For The Love Of: Bouncing Back From Depression

For The Love Of: Bouncing Back From Depression



Depression. It's like an unwelcome guest who overstays their welcome, throwing a pity party in your mind and refusing to leave. It's a heavy cloak that can dampen your spirits, steal your joy, and make even the simplest tasks feel like climbing Mount Everest. But here's the good news: you don't have to stay stuck in the mud. Just like a resilient seedling pushing through the frozen earth, you can and will bounce back.


Think of depression like a persistent weed in your garden. It's tenacious, it's unsightly, and you might feel like you're battling a losing war against it. But just as you wouldn't abandon your garden to the weeds, don't abandon yourself to despair. With patience, persistence, and the right tools, you can reclaim your inner garden and watch it bloom anew.


Remember the words of Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." This verse is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest valleys, God is with us. He is our Shepherd, guiding us, nurturing us, and restoring our souls to wholeness. 


 So, how do we begin this journey of rediscovering our joy?

  1. Acknowledge and Accept: The first step is acknowledging that you're struggling. Don't try to brush it off or pretend it's not happening. Acknowledge your feelings, even if it's uncomfortable.
  2. Seek Professional Guidance: Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor. Talking to a mental health professional can provide valuable support, guidance, and coping strategies.

  3. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include anything from a brisk walk in the sunshine to savoring a cup of tea and a good book.
  4. Connect with Others: Isolation can deepen the shadows of depression. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Share your feelings with someone you trust.

  5. Practice Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and reduce anxiety.   
  6. Challenge Negative Thought Patterns: Negative self-talk can be a significant contributor to depression. Identify and challenge those negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations.

  7. Embrace Your Faith: Lean on your faith in God. Spend time in prayer, read scripture, and connect with your faith community.
  8. Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
  9. Be Patient with Yourself: Recovery takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.

  10. Remember God's Unconditional Love: Remember that you are loved and cherished by God. He is always with you, walking alongside you on this journey.

I remember a time when the weight of the world felt particularly heavy. It felt like I was constantly battling a low-grade fog, joy felt distant, and even simple tasks felt insurmountable. Getting out of bed each morning felt like climbing a mountain. The world seemed to lose its color, and the music that once brought me joy now sounded flat and lifeless. I felt lost, alone, and utterly depleted.

Thankfully, I had a strong support system – friends, family, and my faith community. They (some of them) listened without judgment, offered words of encouragement, and reminded me of my worth. I learned valuable coping mechanisms, identified negative thought patterns, and began to rebuild my self-esteem.

There was a sweet song I remembered singing in my 4th grade class that never left me. It goes:

"I've got self-esteem!

Do you know what I mean?

There's something deep inside myself

that you can't see!

And I've made up my mind, 

that I will never find - 

a better place in this whole wide world

than my SELF-ESTEEM"

This journey of healing wasn't always easy. There were setbacks, moments of despair, and times when I felt like I was taking two steps forward and one step back. But I never gave up. I continued to practice self-care, nurture my relationships, and lean on my faith. Slowly but surely, I began to emerge from the shadows of depression, and the world started to feel a little brighter again.

Remember, you are not alone in this. Many people have faced similar challenges and emerged stronger on the other side. With patience, perseverance, and the support of your faith community, you can bounce back from depression and live a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose.


I hope this blog post offers encouragement and hope to those who are struggling with depression.

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more inspiring content! My Youtube

P.S.S. Share this post with someone who might be struggling with depression. Remember, you are not alone.

Michelle M. 💓

MattLue@Gmail.com

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

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