. Hope this helps. M.
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Acknowledge and trust who God is.
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His ‘living’ proved Him worthy!
His death fullfiled the demand of the law on us (which is that we as sinners must die).
His resurrection justified our eternal life!
Amen
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Knowing your true identity and worth to God
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Declare: “I have the mind of Christ” or ” There is now no CONDEMNATION over me for I am in Christ who died for me”(Rom8:1)
Repeat over and over (the Bible calls it “meditate”) and see the Salvation/Peace of God come over you.
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Phil. 4:6. 1 Peter. We should always remind ourselves how great our God is and His promises. 1 Peter chapter 1 prepares us for all kinds of situations we may experience, be it good or bad. Those “christians” who experience “depression” should be reminded of this. However it is a bit questionable for a true christian to experience “depression.”
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Not exactly depression but I’ve had EXTREME episodes of panic attacks for years which attacked me every single day. The kind of extreme where I used to rush out of the house and ready to call for help because I felt like having a heart attack. Triggers were also so random that I would find myself debilitated with muscle tremors and breathlessness just while watching a Rocky film (I completed the entire series btw, such an iconic work).
What helped me completely conquer – not just alleviate – but overcome anxiety is declaring out loud Psalms 91. That entire chapter was so filled with hope that eventually it came to a point where I can recognize the lies beginning to manifest physically in my body but declaring the promises of the Lord out loud rendered them completely powerless.
Now, my anxiety attacks have become drastically trampled down that it has never returned for a very long time. I still get them of course, notably one night where the realization of the gravity of this pandemic has dawned on me and made me extremely nervous, breathless, and palpitate. But holding on to the promises of God and truly believing in it eventually eradicates the lies of the enemy.
Now my experience may not be the same to you. And some may need medication for mental stuggles. But one thing is for sure and that is God will never, ever leave you nor forsake you – even during the times when you do not feel like it’s true.
Also, it helps A LOT to express what you feel to a person that can understand you.
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Believing that Jesus thought that our lives are very valuable in his eyes that He loves us still no matter what happened. And that God is in control of tomorrow so we can trust Him.
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worship God, in his presence is fullness of joy
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Stats show when people stop focusing on themselves and start thinking of others it significantly reduces anxiety and depression.
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“fasting” the sins and doing thr good things. and pray.
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For me, the best method to overcome depression is when my pastor talked to me. He always encouraged me.
And also my friends is a big Help.
Take note: Friends in Christ or Sisters in Christ. -
Understanding !
When you understand how that force works against you to crush your thinking and emotional responses, you begin to see the fingerprint of the evil behind it to rob you of the UNDERSTANDING of how great your God is ! Of how great His authorities are and who He is for your life.
I am one myself. Of depression and anxiety. To the point of my nerve endings hurt from build up of hypertension!
Confidence is the answer ! Do you know WHO your Lord is in confidence?
Know this and His word is solid deep into your healing. Because you will know the power of his hand is the designer far beyond what you physically experience!
The Spirit of freedom is for us , don’t be robbed by what you feel and see !
The heart is deceitful above all and that is the location of the experience of anxiety!
In Jesus name , overcome and
UNDERSTAND!
Amen !
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Following
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It has to be shared/ processed with a family/friend who will listen to you and you can be accountable to
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Study how to share the gospel and get out there and share.
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You can google Spurgeons sermon on the “Garment of praise” it is available in in PDF format.
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Find out the cause of depression and deal with the source. Pray that the Lord will reveal that to you and journey with you through the valley. Praying for you today. Hugs.
Reach out to community of supportive family, friends, pastors, doctors or any professional help. Not to be isolated. -
It’s tuff you have to give yourself something God has already given you. Self worth. Without that you get no where.
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I read many books on it. Lots of reading, writing, good diet, and learning something new or accepting a new challenge. Was tough though, still is. The book ‘spurgeons sorrows’ helped
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Psalms contain more crying out to God than praises. It really helps me reading Psalms and crying out to God.
Having a supportive Christian group is also very helpful to me. -
Could we have more scripture supported advice and not so much personal opinion
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Count your many blessings
Give thanks in all things – Eph 5:20
It’s hard to see darkness when you’re focused on the light
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Psalms 43:1-11 meditate on his word day and night after losing my only child and son to murder finally came to this scripture which gives me hope in the time of the storm
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Prayer
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Seeking God’s voice through Scriptures and spiritual songs
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I was depressed for a few years due to some health issues (that amplified it) and some circumstances. I got super frustrated hearing from other Christians, “Just give it to God!” I think people who have never experienced depression think it’s something you can just will away. I didn’t realize myself how all-consuming it was until I experienced it. It’s so disheartening to hear “Just let it go! Give it to God!” as if I wasn’t doing that (or trying to do that) every single day.
I prayed, I read my Bible, but you have to keep in mind, that is to help you through it and to keep your sights on God and His heart. Some people give the impression that “If you just read, if you just pray, it’ll all get better!” No, it won’t. Not always. But that’s not the point.
The point is to rely on Him at your weakest. The point is to trust Him in the darkness, even when you’re scared He’s no longer listening. The point is to know and remember that He is still good, and He wants good for us, even when you wake up and all that pain and hopelessness is still there.
This was something (I wrote) that I found once my depression was over, that I wished I’d read in the midst of it. Hope any of this helps:
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I want to share this with you
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John 10:10
King James Version
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantlyDepression is not a joke, but definitely something that can be overcome. If we continue to read the word, congregate, have fellowship, worship HIM, the fruits of the Holy Spirit come naturally. One thing my Pastor told me, is that serving in ministry is part of a healing process. We are meant to serve. Talk to your pastor about doing this. Keep God in the center. Thoughts of Depression will never go away, but they can be controlled. Pray immediately when you start having those thoughts, and rebuke them in the name of Jesus. If we are having these thoughts, then we have too much time on our hands, stay busy and active on the things I Mentioned earlier.
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Walk in spirit not in flesh
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When it comes to anxiety and depression, there is no substitute for professional help.
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That depends on how a person is depressing. As a minister, the most common form has been those who fear exaggerated possibilities rather than courageously trusting God through all trials and thinking on probabilities rather than exaggerated possibilities. A person must change how they think down to their heart (Romans 12:1-2). Personally, Philippians 1:21 strengthened me when I depressed as an adolescent until God delivered my thinking from that trap. I came to bravery that even if the worst-scenario occurred, then I will hit it hard, endure, and never stop, because God loves me and He is with me. 🙂
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I think it’s important to pray and to remember that the evil one is a liar.
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Study the Gospel of John frequently to remind you of the hope that is for us as Christians and remember the Lord is your strength.
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I agree with some others that “depression” can be caused by an unhealthy diet. There are studies on gut health. All the processed foods and sugary junk is horrible for us….as I have a lil coffee cake LOL
Also, there are nutrients that we are no longer getting from our foods. To boost our immune system, we take red algae, zinc. To boost out nutrients we take Gaba + B Vitamins, Magnesium Glycinate, and other vitamins.
If there is a thyroid condition or other existing health issue like diabetes, this could cause depression. Unknown alergies could be an issue as well. Female hormone issues. So get tests ran.
I would go with a change in diet first before going with any doctor’s advice on “chemical imbalance in the brain” baloney. Often they are just pushing narcotics. Notice, they perform no scientific test for “chemical imbalances” in the brain. They don’t biopsy your brain, run any brain scans, no EEGs, yet they cavalierly give such a diagnosis.
Depression on a spiritual level is typically due to a circumstance in which you can find no way out. Hopelessness sets in. The circumstance has effectively taken our eyes off of Jesus. Of course with this is The Oppressor, our Adversary telling us God does not hear you does not see you and does not care. OR, he will tell you that you are being punished by God for sins of the past, or even sins now. This is NOT the case. God loves you. Christ paid the price. Your standing with the Father is solely based on the blood of Jesus. What we experience from our own actions are the consequences of those actions. We did it to ourselves, in short. God did not do it to us.
Old Testament saints suffered depression, e.g. Elijah. So for those who do, you’re not alone.
My pastor has down right excelled beyond all expectations on this topic in my opinion. I could not praise the Lord more for leading us to his ministry.
Fear not! I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.
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Alcohol causes depression
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Taking sugar out of your diet helps
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Simple, he rose from death a and is living, a symbol of constant hope and light for the future.
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Stay in the word,dont just read it,study it.and never stop praying.praying is us talking to God,scripture is him talking back.its plain to see that the world has no effective,long lasting cure for depression,but in Christ is the fullness of life
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Romans 8:28
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Therapy and medications
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Depression is due to insecurity and fear of unknown or something happened in past
That we need to trust in Jesus and his unconditional love -
get the bible app and play it out loud, rebuke the evil spirit of depression and let it know if it wants to stay it will have to hear about Jesus. also works on all other evil spirits
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Psalm 43:5
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Love God. There’s a reason it’s our first commandment. Your goal and focus shouldn’t be you. It should be God. You won’t find happiness by trying to be happy. Happiness is a biproduct from seeking after and loving God.
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When I started loving God with all my mind, heart and soul and started reading His word everyday and lots of prayer, THEN there was a change for me. I did have Bi Polar depression. I am 6 months free from meds, no suicidal thoughts and I live with joy and peace in heart, no matter what. I stand on all the promises of God. He has never left me nor forsaken me.
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We just started reading the book, “Get Out of Your Head” by Jennie Allen for our Christian book club and it is about overcoming depression and anxiety. So far, it’s very good! And I have depression as well so I can relate to you! I believe medication does help, as well as good diet and exercise. God bless you ?
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No; depression is a disease just like diabetes. If God wants to heal he can, however.
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You ask for help. And you know who.
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Speaking in other tongues and rejoicing the Spirit..
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Actually, B complex, 50 mg each component, since it came after a period of malnutrition. Might be different for another person.
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Be honest in prayer, interact with people who are believers too and are sincere in their concern for you. Dive into the Word and know God’s promises over your life, there’s nothing quite like assurance from the Word of God
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Being honest about it is step 1, prayer is key, don’t be afraid to seek help
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Have a complete change in Diet! No man made Food, check Vitamin Bs, magnesium, normal vitamin D levels… Check Thyroid levels are ?! Exercise, have fellowship with other Christians. Have strict routines in your life. Keep normal weight.. Pray. Do lots of Bible study. Give back to others! Forgive and Love!
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Psalms and hymns help. “what a friend we have in Jesus,” “his eye is on the sparrow,” “it is well with my soul…” they get the tears flowing, feel it to heal it.
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Prayer and reading the Bible
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Praise and worship
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“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 -
Receiving the Blessed Sacrament saved my life.
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God’s word will always speak to me whenever I feel low. Also talking to God, and telling Him how I honestly feel.
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Renounce and rebuke in Jesus Name. Soak yourself with the Word
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Prayer and reading scripture.
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Depression is a form of fear ..” perfect love (Jesus) casts out fear”
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Study the Word. God will show you some wonderful insights that could help and uplift you.
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Get a Dog
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2 Cor. 10:5 ” We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” King David was a man who suffered with periodic depression as we all do in life. These are human emotions. Read the Psalms. David’s response to these emotions was God is our portion, He is all we need. Immerse yourself in God’s word and you will overcome depression.
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By being grateful even for the smallest, seemingly insignificant things, as well as remembering that the JOY OF THE LORD is my strength.
Also, Isaiah 61:3 reminds us that God gives us a garment of praise in exchange for our “faint spirit.”
Just try to really cast your burdens unto Him and not take it up again. His grace is sufficient and new every day.
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Spiritual disciplines are essential for living in the Shalom of God. Read John mark comers book “the ruthless elimination of hurry” or celebration of discipline by Roger Forster. These are good places to start.
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First, if you have any “comfort blankets”, do NOT let anyone take them from you (unless they’re actually sin, but that’s a different matter).
Second, shut out those who refuse to understand. They’re only going to make things worse. Surround yourself with people who actually care, and make the effort to help.
Third (and this goes without saying), rely on God. Pray, study, do what you need to improve your relationship with Him.
Fourth, do not assume you will necessarily get better because of this. God reminds us that His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in weakness. He might heal you, He might choose to use you instead. Four important words for any Christian: “thy will be done”. Trust Him, and know that even your depression will eventually work out for your good, and His glory, whether He heals it now, or waits until Heaven.
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Medication and therapy.
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