Tag self-discovery and depression

 

Depression can be a gift

Sounds like some Pollyanna gibberish at best, doesn’t it? It isn’t. God promises He can take anything meant to harm us and turn it into something good. (Genesis 50:20) Many of life’s experiences are not welcomed at the time. However, we look back and see how it was for our good.

The verse above in Genesis refers to the store of Joseph in the Bible. His brothers sold him into slavery as a teenager. Through a series of God-initiated events, he turns out to be the second most powerful man in Egypt. His brothers go to Egypt to buy food because of the famine in their own land. A series of things happen, and the brothers learn that Joseph is their brother. (He recognized them immediately although they didn’t him.) Once they recognize him and know Joseph recognizes them, they are worried he is going to take revenge on them for what they’d done to him years earlier. Joseph says to his quivering-in-fear brothers, “what men meant for evil, God meant for good.” God can take any bad experience and turn it into something good.”

Unwanted Gifts

Of course, depression isn’t a desirable gift. “What would you like for your birthday?” “I would like to struggle with depression for a time.” Asked no one ever!

But can we agree we’ve all received a gift we didn’t like and then discovered it proved very useful? (We’ve given a few as well.) My husband bought me a rubberized pad for my trunk. I didn’t know what to say when I opened it. Turns out, I love it. My groceries stay put, and nothing moves around.

One Christmas, a friend bought me a very small spatula. (It was part of a “themed” gift.) What does one do with a very small spatula? As it turns out, just about everything. In fact, I get very upset if I can’t find it.

When I originally wrote this article for our church newsletter, I was experiencing my first anxiety attack in a very long time. I was writing with very positive words, even though I wasn’t feeling particularly positive. But as I typed, I knew that every word was true, no matter how I was feeling. Did you get what I just said? Feelings, while not to be ignored, are notoriously inaccurate. However, they do give us a heads up that something is wrong.

It’s understandable that the idea of depression being viewed as a gift may seem counterintuitive, but here are five perspectives that shed light on this concept.

Five Perspectives about depression

Perspectives: 1-3

Heightened Empathy: Going through depression can make you more empathetic towards others who are struggling with similar issues. Your own experiences can help you connect with and support others in a more meaningful way. You’ve walked that road and you know all about the pitfalls. You can shine some light along the path.

Increased Resilience: Overcoming depression requires immense strength and resilience. Once you’ve navigated through it, you emerge stronger and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. It can be a transformative experience that builds your resilience for the future. You learn that you can say, “I can do this.” And you really can. I often repeat that mantra for myself.

Self-Discovery: Depression often forces individuals to delve deep into themselves to understand their thoughts, emotions, and triggers. This introspection can lead to profound self-discovery, helping you uncover your values, passions, and life’s purpose. It doesn’t always happen, of course, but if you allow yourself to face some hard truths, you can identify your triggers. For me, it was fatigue, poor sleep, and feeling overwhelmed with too much to do.

Perspectives: 4 & 5

When we’re depressed, we don’t feel we have options; instead, we often feel trapped in a cycle of negativity and self-doubt. But once we come through it, we finally see our potential. When we see our potential, we are excited about our future and how to accomplish our dreams.

Enhanced Creativity: Many artists, writers, and musicians have channeled their struggles with depression into their creative work. The depth of emotion experienced during depressive episodes can inspire powerful creations, regardless of the creative pursuit. I wrote most of my first book, Depression Has a Big Voice, while depressed. Could I have written it when I wasn’t? Not with the honesty I did. And the honesty in the book is the feedback I get the most. Hopefully, this encourages others to be honest as well.

I’ve often shared that I haven’t struggled with a serious depressive episode for many years. The “depression” book could probably not be written now. I had been writing through my depression, various notebooks, scattered pieces of papers, journals…. and when the time was right, I had a book that only needed organizing and editing. It had written itself. My other books were much harder to write. You can find links to the book in the menu.

But a Possible Hinderance

Sometimes I take that book out and reread some pages to remind myself I’m never going back. BUT, while creativity can heighten creative ability, it can also be a hindrance. Remember, the book didn’t get published until I was better. So, while creativity can be enhanced, productivity may not be. It’s a mixed bag. But if God is behind it, his will will be accomplished.

BUT, let’s be clear. Depression doesn’t feel like a gift when it’s active and attacking.

However, if you can find it in yourself to see that, in the end, depression could prove beneficial, it might give you the courage to wade through it. It’s like any struggle, we either emerge stronger or we don’t.

If you are struggling, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email. (foxrap@aol.com) You can ask for prayer, and I promise I will pray. It’s a promise I’ve never failed to keep.

God bless each of you.

Y

our Bigger!

While depression is undoubtedly a challenging and painful experience, reframing it as a potential catalyst for growth and self-awareness can offer hope and motivation to us as we navigate through it.

 

So I typed on. By the time I finished, I was feeling a little better. I knew that God was shining a light down into my pit. I knew I would find my way out because God is faithful.I also knew that I had to do my part as well. So I did,

My part, that is.

I (1) exercised for thirty minutes, (2) kept my mind distracted, (a great practical tool), (3) tenaciously diverted my thoughts from me and my depression to God and His love, (4) spoke Scripture out loud and (5), kept putting one foot in front of the other.

For me, that’s the gift–the knowledge that depression is manageable, that I have an arsenal of tools I’ve developed that serve me well.

Would I knowingly ever choose depression just for that gift? A resounding, NO!

I often wonder,though, who I’d be otherwise. Depression has certainly humbled me.

God bless and have a good day.