During the holiday season, according to numerous studies, people suffer from depression more than any other time of the year. Sadly, many are depressed and don't even know it, and some personality types are more prone to it than others. I personally have suffered from bouts of depression and am not immune to them, especially when my hormones become imbalanced. But, praise the Lord, since committing my life to him, I hardly ever get depressed, especially as much as I did when I was younger. Over the years I have learned how to manage it, if and when it comes, and I have the victory every time.

As I've noted before, I was not raised in any church. While growing up, I was fatherless and lived in poverty. I was also abused emotionally, physically, and verbally. When I was fifteen, over thirty years ago, my mother battered me severely. She forced me to take off all my clothes, including my undergarments, then beat me vigorously with an electric cord because she assumed I'd had sex with my boyfriend when in fact I was still a virgin and proud of it. I was so hurt and torn inside after that horrible event. Later that day, being deeply depressed, I went into the bathroom and took a razor blade and tried to cut my wrists, but did not have the courage. My mother never knew of it, or at least never said a word about it to me. I thank Father that deep down inside I did not have the desire to continue in that downward spiral and that nothing similar has happened to me since. 

Today, I am glad Father protected and rescued me, and I can actually laugh about it. God is so good! He even turns our bad into good. But depression is no joke. Almost a decade ago, right at the time God was beginning to do a major work in my life, I was deeply saddened. It felt like a dark cloud or shadow was hovering over my head. God, via his Holy Spirit, brought this to my attention. I was walking to my bathroom and could see it hovering over me! It was a frightening moment. It was then I realized, with God's help, that some forms of depression are from the devil or evil spirits (Eph. 6:10-12). Knowing that has helped me enormously when facing sad moments. 

Since then, my motto has been "This too shall pass." That is an excellent proverb to remember when facing difficult days or troublesome phases of life. Below are more tips to help us control times of depression or grief. I hope these suggestions benefit you. I believe they will if they are applied as needed. 

• There are different forms of depression, from mild to severe. Some make you not want to eat or get out of bed. Others can cause you to seek to take your own life. If you feel the latter, seek medical help immediately. There is nothing to be ashamed about. Millions if not billions of people suffer from depression at least once in their lives. And contrary to popular belief, depression is not always a choice; it can be caused by chemical imbalances in the body. Also, many medical disorders have been linked to depression, including diabetes, low blood sugar, MS, and PMS. Therefore, it is wise to get a physical to make sure your depression, if you have it, is not being caused by a physical ailment.

• Some depressions are a form of anger that is being held inside. This is why many who are deeply depressed try to commit suicide. One solution is to find out why you're angry (if you are), which may be leading to the depression or sad condition. Professional counseling is beneficial and may be necessary if this is the case.

• Get your exercise. Studies have proven that moving the body increases serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Both are hormones that lead to a more relaxed or serene feeling.

• Eat right. Consuming unhealthy foods has been linked to depression, especially consuming alcohol or too much sugar, caffeine, and fast food. They lack nutrients that promote pure blood and hormone balance in the body. This malnourishment may be one reason teenagers are prone to depression and suicide.

• Reach out and help someone less fortunate than you. Yes, it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

• Count your blessings. Research has shown that those who do this are happier and live longer than most people.

• Sing. Grab your songbook from church and sing till you feel better. Or put on your favorite gospel CD and sing along.

• Pray. Although I am a godly woman and a devout Christian and have an excellent relationship with Father, I still feel much better within hours or days, many times within minutes, of asking God to help me. He has aided me over and over again with minor to major issues in my life, and he promises the same for all who call on his name (Acts 2:21).

• Spend more time with God. I have no doubt that the reason I have triumphed over depression is that I devote more time with God each day. Morning, noon, and evening, I dedicate a minimum of one hour in devotion to Father. I utilize that time studying my Bible or reading a spiritual book based on it. This has deepened my relationship with God and keeps me happy.

• Obey Father. As Christians we will stumble and fail. But those who have the Holy Spirit within them normally find it hard to abide in sin. Deliberately walking in sin usually leads to depression, especially for a child of God. This is one reason Father instructs us to obey him and his Word. "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed [marked, branded as God's own, secured] for the day of redemption [of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin]" (Eph. 4:30 AMP). Keep in mind that anger and depression and other negative emotions are time wasters. They are from the devil and of the flesh (Matt. 7:11; Eph. 6:10-12). Obey God's Word consistently and refuse to allow these destructive emotions to have control over your body.

• Recognize God's purpose for your life. I believe that when I was abused by my mother and tried to kill myself, one of the reasons I failed at it was that God had a plan for my life (Jer. 29:11). However, many people do not know (or believe) God has a purpose for them. This includes those who have been members of the church for decades. But confidence in God's plan for our lives gives us hope, and depression is the opposite of hope. Father has given all of us talents and gifts to use, not only in building up the church but also so we can make a living and enjoy our lives. (Matt. 25:15; 1 Cor. 12:4-12) The first step to discover your God-given gifts and talents is to pray about it. You may have to do some research and leg work, but Father will reveal it to you in due time if you ask.