I slid down onto the floor. My back rested on the couch as my brain slowed to a stop. The children were safe; the house was quiet. The darkness of my thoughts crashed over me. Their depth startled me. I sat immobilized by the idea that my hope of breaking free from depression had vanished.
And with that, I had arrived, unceremoniously, at a turning point. I knew that to keep going – surviving – I needed help.
I had done a commendable job at covering my feelings. So, friends and family around me had no idea what I was feeling.
But then the veneer started to crack. Darkness invaded me, reverberating off the walls of the silent house.
The First Step In Finding Hope for Dealing with Depression
But even as I sat, there was a flicker of light, of hope. Admittedly, the flame was small and a little elusive. But still, it burned its way up from the cramped space where I had stuffed my emotions and dreams.
The hope manifested itself in a phrase from a child’s hymn; Jesus loves me. And in an even fainter thought, like translucent writing on glass. Things could get better.
I didn’t have Bible verses at my fingertips or people who were praying for me. And honestly, I had very little faith.
But this flicker of light was enough for me to gather my strength and reach out for help.
(Photo: Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash)
And with that action, I took the first step in leaving the darkness of depression.
I was surprised by the support I received from my family. Their responses revealed my fears of being condemned for not being strong enough as groundless.
They put into words the truth I did not want to acknowledge. It would not be possible to break out of this depression on my own. Nor would it miraculously go away on its own.
With encouragement and a little time, I agreed reluctantly.
One more step into the light.
Through the advice of a trusted friend, I connected with a counselor who changed my life’s trajectory.
I’ll share more of my journey next time.
Truths About Depression That Help
But if you are sitting on the floor today feeling hopeless, here are a few thoughts I want to share with you.
I wish I had known that I didn’t see when I was depressed. But, unfortunately, you may not be either.
Here’s what I found to be true:
Jesus sees us in such a better way than we see ourselves. I wish someone had told me that years ago.
- Jesus loves you too.
- There is hope; life will get better.
- Reaching out for help is hard, but it will be worth it.
- Jesus is not disappointed in you.
- He is right there with you, even if you don’t feel it right now.
- He will lead you out of depression with the help of trusted people.
Click here if you would like to read another post about finding hope.
So, I encourage you to take the first step out of the darkness of depression today. Reach out for help. You are not alone.
Let me know how I can pray for you in the comments section below.
You can get help right away here:
In the United States by calling 1-800-273-8255 or click here for more resources.
In Canada, call 1.833.456.4566; click here to visit the website.