How Can I Cope With Depression?

Depression can be overwhelming. Even though many people suffer from it, and even though there are treatments and medications that can help it, depression can still be an insurmountable life obstacle for every individual who faces it. There is no easy answer and no miracle cure, so those of us who experience it are left with the sober reality of its potential lurking influence in our daily lives. So, what do we do? As Christians we are taught to have faith and rely on God’s peace. While this is sound and powerful advice, we need to find ways to deeply rely on our faith and to transform God’s peace into a tool of growth and healing. One way to work on this is to observe the struggles of a biblical hero of faith and step-by-step identify with their struggle and their journey towards a more God-driven life. High highs and really low lows After Elijah’s stunning victory over the prophets of Baal, he fell into despair. He was depressed. He had successfully demonstrated the supremacy of God as THE God, and yet Queen Jezebel promised to have him killed. These events show us that even God’s mightiest servants can struggle deeply. As he ran and hid from Jezebel, he felt completely alone, ineffective and broken. His next journey showed us how feeling depressed can be overwhelming and lead us to internalization, isolation and insulation. Rather than rebuke him, God gently met Elijah with rest, food and a repeated touch through an angel. What a reminder that divine care often comes in quiet, steady steps! Even though Elijah couldn’t immediately respond with renewed confidence, God remained present and patient. To counter the internalization, isolation and insulation that depression can bring to us, Elijah’s experiences introduced three small steps toward godly peace: Acknowledge: Recognize that God’s presence—whether through Scripture, people or providence—is near, even if we don’t feel it. Apply: Take steps, however small, to act on that external input. Elijah walked 40 days to Mount Horeb, still burdened, but at least moving. Allow: Permit God’s truth and love to take root, even while feeling numb, broken or depressed. Once Elijah arrived at Mount Horeb, God’s question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” invited introspection, not condemnation. This question would open the door to Elijah being able to realize that he wasn’t alone. As a matter of fact, there were 7,000 others in Israel who were faithful to God! The lesson for Elijah and for us is that depression doesn’t disqualify faith! On the other hand, God often calls those who struggle so His strength can shine through them.