Home, Sweet Home – Making Our House Into a Home

I read an excellent post today by Clayton King about depression.  I’ll be transparent for a minute and admit that I have and am currently struggling with depression.  My dad’s family has some history of chemical imbalances, so I’m blessed with similar issues.  I realize that so much of depression is uncontrollable, but so much of it is.  Clayton’s post reminded me of how much we CAN control.  And I will say to anyone who is struggling with depression or think you may be depressed is that the best thing you can do for yourself is surround yourself with loving, caring, Christian people who want to see you get better.  You can’t hide it from them.  And most likely, they already know, but just don’t know how to help you.  Today I’m not going to go into my symptoms and situation, but I probably will in the future.  For now ask yourself these questions from Clayton and then spend much time in prayer.

Take an inventory of your life by asking the following questions:

1. Do I get enough rest?
2. What time do I go to bed?  How late do I sleep?
3. Do I eat healthy food or junk?
4. Do I rely on caffeine or sugar or energy drinks for energy?
5. Do I have any unhealthy relationships I need to get out of?
6. Am I bitter or resentful about anything in my past?
7. Am I allowing someone else’s expectations of me to discourage me?
8. Is there a secret sin or sins in my life that I am hiding from God or others?
9. Am I looking at anything on the internet that is sinful or questionable?
10. How much time do I spend online everyday?
11. Am I withholding forgiveness from anyone?
12. Does my life lack any daily structure or routine?
13. Is my life, my desk, my car, or my room filled with clutter?
14. How much TV do I watch, and what kind of shows do I entertain myself with?
15. Am I worshipping Christ and singing and meditating in private?
16. Is there a tough conversation I know I must have that I am avoiding?
17. Is there a big decision I know I need to make that I am putting off?

Just asking these questions will start you down a road where, if you will follow up with honest answer, you can begin to understand what leads you into these dark valleys and what you can do in your every day life to avoid the feelings of depression or discouragement.  There is always a place for solid, professional counseling.  But in my experience, these are the questions a good counselor would ask you.  I pray they are helpful.