This series aims to promote awareness of the nature and reality of depression, encourage those who are battling depression, and equip those who want to help someone who is struggling. This final post is part 9 in the series. You can find the rest of the series here.

--

I don't have all the answers or assume that my opinions are the right ones—my primary goals are to raise awareness and generate healthy discussion about this important topic. If you are struggling with depression, please seek the help you need. Find someone who is a safe place for you and have that conversation, make that call to the doctor, or schedule that appointment with a counselor.

Don’t wait another day to reach out to someone. If you would like to talk to me about this, please know that I am here to discuss this with you anytime. My heart and inbox (rethinkingdepression@gmail.com) are always open to you. I would love to hear from you.

Depression does not define you. You are a person, not a condition.

You are more than your darkest feelings, your worst mistake, or your lowest moment.

There is good news. You matter. You are loved.

There is a light within you that is desperate to emerge from the clouds and break forth like the dawn.

There is hope. Jesus still heals.

Don’t face this alone. Talk to someone. Ask for help.

Life is too short to feel this way. We are meant to be, do, and feel so much more.

May you discover the depth of the beauty and majesty with which you have been made.

Fight! Win! Live!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. --Psalm 34:4-5, 18

Two Prayers

I leave with you two prayers: one for yourself if you are struggling with depression; one for a friend or loved one who is struggling with depression. I hope these help you as you walk this journey or as you reach out to someone who is struggling. May these words bring hope and healing to you or your friend or loved one.

A prayer for yourself:

Lord, I am enveloped by darkness and emptiness. I feel so helpless, so worthless. I long for change, but I’m not sure where to start. Please draw near to me. Come to me in this dark place and surround me with your presence. Lift me up and place me on solid ground. I don’t want to feel this way anymore. I want to be free and whole again. Reveal to me what steps toward healing I can take today, no matter how small, and give me the courage to take them. I refuse to give up on you or on myself. Thank you for hearing me in these moments, Lord.

A prayer of intercession for someone close to you:

Lord, I am fighting for ____________ today. They are your child and I know you long to pour out your healing in their life. Please protect ____________ from negative voices today—whether they come from the enemy, those around them, or from within themselves. Surround them with your presence in real, tangible ways today. May ____________ feel you in the midst of this struggle. Use me in their life as a positive voice, as a source of encouragement. Give me the strength to join them in this dark place and walk with them through this season. I claim healing for ____________ through the mighty name of Jesus.

--

This material is taken from my book Rethinking Depression (CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2016).