The Maze of Depression

Not to long ago, I wrote about the Monster Under My Bed.  I am happy to report that I have (for now) banished the monster.  Banished? Befriended?  Hmmm.  Anyway, today I want to share a little about how I won that battle.

I guess I had been somewhat depressed since before I wrote that (ha, it is hard to admit it still), and this last week or so, the depression had gotten pretty bad.  I kept telling myself that "happiness is a choice", and I really wanted to believe that it was.  Yet, the depression felt like a maze and for a time I could not find my way out.  I tried all the things that have worked in the past.  The most helpful thing was, of course, prayer.  I can't say enough about that, but that is a topic for another time.  When we pray, God often helps us through other people and that is what I want to share today.

I am pleased to tell you that I found my way out of the maze.  It wasn't easy.  It is interesting how it happened. You know the cliche "misery loves company"?  Well, it sounds terrible, but it is true. One of the things that helped was hearing other peoples struggles.  Someone I know recently had a house fire.  They were very close to losing not only their home but their lives.  A short time before that, they had a scare, wherein one of their children almost died.  Hearing her share the story with a group of moms I was with brought tears to my eyes even though I knew the little boy in question was alright.  I felt full of compassion for what this family has been through, and at the same time, I felt strangely comforted.  It was like I mentally put an arm around her and said, "Life sure is hard isn't it?  I'm having a hard time too, but we'll both get through it."  I feel a closeness to her just because she shared.  Another day at a church party, a new friend shared a struggle her family had had.  The topic came up very naturally in the conversation, but it made me feel a closeness to her as well. (Thanks Nicole and Anjanette) Some how in all this, I realized I needed to share too.  It is unfortunate how reluctant we are to talk about depression, and yet talking is so helpful.  Finally, I told my husband and a few friends that I was struggling. And slowly...with prayer, hearing other people's struggles and sharing my own, I found my way out of the maze. 

Now back to enjoying Christmas!  I hope Christmas is a joyous time for you, but if you find yourself lost in the maze, pray and share with a friend...I think it will help you both!

Merry Christmas!