I was healed from depression. It didn’t happen overnight but unfolded beautifully (as I now see) over time. I was thankful when the prison door of depression clanged shut with me on the outside. But, I didn’t realize my journey from healed to living life abundantly had just begun.
Your process may take time. It did for me. During that time, God directed me and each step brought more joy.
The life I lead now is beyond what I could ever have imagined. I know that can happen to you as well.
Here is a quick summary of how it unfolded in my life:
- Get help from professionals, and support from family
- Take time to be reflective – discover what is important to you (for me: Jesus)
- Learn to recognize unhealthy thought patterns quickly
- Enjoy replacing them with truth
- Forge new friendships
- Enjoy living life abundantly
Getting Help
My healing was multilayered, just like depression. It started with a bold step from a dark place. A cry for help. An acknowledgment to myself and then to others that I was balancing precariously on a sliver between life and death.
Sometimes it is hard to realize the depth of your depression and the danger that surrounds you when you are there. The words of a pastor planted in my mind germinated for weeks before I was able to see where I was. Soon I could tell my husband.
Like the disabled man in these verses, I knew I wanted to get well. But, I had to take action.
“5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:5-6 (NIV)
A series of counseling and medical appointments, medication and support from my family followed. And, I improved – a lot.
Just like the man, I walked. I returned to work and caring for my family.
“8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” John 5:8-9a (NIV)
Taking Time to Reflect on the Journey
I picture the man, boldly stepping forward. Mat rolled up and tucked under his arm, leaving all vestiges of his paralysis behind.
However, unlike my perceived version of him, unknowingly, I walked away dragging ingrained habits and mindsets learned over time behind me.
And then more steps in a good journey were taken. We moved a long way from our home. Far away from a life where every moment was filled and into a one with a quieter rhythm.
There was time for reflection. I sorted through the mental clutter in my life. And, discovered what was important to me – God.
I became increasingly aware of Jesus beside me. Because of this new insight, my prayers gradually switched from just asking for things to listening, conversing. I began being and breathing with him. I started studying the Bible (and continue to this day 😊).
And slowly, like spring after a long hard winter, beauty began to emerge.
Recognizing Old Thought Patterns and Replacing Them
Before long, new opportunities and responsibilities arose. My life grew more complex. I became tired, and as a result, old lies were triggered. I wonder if this has ever happened to you.
The lies snuck into my mind quietly when I wasn’t watching. Soon I was convinced that I was inadequate and therefore incapable of completing my new responsibilities. However, I did not have the energy or resources needed – yet.
But then, in a Bible Study, I found these verses:
29“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
These verses crushed the lies. They promise God will strengthen me. And He did. (The words still encourage me today). As a result, I was able to trust God more as I moved forward.
Forging Deep (and fun) Friendships
But, even more good news was coming. Through new friendships, I saw people enjoying their lives – living life to the full. I liked what I saw.
Because their joy-filled lives contrasted so greatly with mine, I realized I had returned to having a survival mode mindset. But now, God showed me I could enjoy my life too. And so, can you.
Because I trusted my friends, I began to share my thoughts and feelings with some of my friends. I asked for prayer when I needed it. And during the process, I developed deeper, mutually supportive, and fun friendships. You can read more about journeying into meaningful friendships here.
I am thankful for my journey. It is one that I doubt I would have signed up for. However, I now enjoy living an abundant life, beyond what I ever had dreamed of. I pray you will experience this too.
Friend, may you boldly look for ways to continue your healing journey. May you find joy in every step. And above all, may you experience the blessing of living life abundantly.
If you have a story of healing, please let me know below. I would love to celebrate with you.