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Overcoming depressed moods
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Does anyone have any suggestions about how to keep on keeping on with school when there are other areas of your life that are causing depression and anxiety? I tend to just brood during the day and have a hard time being motivated and focused on executing school work, and a hard time being cheerful in general. I keep a prayer journal and try to read the Bible (and do copywork) each day, but I confess that sometimes I have a hard time being motivated to even complete that. Then I start becoming frustrated at myself for feeling that way!
Any practical suggestions?
I’ve dealt with this (and still do occassionally). I’ve read “Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit” twice now and applied some of the suggestions she mentions at the end of each chapter and this is making a big difference in my life. A bulk of my problem was false thinking and not …”taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”–2 Corinthians 10:5 You can get a product description here: http://www.titus2.com/ecommerce/products/prod_listing.php/1120
I agree with mj. Definitely read good books like the one mj suggested. I have also dealt with similar issues. I am a big advocate of “getting to the root of the issue.” You say that there are “other areas in your life that are causing depression and anxiety.” Is it really the situation in your life that is causing you anxiety and depression or is it something deeper within yourself? For me it all came down to fear. And fear, of course, is the opposite of faith. I am still dealing with this issue, but it is being dealt with. And because I am dealing with the root cause the anxiety is being dealt with as well. I was not able to do this on my own, though. God of course has been consulted regularly
. But I needed some help from people as well – counsel from spriritually mature and grounded Christians who had insight into the real issues. I had to talk to my family members and be open to what they saw in me as well. So, my advice is dig deep, seek spiritual help, talk to your family, keep praying, and be open to God showing you parts of yourself that you may not have realized were there and that you may not like.
You will get through this, God does love you and will never forsake you. You have many things to be thankful for so try to focus on those, and remember that you are stronger than you think
.I just wanted to add that if the depression is getting really bad, you may want to seek medical help. I suffered from severe depression for years – and I was very spiritually active, getting councilling, and had nothing going “wrong” with my life. (In fact, I had to call a suicide line, and the person I talked to was frustrated because my life was going great…. I had bought a house, my finances were good, I had a good job, had just gotten my professional designation, etc – and it HURT just being alive I was so depressed.) I also remember going to a Sunday class and basically being told by someone who didn’t know anything on the topic that if everything is write with you spiritually, you will be happy.
Sometimes the brain chemistry in your head gets all “wonky” and off balance, and you need antidepressants to help restore them. A common comparison is with someone with diabetes, where they need to take insulin to balance the bodies natural insulin which is either missing, too low, or not being used well by the body.
I don’t know if your depression or feelings are this bad – but just thought I would mention it.
btw – something that sometimes helped me was to make a little rescue kit – it had something to comfort me for each sense of the body.
so – for taste, I might have some packages of hot chocolate. For touch I had a nice silky shirt, or bubble bath. For sound, a CD with soothing music. For sight, pictures of my family or other nice pictures. For smell, I had cinamon sticks (to go in the hot chocolate!) I had some extra things for some of the senses, so I could choose – and of course this is a personal thing – you would need to pick things that would work for you.
I’m just a regular mom offering everyday-type of advice. If you can start your day with something pleasant, that usually helps me get out of bed with eagerness. I love to draw, so I wake up and draw right away. It sets a good tone for the rest of the day. A morning walk does WONDERS as well, even if it’s only a very short walk for a few minutes. Or perhaps you set out your favorite cup and tea before you go to bed that will be a friendly sight to you in the morning. These are just little things, but starting the day with something pleasant is a good step.
And, think about how you end your day. Make that a pleasant time for yourself as well. Perhaps have an uplifting or soothing book to read before going to bed, with a cup of tea or nice music. Physical exercise during the day will make you fall asleep easier…which is a blessing if your mind is troubled.
When my thoughts race with worries as I try to fall asleep, I tell myself, “I’m not thinking about that right now. This is not the time.” and I try to push them away. This takes some practice, but it can work. There is a time for all things, and bedtime is not the time for worries. After a night’s sleep and after a pleasant wake-up routine, then you can face the worries with a clear mind.
And, of course. share your burdens in prayer.
You are not alone in your struggles.
Thank you for all the great comments and advice and just reminders of what I already know to be true. I really appreciated Linabean’s comment about “getting to the root of the problem”. I have been thinking about that a LOT this last week and trying to be honest with myself. I also really appreciated mj’s reminder of 2 Cor. 10:5 “…taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” I have had a better week with those two thoughts at the forefront of my mind.
It’s nice to know I’m not alone!
. But I needed some help from people as well – counsel from spriritually mature and grounded Christians who had insight into the real issues. I had to talk to my family members and be open to what they saw in me as well. 
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