Spreading Joy

Making a Difference One Person At a Time One Day At a Time

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Warm Welcome
    • Spreading Joy Daily
    • Blogger Care Group
    • Freebie Friday
    • Work with Me
    • Quick Links
  • Spreading Joy
    • JOY for the Journey
    • 30 Days of Spreading Joy
    • Videos
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Significantly You
    • Our Passion
  • Current Needs
    • Monthly Partnership Options
    • Annual Events
  • Resources
    • Cute, Fashionable $5 Jewelry
    • Where We Link UP
    • Books
    • Christian Resources
    • Singing and Such
    • The Bible in 90 Days
    • Freebies
    • Joyful Jewel Junkie
  • Christian Social Media Kits

November 4, 2012 by Spreading Joy

Depression

[Translate]

Depression is fought daily by millions and when the winter months start creeping in, it typically gets worse for many.

The days are shorter, colder and many are forced to stay inside due to the extreme cold.

Depression often creeps in without the individual being aware of its sneaky attack.  For me, however, the warning signs are huge red flags and I recognize it immediately.

Charles Spurgeon puts it this way:

 Fits of depression come over the most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.

I’ve dealt with depression on and off like many people for years.  It’s tough to get past and many simply never do.

For me, it comes in waves and usually at the most inopportune time.  It sneaks up when I’m the busiest and I simply don’t have the time, or the energy to fight it.

Many people try to hide it, especially Christians.  Such a stigma comes with it because we Christians are supposed to always be joyful…hmm? There is and can be joy through depression, but we are not always “happy.”

My depression includes lots of sleeping when 6 to 7 hours is usually more than enough, my “gumption” to do anything simply disappears and all that my heart dreams of doing usually comes to a screeching halt.  To sum it up, when my depression hits – I simply don’t care.  I know many others feel that way too.

So, what is a happy little joy spreader supposed to do when this happens?  Just let it run its course?

NOPE…not at all.

Here is what I do to help push past this.  But this is a process and the process is different for everyone.  I don’t want anyone to think this will help everyone, I’m just sharing my heart and hoping others who struggle with this will do the same so that the many people who read this can be encouraged through this struggle.

  • More Sleep – I do allow myself more sleep, as that is something that I can’t avoid.  I’ll decide to stay up all night watching things I’ve DVR’d and then wake up, not even realizing I’ve fallen asleep.
  • PUSH ON – Seriously.  I force myself to do some of the things I need to do and allow the others to wait until the next day or when I can get to it. I’m a list maker and rely on them to at least be somewhat productive.  Then, as I look at the things that I have crossed off, I can see that the day wasn’t a total waste.
  • Ask for Prayer – You should have a handful of friends that won’t “discuss” your issues with others but will simply pray for you.
  • Gratitude – Being thankful for what I do have, what IS going on and remembering just how blessed I am.  DAILY!
  • Start and End the day in Praise and Prayer – Seems simple, but when depression hits many of us, this is usually the first thing we stop doing.  We just don’t “want” to and give in to it.  Praise and Prayer are the best weapons against this, USE them.  (yes…I KNOW it’s a struggle)
  • Give Myself a Break – When the waves of depression hit, I don’t know how long it will tag along with me, but I also don’t let guilt make it worse.  Cut yourself some slack.  If you are doing a few things each day, pressing through, then you are doing well.
  • Remember…This WILL pass – It will pass.  No clue when, but I remind myself it will pass.
  • FOCUS on Others – this is difficult during times of depression but again, it’s possible.  I choose to make a difference for others daily anyway, but during these difficult times I will step it up.
  • Do Things I LOVE – I love being outdoors, I love reading, I love joy riding, I love looking through scrapbooks.  I make myself enjoy the things I love.  YES…make myself.

 

This is not an all inclusive list by any means.  I’m hoping those that struggle with it as well as those that don’t will leave some helpful, encouraging comments below.

Many ask about Medication – use it if necessary.  When my Dad died in 2003, I was in the deepest depression ever.  I took medication to help get through it.  I literally don’t remember much of the 2 years that followed his death due to depression.  I do know that when I started “pouring” myself into being a blessing to others, I started coming out of it.

Winter is coming; depression will worsen for many as the darkness engulfs their heart.  I challenge you to do a few things here.  This article will be emailed to over 300 people once it’s published and countless others will see it on Twitter and Facebook.

ENCOURAGE someone who is struggling by:

  1. Leave an encouraging comment to uplift, inspire and bring a smile to the discouraged heart
  2. Share some of your story here.  You never know who will relate to it.
  3. Don’t argue, judge or assume the worst about others who are dealing with this daily.
  4. If you’ve written an article on this topic, leave the link below in the comments, so others can easily find it and be encouraged.
  5. Never underestimate the power of being nice!

 

Here are some articles that may encourage you in this matter:

Peering into the Darkness

Where is Goodness and Joy

Joy Thieves

Taming the Madness

 

From my Friend Geoff ( @soulsupply ) – Defeating Depression http://www.soulsupply.com/defeating_depression

 

Thank you for your efforts in Spreading JOY and making a difference!

 

If you are struggling with depression, get help. Talk to someone.  People care.  If you are considering suicide, please – WAIT for 24 hours and while waiting reach out to someone or call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or check out National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

People truly do care and YOU truly do Matter! 

 

no joy like spreading joy

Don’t miss a single encouraging article!

Subscribe to Spreading Joy by Email:

 

Enter your email address:Delivered by FeedBurner

 

© 2012 – 2014, Spreading Joy. All rights reserved.

    Related Posts:

  • When Trouble Finds Me

    Sometimes you may feel like David, crying out in the wilderness.  Issue after ..

  • Honestly Speaking

       HonestyA recent conversation with my daughter went something like this:“Seriously Mom, thank ..

  • Tears are Healing

    I honestly believe that laughter is the best medicine!Nothing like friends getting ..

  • Grateful Heart

    When November rolls around each year, so many people start the 30 ..

  • Discouragement Why Bother

    Discouragement….Its grip is so strong.  Its power to stay wrapped round your ..

  • A Promise Kept

    A Promise KeptBecause of this single promise found in Luke 18:33 “And ..

❮❮ Previous Post
Next Post ❯ ❯

Comments

  1. 1

    Sojourner says

    November 4, 2012 at 3:48 am

    Thank you for this post. I’ve struggled with depression more in the winter than are other times of the year. My depression is linked to my abuse but some of the same things apply…including getting more sleep which means getting to bed earlier, spending time with good, safe people, accomplishing some of the tasks I find overwhelming in bits by setting my kitchen timer and stopping when it goes off…I can do more later. Listening to worship music helps and so does just sitting in my living room and having a conversation with Jesus. I cry alot when I do because my heart is exposed but it’s okay. I have some medication but don’t take as much as the doctor would like but I am managing,not always well but I am. I can’t become numb or I won’t deal with the issues…it’s balance and it is a God thing. I would never suggest going off meds cold turkey, do research if you think God is leading you to cut back or go off medication. Ask Him first! I have found someone to pray for/with me for healing 4 hours away. My situation is unique and not many people qualified and experienced. I need a new counselor and the one I feel would be right isn’t taking new clients until the new year and I don’t have insurance…please pray she has a sliding fee scale and accepts me. I have contacted her twice earlier this year only to find out she didn’t take new clients yet for some family reasons…I think.
    Sojourner recently posted..The Healing of Forgiving

    Reply
    • 2

      marie says

      November 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      thanks for speaking out here with me. I guess its more of a sensitive subject – as many people have read this but not to many have commented or shared on here.

      you bless me more than you know. how you continue to keep going, day after day.

      don’t give up.

      {{HUGS}}
      marie recently posted..I Love the Ocean

      Reply
  2. 3

    Angela says

    November 21, 2012 at 5:44 am

    I have been battling depression for years. I take medication to help manage it. October through March are the roughest times of the year for me. God is my keeper.

    Reply
    • 4

      Marie says

      November 21, 2012 at 3:53 pm

      I hear ya! God is amazing like that! we all face these times. stay on track, listen to your body and keep focused on the Lord.

      {{HUGS}}
      Marie recently posted..Grateful Heart

      Reply
  3. 5

    Kari Scare says

    January 23, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Good advice for when depression hits. Do you use those same approaches to help ward off depression too? Also, you asked for links on this topic, and I have written about it every so often on my blog. Most recently, on this post: http://www.struggletovictory.com/defeat-the-winter-blues/. You can find more posts on the topic by clicking on the “Depression” link under the list of categories on the right side of the page. Also, I am working on a book about depression right now that I hope will help those who love people who struggle with depression. Would love your input on that if you have time.
    Kari Scare recently posted..Infused with Alacrity

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. You can Be the Difference says:
    October 1, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    […] and the kindness that goes along with it. There are those that struggle with this time of year.  Depression sucks the life and joy right out of […]

    Reply
  2. Be Real says:
    February 27, 2017 at 9:00 am

    […] Depression and mental health issues – This is real and it’s an issue, especially in the Christian community because so many hide it. Feeling ashamed because if they were really focusing on Christ, their depression would go away…right? Wrong. Again, don’t go it alone, seek help, and talk it out.  Here are some things about depression and having more joy in your day. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Our Mission:Empower and serve everyday ordinary people

Our Vision:Transforming communities and inspiring individuals through acts of joy.

Give a Tax Deductible Gift today

Thank you for your donation! Spreading Joy doesn't have any employees and all expenses are paid for by the founder. This enables us to take 100% of the donation you make and help meet the needs of others. Thank you for Spreading Joy with us!

Hang out With Us

We Love Mail!

You can send in your donation or Cards for Veterans or send us a letter of your Spreading Joy Experience to PO Box 1771 Denver NC 28037
Stay Encouraged via Email
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please enter all required fields
Correct invalid entries
No spam, ever. Promise. Powered by FeedBlitz
Please choose a color:

Recent Articles of Encouragement

  • When Toys are not Just Toys
  • Change Lives This Christmas
  • Jesus Always for Kids
  • A Very Thankful Prayer – Review and Giveaway
  • Back to School 2017 Results
  • 9th Annual School Supply Drive
  • Little is Much
  • Hug in a Cup
  • Wherever I Am
  • Be Real

Are you Spreading Joy Daily?

Are you Spreading Joy Daily?

Get your Copy Today

Instagram

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username

Color your World

Work With Me

Work With Me

Give Back when you Shop Amazon

Give a gift of Coffee! Or Treat Yourself!

Bean Box Coffee Gift Guide

Happy Mail for the Kids

Regardless of the resources you feel you don't have, you CAN make a difference! We will show you how!

Affiliate Disclosure

This Site may contain Affiliate links. At no additional cost to you we could receive a small percentage of any purchases you make. This will help us as we are Spreading Joy Daily and should flood your heart with JOY as you purchase something you want, knowing it gives back to an organization who cares.

Blog Archives

Looking for Something Specific?

Knowing The Struggle is Over

Knowing The Struggle is Over

Boldly Face Tomorrow

Boldly Face Tomorrow

Six Months

Six Months

Special Invitation

Special Invitation

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2018 · Design byEkko Web Solutions · WordPress · Log in

Pretty Chic Theme By: Pretty Darn Cute Design

English English Afrikaans Afrikaans العربية العربية Беларуская Беларуская български български català català česky česky Cymraeg Cymraeg dansk dansk Deutsch Deutsch ελληνική ελληνική español español eesti eesti فارسی فارسی suomi suomi français français Gaeilge Gaeilge galego galego עברית עברית हिन्दी हिन्दी hrvatski hrvatski magyar magyar bahasa Indonesia bahasa Indonesia íslenska íslenska italiano italiano 日本語 日本語 한국어 한국어 lietuvių lietuvių latviešu latviešu македонски македонски bahasa Melayu bahasa Melayu Malti Malti Nederlands Nederlands norsk norsk polski polski português português română română русский русский slovenčina slovenčina slovenščina slovenščina shqipe shqipe српски српски svenska svenska Kiswahili Kiswahili ภาษาไทย ภาษาไทย Filipino Filipino Türkçe Türkçe українська українська tiếng Việt tiếng Việt ייִדיש ייִדיש 中文 (简体) 中文 (简体) 中文 (繁體) 中文 (繁體) powered byGoogle