What to Do with Anxiety and Depression
by Kurt Cotter
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.”
–Proverbs 12:25 (NASB)
As I’ve been reaching out to our Living Streams family during this lingering season of COVID-19 quarantine, I’ve been hearing of a rise in anxiety and depression. For some, it’s due to loss of employment or anxiety about impending financial issues. For others, it’s news of all that is going on in the world around us, and the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in our state.
I want to share a few things that can help deal with anxiety before it leads to full-on depression. I look at this as sort of like a pie with various pieces.
The Spiritual Component
For some, it’s like a dark cloud of oppression comes over them and builds a stronghold in the mind. But Jesus has given us authority to “tear down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4) and restore peace to our minds. Here’s what Paul said about how to do that through prayer with thanksgiving:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
–Philippians 4:6-7
Hopelessness
Sometimes depression comes from feelings of hopelessness. Hope is defined as a joyful expectation of something good.
I spoke to someone today who said they were looking forward to seeing family in another state but then their flight was canceled. That led to that feeling of sadness and depression.
We need to remind ourselves that the plans God has for us are good and that He has a hope and a future for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11). We need to renew our minds with the truth from God’s Word to encourage ourselves as King David did.
Some Practical Tips
I can honestly say it’s been years since I struggled with depression. Here are some practical things that have helped me avoid it.
Reach out to others: I find that I can be selfish. But if the Lord stirs me and puts someone on my mind, and if I reach out to encourage and pray for them, it’s amazing how joy comes to me!
Eat well: Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoid excessive sugar.
Exercise: I watched a Ted Talk from a neuroscientist named Wendy Suzuki—“The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise”. She did an experiment on herself and here’s what she found:
“A single workout will immediately increase levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline.”
“Exercise actually produces brand new brain cells, new brain cells in the hippocampus, that actually increase its volume, as well as improve your long-term memory.”
Bottom line: One thing you can do right now is to simply go take a walk.
Read and Meditate on God’s word:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” –Phil. 4:8-9
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