Hope in the Midst of Depression

*DISCLAIMER: Trigger warning: Suicidal thoughts, depression, abuse.

Since the age of 12, depression is something that has been tormenting me. It has stolen much of my joy throughout the years, and it still, every now and then, creeps up on me.

As a result of the abuse that I endured for years by the hands of my stepfather, I started to lose hope that life would get any better for me. When he left, it left a hole in my heart that I couldn’t seem to fill.

It wasn’t until the age of 21 that I started going to therapy and getting to the bottom of my depression. Then started the slow, agonizing journey to processing and healing my deep soul wounds.

Dealing with the aftermath of abuse and mistreatment by people who I thought loved me, caused me to hit rock bottom. My body and mind shut down to the point where I could barely think or function. I would literally sleep for hours, and no amount of sleep would give me relief. I’ve cried more tears than I could ever keep count of.

I was on all types of depression, anxiety and PTSD medications. There were so many times that I questioned why I was even alive. This couldn’t be life. If so, I wanted no parts of it.

For those who are and have contemplated suicide, I just want to encourage you to hold on. I understand what it feels like to feel the weight of the world and want to end it all. You are here for a reason, and you have a special purpose here on this earth. You are so strong for making it this far and what you have went through or are still going through is not in vain. Please seek professional help.

Sometimes this life can be so hard with all of the pain, heartache, abuse, and evil in this world. It can be hard to have hope. Something that kept and still keeps me fighting was holding on to God’s promises. Also, I found some healthy coping mechanisms that I still need to use:

Talk to a therapist.
- It can be very helpful to get some healthy coping skills when talking to a licensed professional. They can also help you to process your emotions in a healthy and productive way.
Listen to Christian or uplifting music.
- There is something therapeutic about uplifting music. It can be so uplifting and encouraging to hear the right song at the right time.
Workout or take a walk.
- Something as simple as taking a walk can be enough to boost your mood.
Vent to a trusted friend or family member.
- Having someone to simply listen to you can be just what you need to feel better.
Write your feelings on paper.
- Having a journal handy can be helpful to write down and process your thoughts and feelings.
Do some self-care.
- Get yourself your favorite meal, get a massage, your nails and toes pedicured, etc. Find some things that you can do for yourself to give yourself some extra TLC.
Do NOT isolate yourself.
- There have been so many times where I’ve felt so alone and misunderstood that I completely shut people out of my life. I have learned the importance of being transparent, even, if it’s only one person. There are community, church, and other groups of people going through the same things that can support you through your time of crisis.
Go to church.
- If you are going to a healthy church, you will find a community of people who will pray for you and support you. The community at the church that I’ve been attending for the past few years has helped me heal from a lot of what I’ve been suffering from with prayer and true friendship

Depression still does creep up on me every now and then, and I have hope that things will not always be this way. It reminds me that I am a survivor from the things that have tried to destroy me, but I persevered.

Scriptures to give hope:

“You keep track of all of my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your books (Psa.56:8)”.
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:17-18).”
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17-18).”
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28.”
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Phil 4:8).”
“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 (Deut.31:8).”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make direct your path (Prov.3:5-6).
Be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philip.4:6-7 NIV).
“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 NIV).”
“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).”
“And we know that in all things God work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).”
“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Cor.13:13).”
“As for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me (Micah 7:7).”
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Cor. 10:13 NIV).”
“We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us (Romans 5:3-5).”
“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).”
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).”
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (1 Peter 1:3)