The word “depression” is often thrown around and can be used to describe everything from just being sad to an actual bipolar disorder. Clinical descriptions of depression come in a number of different types: major depression, chronic depression, atypical depression, postpartum depression, seasonal depression, psychotic depression and serotonin syndrome.
 
Whatever your actual state of mind is, the symptoms can cause everything from a simple mood change to full on exhaustion and thoughts of suicide. For devout Christians, feelings of depression can often bring on confusion, for how can you be experiencing such sadness when your faith is the light of your life?
 
It’s important to remember that depression can be caused by a number of differing factors, from a tragic life incident to a chemical imbalance in the brain. The cause of the depression should not be the focus of your resolve in dealing with the issue. The focus should be on how you can use your faith to deal with the symptoms of depression and ultimately work your way through it.
 
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. —Psalms 43:5, KJV
 
It can be easy to feel alone in your depression; to feel there is nothing that can be done when you’re in the depths of despair. However, turning your focus on God can be a way toward salvation. Rely on the Lord to give you the courage to get through these difficult times and lean on Him in your pain.
 
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. —Isaiah 41:10, KJV
 
Understanding that you are not alone during a time of depression can be a great way to fully embrace the fact that God is always with you. Not only will you feel that you are navigating through these troubled times with God on your side, but you will also feel the courage to get beyond it.
 
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid. —Psalms 27:1, KJV
 
Surrendering yourself to the Lord can help to give you strength during your time of need. A common notion on depression is that it is anger turned inwards. While it may not feel like anger in the normal, everyday sense, depression can be a form of anger towards yourself in terms of blame and anguish. In order to get passed the feelings you have put on yourself, you must surrender to God’s will.
 
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. —Psalms 9:9-10, KJV
 
Putting your trust and faith in the Lord can be a great solace for those thrown in the depths of depression. This can help you to see an end to your misery because you have surrendered your pain to the Lord.
 
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. —Psalms 34:17-19, KJV
 
Understanding that you are not alone in your depression can be a huge relief in and of itself, but actually surrendering your pain to God can be the most influential part in getting through these difficult times. Know, in your heart, that God is with you and know that you will get through this difficult time together.