Depression is powerful. It’s not simply a state that one can snap out of or decide not to feel. This means that there also isn’t a “one-size fits all” treatment. Rather, each method of treatment needs to be (or ideally should be) tailored to the individual’s needs and personality. If you want to learn more, I included a resource concerning different treatments at the end of this post.
Personal Experience
For me, it was individual counselling sessions and my relationships with my parents and friends who never gave up on me that helped me overcome my depression. I would not be here if God didn’t provide those friends who consistently gave me the encouragement and hope I needed to get through the hard days at university.
Many who experience depression often feel as if nobody understands them or that they are alone in facing the giant of depression in their lives. For those of you who know someone struggling with depression, let them know that you care about them. Provide a listening ear or spend time with them. It can make a difference and give them the hope they might need to face another day.
Without my own family and friends, I wouldn’t have had the courage to fight my own depression and face it head on. Through their encouragement and support, along with God’s help, I was able to overcome my depression by confronting my past, the lies I believed about myself, and the negative mindsets I had developed. It was a long and painful journey, constantly alternating between making headway and encountering setbacks. But, persevering and being courageous is much easier when there are people by your side through it all.
It’s scary to share the truth about what you are experiencing with others, even with someone you trust, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who also experience depression. You are not alone as you face the trials of life. Keep persevering and keep pressing forward!