HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!

Ever since I can remember I have struggled with depression. I was first diagnosed with it when I was seventeen, but it started long before that. And despite having it for so many years, it is only recently that I have learned how to deal with it without medication. The first thing I have to do is fix my eyes upon someone so much greater than myself and my pain. Jesus is my source of joy and peace. He’s my strength. Does my depression go away immediately when I do this? No not always, but it gives me hope that wasn’t there before. I know this is a temporary situation, and it will not last forever. In the end, I’m always better off having experienced such pain. I appreciate happiness more than most. Only people with depression can truly understand how it feels when you pull out of it. It is one of the best feelings in the world. You love life again. You can smile. You can laugh. You can function. I rarely take my happiness and the good feelings in my life for granted, because I know what it feels like not to have them.

A deep depression is complete emptiness and pain. There is no source of joy or hope. I’ve learned in the last year to not allow myself to get to that point. I know when I’m beginning to get depressed. I’ve experienced it so often that I can detect when it first starts. I’ve learned to not allow myself to think. I know my thoughts will only be negative. I’ve learned to make myself hang out with my friends, even though I’d rather just stare off into space or sleep. I’ve learned to keep myself busy when I’m experiencing these feelings. I’ve learned to not hold it inside, but warn my friends and family about how I feel. That way they keep me positive. I’ve learned to watch my diet and exercise. Keeping healthy is very important. Most of all I’ve learned to focus on God and his word. Something that helps me a lot when I’m feeling down is to list what I am thankful for. It keeps me focused on the good parts of my life.

I’m not depressed right now, but I still thought I’d share with you what I’ve learned. I have been experiencing a fair amount of stress lately, but that is just life and something that is very common this time of year. There’s just so much to get done. I’d also thought I’d point out that we all have so much to be thankful for. Try to remember that. Even when times are tough try to “count your blessings”. Things could really be much worse. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Try to remember the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving (the giving of thanks). Don’t get so caught up in the busyness of it all that you forget what you’re celebrating. I hope each and every one of you take a moment tomorrow to count your blessings! Happy Thanksgiving!