Has anyone dealt with depression before?

[ForeverHopeful3]

I have been going through a rough time ever since I ended a relationship back in May. My mental health has deteriorated terribly, even though I am keeping myself busy with activities, work, my dogs. It just feels like I am living day to day. I have really relied on God and my faith to help me through this darkness. But over the weekend, I had a really bad episode and I am 99% sure that I have clinical depression of some degree.

My dilemma is that I am hesitant to go see a doctor because I don't want to take any drugs. So what else will the doctor do if I don't want to be on pharma drugs? There's also a part of me that feels like I should rely more heavily on my faith to help me get through this, and going to the doctor for help is almost like not having faith in God to help me heal mentally?

Today was a pretty good day, but I am anxiously waiting for that feeling of utter sadness and loneliness to come back at any minute. 😢😭

PS: I have no friends or family I can talk to.

Taking medicine to help you through a period of poor mental health is NOT a reflection that your faith isn't strong. I mean you take medicine for a headache or an infection surely?! Anyway if you don't want to take antidepressants your doctor may be able to refer you for some talking therapies which could be useful. I really hope whatever you decide to do you feel better soon. Keep updating the thread if you want to chat here. God bless. @ForeverHopeful3

See the Doctor. They aren't always quick to offer drugs so may have other suggestions. As pp said, sometimes drugs can help though, and it's not a reflection on your faith. Sometimes you need a chemical change to make a difference.

I agree with others. Taking medication for depression is the same as taking antibiotics for an infection, or resting a broken limb. In my experience doctors are keen to prescribe antidepressants because they make a difference quickly for a lot of people and talking therapies take longer to access and work. However you can often self refer to the talking therapies in your area. Try googling to see what there is. You often have to do a basic online course for depression and anxiety to access some one to one support and then it is often only 6 sessions and often over the phone.
If you have money then I have found better help very good. It is an app and you have video appointments once a week and pay a monthly subscription. They have discounts for students and unemployed people.

Also. Be kind to yourself and rest, snuggled up with God. He will be closer to you now than ever, even if it doesn't feel like it at times.

Oh and do t know how old you are but could perimenopause be a possibility? Or at this time of year low vitamin d can cause depression..

You could argue that God gave the talent to the doctors etc to diagnose and treat people, and therefore taking medication is the answer to prayer - that we have such things available to us.
My dad has cancer and has been having all the treatments the NHS have offered, in addition to praying. It's not either or, and neither is it a reflection on your faith whether you take medicine or not. You wouldn't expect to heal yourself of a broken leg or a burst appendix.

I feel very blessed to have found this community in the last year or so. All of you have helped me in many ways, including with this.

You are absolutely right about the other medicines we use and treatment we seek. I guess I was putting mental health into a separate category but I see now that is not different than our physical health in many ways.

Thank you so much 💙

This touched me deeply, thank you💙. I have felt God's presence so much in these last few months that I know He's here, supporting me. But when the loneliness creeps in, or feeling like I have failed everyone around me, I start questioning it all.... Hearing these words of encouragement from someone else reminds me not doubt my faith.

Also, I don't think I am perimenopause. I just turned 34 and also I don't have any of the symptoms... perimenopause would be so much easier than dealing with this mental roller coaster😅

Thank you for all the encouraging words, dear friends. They helped me come out of a dark day again today, after feeling so good yesterday. I am tired with these mental gymnastics.

I took a diagnostic test for an online mental health program and it diagnosed me with Moderately-severe depression. I found an in-person office and sent them a message, asking for help.

Thank you for helping me see that getting support for my mental health doesn't mean I am giving up on God in any way. And I am willing to do whatever the professionals say because I am very exhausted from feeling the way I have been feeling for so long.

Just reading your posts I also wondered if there may be another reason for your depression- low thyroid? A simple blood test will diagnose this or rule it out. I’m also very reluctant to go to doctors but this diagnostic might be helpful.

As for self-help, exercise does help mood, and as you have dogs you will be doing this anyway but have you considered cold water therapy? It can be extremely effective. You can get an inexpensive cold water tub for your garden (just be sure to use neoprene gloves & socks & a woolly hat in cold weather) so proximity to open water isn’t necessary.

Don’t be hard on yourself for feeling depressed. Some of the greatest people who ever lived struggled with depression- even the formidable prophet Elijah was afflicted with it- and the scriptures tell us God ‘prescribed’ good food and sleep to help him recover.

Come and chat here anytime. We all need a bit of encouragement and support.

God bless you 🙏🏻

I agree. Please post if you need a pray or a word of encouragement.

I am glad you have reached out to the professionals for help, that is great news! Keep updating the thread or reach out whenever you need to. Take comfort in knowing that God will never leave you; He will not forsake you. Remember Jesus told us that there would be tribulations throughout life but guarantees us victory through it by faith in Him.

ForeverHopeful3 some writing was in one of my Bible's on depression and I thought that I would photo it and post it for you. You can save it and download it to read later if you want to.
I will say also that Blessed Marcel Callo suffered from depression after his sister went through a traumatic incident. He said that he got a message from his spirit through Jesus Christ ministry telling him to go out and see family and try to be sociable. I have taken a photo of that page to out of my book.

I am not sure if anyone has mentioned spiritual counselling yet. You can get some consultants to who may be dual Christian and a depression specialist. I saw one like that for anorexia and I found it very helpful.

Can you share the name of this book? I am very much interested in reading the rest. I can 100% relate to Job. Thank you I read every word you shared. Seeing a spiritual medical professional would be best for me since I rely on God's Word for everything I do in life. It would be nice to have someone to talk to who can connect with me on that level.

Hi ForeverHopeful3 it was called Saints with Disabilites by Pia Matthews. It realy helped me to come to terms with having to have a condition in my life. I really like the chapter on Bearing the Weight of the World.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Wild-Flowers-Saints-Disabilities/dp/0852448813/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LSFQ8GMSFBN9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FLjc3hm8OAeg2s8v_UlnwKtoZKVFUBFr5AVuXU_OrOY.LjRTTVmWZe9_oGR4Ja8Wg-D59nsUT-HcDodL_Ofh7g4&dib_tag=se&keywords=saints+with+disabilities+pia+matthews&qid=1766085405&sprefix=saints+with+disabiliteis+pia+matthews%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1

I went through a very difficult situation a few years ago (before covid) and I didn’t seek help, but looking back I was definitely depressed. I couldn’t see a way out. I really couldn’t. But my thoughts were dark, so dark I didn’t want to share it with anyone. And I was smiling at church and acting like I was ok, but deep down I was crumbling.

A few things helped me (looking back) - and you will find that you will have a few combinations of things that might help you.

1. i wish I spoke to someone so I am glad you have gone to the GP.
2. I had to relearn how I communicated with God, in that period it was journaling by sketching (normally journaling was written or prayer) but I filled half of a sketch book. I actually mentioned this to a few people at church and that’s what helped me realise that was how God was speaking to me in that period.
3. I felt hopeless - but during that time (nearer the end when I had more strength) I changed jobs and started giving away some old small furniture pieces I had - but this led to me finding a community years later - so I’d say see if you can tap into a hobby centred community - I say this because social prescribing has a lot of benefits and that is when the GP refer you to social groups/clubs.

I hope you get the help you need x

I had to relearn how I communicated with God, in that period it was journaling by sketching (normally journaling was written or prayer) but I filled half of a sketch book. I actually mentioned this to a few people at church and that’s what helped me realise that was how God was speaking to me in that period.
This is beautiful, @Orangeandgold

Taking medication is a way of helping when done through professionals or doctors, therapists, we all have to take medication at some point in our life for our health, and do not feel lonely you have friends here right now, also how often do you go to church is there someone in your church you can physically speak to as well as us ( as when we feel low lonely we need face to face contact)

Please don't be sad you have friends here and can you speak to your church members asking the priest if they can once a week have a coffee and chat time to talk about anything so you are having face to face contact with people if you're faith, or maybe write a note inviting people to get together for a coffee and chat at a local cafe put for anyone single or not , lonely or not to talk and see if you get any response, put it up in your church