We need JOY and we need it bad!
Depression is real and people are suffering from it and even losing the battle!
This past week have been one sad week in the blog sphere with the passing
of Ms Karyn Washington from apparent suicide
How sad is that?
Who would have thought that such a young, vibrant, smiley pretty young woman would be face with such desperation to the point of taking her own life?
Unfortunately it happens! People are desperate, hopeless , depress and need help!
Depression can happen to a lot of people for many different reasons. For me I went through a period of depression after my husband left. I felt so lost and hopeless several time I thought I was better dead than alive.
PRAISE GOD for His love that sustained me.
When I was having these horrible feelings, I felt ashamed, I felt like such a fraud!
After all I'm a worship leader who sing JOY to people, I proclaim the JOY of the Lord and I didn't have it. My situations was taking over my life and I was ashamed to talk about it, I was ashamed to admit it I was broken!
*PRAISE BREAK*
I thank God for healing me, for restoring me for giving me hope that I could live again. I thank God for showing up in my life the way He did because If it had not been the Lord who was on my side I could have been Karyn Washington.
...But God!
If you or someone you know is affected with depression please GET HELP!
Help yourself which ever way you know how!
A few ideas in Growing JOY!
"It's easier to grow JOY than to weed out depression"
While you may not be able to get rid of depression you can certainly plant seeds of JOY in your life that will choke out the depression!
Pray! Turn to God
God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask of think! He is THE healer! He is the JOY giver, He is the hope of glory, He is the lover of our soul. His love will squander the fear and hopelessness that eat at you. Praise His Name forever and ever!Listen to some uplifting music!
Singing and worshing has help me tremendously! You can't sing, dance and think about hopelessness at the same time. Music can lift your emotion and take you to another place.Practice Gratefulness
Find at least 3 things to be grateful for! Even if it's small. Gratitude will weed out hopelesness. Gratitude will show you that your situation is not as bad as it seems, you still have some good things going for you. I did this when I was going through my situation. I still had my kids, home, working cars, a job to be grateful for. Things could have been worse.Adopt a new hobby
Plant a garden, try knitting, sewing, crafting. Making something colorful and beautiful can lift and boost morale.I've always been a hobby seeker, I started planting flowers, every morning I'll come out to see my little pot garden it made me happy!
Exersise and Eating healthy
Incorporate exercise in your daily routine, Exercise increase endorphins, endorphins makes you happy! Also a healthy diet can improve chemical imbalance and help lift your moods.Beat Isolation
Join a support group, meet with a friend. Joining a fellowship team at my church have been life saving to me. meeting with people, hearing what they are going through... encouraging and praying for each other. There's no words to describe the powerful impact of togetherness.Seek Medical attention
If all else fails, see a doctor and get the drugs!On the other side, you may not be going through something like that but someone around you may be going through it, and you don't even know it.
Smile at someone
You may be the only smiling face they've seen all day. Never underestimate the power of a smileHug someone
A hug minister to a hurting more than you'll ever knowTell someone you love them
Telling someone you love them can give them a reason to live, letting them know they are not all alone!Be a friend to someone
Being a friend to someone that seems isolated, approach them, invite them out for coffee and whatnot. It can make a HUGE difference!Give a small gift to someone
even if it's a card, it will help!Sending out hugs and I love yous to all of you and letting you know there is HOPE!
That is such sad news. She was an inspirational speaker and helped others but couldn't find the voice to ask for help for herself. I know where you are coming from I think we all experience depression in our lives at one time or another.
ReplyDeleteit is sad! sometimes the "helpers" need more help than others but since they have a voice they come out as the strong one so no one worries about them. and even them might feel umconfortable having to ask for help. That's why I say if you need help get it, don't let pride get in the way. Pride will kill you!
DeleteOh this is sad. Great advice for us all.
ReplyDeleteyou're welcome! be well
DeleteI loved her blog and it broke my heart to hear the news of her passing... I was going to write something about her as well... Depression is so prevalent in our world and society. We need to GROOOWW Joy! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely sad how much depression and mental health issues are increasing across the US, and that a lot of people don't acknowledge this as a 'real' issue. I feel so sorry for the people who fall through the cracks because they didn't get the help they didnt. On another note..I believe I have kept my youthful energy because of how happy I am, how I'm constantly smiling, and determined to brush off negative energy and stay upbeat. It works wonders on yourself and on those around you...
ReplyDeleteThat's the truth! "A merry heart does good like a medicine Proverb 17:22
DeleteOh no-I had not heard this! I battled with it a bit after leaving a domestic violence relationship and burrying that past for almost a decade until not dealing with it crept back in and I began to disconnect and become afraid again. Thank God I have a supportive husband and am part of a faith that allows me to pray and vent without judgement. I know friends I suspect are highly in that state-from being there it is important to note that even if the 'depressed' seem uninterested or talk in denial-they do hear you and they do process your words. Too many ignore depressed because they don't know what to say-just say Anything! It makes a difference-better than ignorance!
ReplyDeleteSome people are too proud or ashame to seek help or even admit it. but pride will kill you. I'm glad you got help and make good use of your support system!
DeleteSuch a sad story, too bad she couldn't have taken her own motivational advice to keep her out of depression.
ReplyDeleteMental illness is as real as cancer! you can't motivate yourself out of cancer anymore than you can motivate yourself out of depression.
Deletealthough positive reinforcement, positive thinking can help. it's so sad it wasn't enough!
Those are such great tips. I have found that getting healthier and exercise always puts in a great mood.
ReplyDeleteMichelle F.
I have several close to me that have battled depression and it is such a sad time but the only thing you can do is be there for the ones you love who battle it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
xoxo, Tara
www.pookasfamily.com
Your tips are great! I think that many people don't realize that long term depression is a true battle for many individuals. Visiting from Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party.
ReplyDelete