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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

Scripture marked (NASB) is from the New American Standard Bible
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

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Take Heart

If you are feeling anxious right now, just turn off the news, get away from social media, get quiet, and dig into God’s word. It is filled with comfort and strength for his people. Here are some verses that can not only calm your fears, but can also build your faith and courage. Maybe you should pick out a few to meditate on today:

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
– Psalm 34:4

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
– Psalm 31:24
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
– Psalm 34:4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
– Psalm 56:3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
– 1 Peter 5:6-7
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
– Isaiah 41:10
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:8 & 9
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
–Deuteronomy 31:8
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
– John 14:26 & 27
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
– Psalm 55:22
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
– Psalm 27:14

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Peace in a Time of Trouble

Some Scriptures for Meditation: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. –Jeremiah 29:11

Some Scriptures for Meditation:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
–Jeremiah 29:11
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
–Romans 15:13
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
–John 14:27
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
–John 16:33
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
–1 Peter 5:7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
–Philippians 4:47

This is a crazy time. Covid-19 has changed the world. And while we are all in isolation, our emotions can range from anxiety to frustration to fear.

One thing is for certain: we all need the Lord. And we all need to remember that He is on His throne and He has a plan. He is a mighty God. He’s got this. And He’s got us.

If you’re feeling a little uptight right now, why not re-read these Scriptures several times slowly, one by one. Be still for a while and invite the Lord to speak to your heart.

Guest User 4/9/20 Guest User 4/9/20

Who Am I?

by Veronica Morrison, Pastor of Women’s Ministry

Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth. – Psalm 46:10 (TPT)

I was talking with a friend yesterday who had been looking forward to her graduation from ASU this May. We were processing together the disappointment and all the emotions that have come up in light of the pandemic, and the loss of her hopes and dreams with graduation. The big question that has come up for her, myself, and many others during this time is “If I am not what I do, then who am I?”

You may be feeling like me—more aware than ever before how I have let my everyday tasks define me. It was never my intention to do so, but somehow I let my hectic life become a part of the definition of who I am.

Who am I? Well, who was I? A few weeks ago I was a busy person who was constantly moving from one task to the other so that, at the end of the day, I could feel like I had value. But now all that is gone. I am left with myself.

This forced stillness has been quite revealing. A good example of what has been revealed to me is actually seen in my reflection of my own children. Observing my children I have discovered that kids with nothing to do are actually quite amazing. At first, they are whiny and, well, frankly, annoying. But give them enough time with their boredom and something incredible happens. They turn a corner and become deeply themselves. It’s so fun to watch. They start to become silly and creative. They become fascinated with the things around them. They look at the clouds and make up stories, and play games with one another, and laugh until they cry or pee their pants. Few things give me greater joy then watching my kids be fully themselves.

I think that is probably how the Lord is looking at all of us during this season. We may have complained a little bit at first. We may even have been a little whiny and annoying. But after a while we start to become our authentic selves. We started enjoying God’s creation, being present with our families and friends, laughing and delighting in things we forgot give us joy.

There is so much loss in this time. And I am so grieved by all the suffering. But our God always makes beauty from ashes. And some of the beauty in this might be us becoming fully alive as we stop defining ourselves by our to-do lists. As we slow down and become more ourselves, we allow our very beings to be a blessing to our Heavenly Father. God takes joy in watching us take notice of Him and the beauty around us.

I pray that, when this crisis passes, we won’t go back and get caught again in the net of striving. That we will rely on the peace of God. That we will take joy in Him and the goodness He surrounds us with. That we really would allow Him to be exalted in our lives and in the world.