When I began struggling with what I now know is depression, I didn’t know what was wrong with me. Because I was clueless, and didn’t have the energy to do anything about it anyway, I didn’t even speak about it (or much of anything) to anyone. I didn’t tell anyone, not even my husband, that I spent more time in the bathroom crying than I did interacting with my children.

What I didn’t know then, that I have since learned, is that I am not alone in my struggles.

You are not alone either, dear one.

It is so very important to remember this. The enemy wants nothing more than to isolate us, make us feel like no one else struggles, thus increasing the thoughts that we are abnormal, we are “bad Christians,” we must not be praying “right.” And when you struggle with depression, as a believer, these thoughts will come into your mind.

As I began posting about depression a few years ago, I started receiving emails. Private messages from other women who were suffering, in silence, afraid to speak up. Women who felt alone.

If you are struggling, repeat after me: “I am not alone.” Say it, again and again. Believe it. Say it til you believe it.

It is so important to be able to find someone you can talk to. Believe me, when you are in the depths of depression, if feels impossible. You can’t find the energy to get out of bed, much less make a phone call or meet someone for lunch. I know this all too well. But, I am praying now, that anyone who is struggling right now can find the strength to reach out to one friend, a spouse, a loved one…and ask for help. Even if all you say is, “help.” I’m praying that if you don’t have the strength in you, that a close friend will sense a call from the Lord to reach out to you.

And, on those days when you don’t have the strength to get out of bed? Don’t feel guilty for letting the kids watch another movie. I promise, they will survive.

Finally, as cliche as it sounds, you are also not alone because God is with you. When He feels far away, He isn’t. He is close. He is so close. When you don’t think your prayers are heard…He hears. When all you can do is cry, He hears your cries. He hears, He knows, He loves.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17

 

5 Days of Homeschooling with Depression

Day 1 ~ There is hope. 

Day 2 ~ I am not alone.

Day 3 ~ There is good in the valley.

Day 4 ~ I am broken. And that is a good thing.

Day 5 ~ God is bigger. {AND a give away!}

**Resources & Links for moms struggling with depression found here. 

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