One of the main things I struggled with as a teen was the battle with constant depression and sadness. I often felt isolated and alone and the feelings overwhelmed me. No one, I thought would understand me or if they really got to know me they would never like the real me. I was labeled by psychologist who tried to treat my depression with different anti-depressants which did not really seem to help much at all, I cried myself to sleep many nights in secret, engaged in self-harm, and acted out.
I am not saying anti-depressants does not work at all. The problem with anti-depressants is that it usually only attempt to mask a symptom by blocking chemicals in the brain that bring about the feelings of sadness but it is not a cure for depression. The only cure for my depression- Jesus, the word of God. Although after praying to receive Jesus in my life, I would say my sadness level went from 70% to about 20%. I immediately felt renewed, forgiven and a whole bunch of other positives that you may not have the attention span to read should I even began to start. That 25% remained for another little while until I learned to apply the word of God and walk in the deliverance that God provided. The bible is like a compact medicine cabinet for all the angst in life. You may be surprised to know that the bible talks a lot about depression and sadness. When I feel sad here is some of the things I find helpful.
Godly Meditation & Memorization- Philippians 4:8. Thinking on the promises of the scriptures, thinking on things that are amazing, lovely and pure. Spending quiet time with God and on a few favorite scriptures works great when someone is battling sadness. Memorizing scriptures that speaks on who you are in Christ and the promises to you. Replace negative self-talk with these promises.
No, I am not worthless because God says in Psalms 139:14, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Prayer – Psalms 40: 1-3, Psalms 34:17, 1 Peter 5: 6,7
Talk to God about whatever it is that is troubling you. He cares about every aspect of your life. There have been times when I could not actually say what is wrong because the pain was so unbearable. In those times crying is a language. In the midst of those burdened groaning the Holy Spirit comforts.
Praise- 1 Peter 4:12-13, Psalms 42:5, Isaiah 61:3, Easy right... sometimes not so much when you are feeling sad. Press through the emotion though and just praise God. Praise him for your things you have overcome, praise him for everything you can think of. Attend a church service. Listen to some worship music turn it up and dance. All these things will help to lighten your mood.
Questions or comments? Feel free to email me or leave a comment below.