Page 9 - Kingdom News Edition 5 Online

became extremely determined to live a
healthy and victorious life, so I began medi-
tating and studying the Word of God
more. Instead of allowing depression to de-
feat me, I vowed that I would defeat depres-
sion. I sought out the best mental health pro-
fessionals in my area and I remained com-
mitted to becoming healthier. I engaged in
talk therapy and music therapy. I also began
keeping a journal that allowed me to openly
express myself. Along with medication, exer-
Even though mental illness was not discussed cise, meditation, prayer, music and talk thera-
much, I began to seek an understanding for my- py I was well on my way to living the abundant
self. I learned about a “trigger” which is some- life that was promised to me.
thing that causes an onset or episode of depres- Life is good now. My faith in God is what has
sion. My triggers were grief and stress. I would brought me through. In addition to my faith, I
get severely depressed after the deaths of my have learned many coping mechanisms over
loved ones. At times I would not eat, sleep nor the years that have allowed me to have the
engage with my loved ones. Things had gotten upper hand on depression. As soon as I recog-
so bad at one point that I found myself seeking nize depression creeping up against me I de-
inpatient treatment at one of our local hospi- clare Isaiah 26:3, “Thou will keep him in per-
tals. This was major for me. Though I was not fect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” I
the only person in my family who suffered from am also reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7 when it
a mental illness, I was the only one who became states, “For God has not given us the spirit of
transparent about my illness. fear; but of power, love, and of a sound

When I got over the denial that I suffered with mind.” My journey has not been easy but I will
depression, I began to do some soul searching. I not trade it for anything.

CALL THE NAMI HELPLINE
800-950-NAMI
info@nami.org
FIND HELP IN A CRISIS
TEXT "NAMI" TO 741741

Depressive disorder, frequently referred to simply as depression, is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough
patch. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. Left untreated, depression can be
devastating for those who have it and their families.

An estimated 16 million American adults—almost 7% of the population—had at least one major depressive episode in the
past year.

People of all ages and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression, but it does affect some
groups more than others. Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression, and young adults aged 18–25
are 60% more likely to have depression than people aged 50 or older.

Depression can present different symptoms, depending on the person. But for most people, depressive disorder changes
how they function day-to-day, and typically for more than two weeks. Common symptoms include:
• Changes in Sleep • Loss of Energy • Changes in movement (less activity
• Changes in Appetite • Lack of Interest in Activities or agitation)
• Lack of Concentration • Hopelessness or guilty thoughts • Physical aches and pains
• Suicidal thoughts

Kingdom News Magazine ~ 9