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Depression has become a worldwide epidemic. Although people may appear strong on the outside, they could be dying on the inside. Our culture tells us that you must always be positive and in control of your emotions. But what if you’re struggling with fear, pain, loneliness, or grief?

Think about it: when someone asks you how you are doing, what is the expected reply: “I’m fine” or “I’m doing well.” What if you told them how you really felt? Would they be able to handle it, or would they have the time to listen to your struggles? Maybe. Maybe not. In a ‘nice culture’ it would almost be socially incorrect to share how you’re really feeling because people expect you to be doing well.

There are 3 types of depression (taken from Stephen Ministry Training Manual)

1. Mild Depression – can be brought on by both happy and sad events. A wedding can be a happy event, but the stress of it can be depressing. Childbirth can also be an exciting time, but it can lead to postpartum (sometimes postpartum can be extremely severe).
2. Moderate Depression – is a feeling of hopelessness that lasts longer and is more intense. It is often brought on by a sad event, and can become severe if not addressed.
3. Severe Depression – can cause a person to lose interest in the outside world and can cause physical changes.

Some of you reading this are dealing with a form of depression.

I’d like to offer 5 Scripture verses to encourage you…

Psalm 94:18-19 – “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your comforts brought joy to my soul.”

Jeremiah 31:25 – “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Romans 8:38-39 --  "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Matthew 10:30 – “But even the very hairs of your head are numbered.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 -- "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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."

If you are struggling with depression you are facing psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual damage. Pray to God and seek help through your church or a Christian counselor.

Remember, in Jesus Christ, there is always hope.