Depression

By definition depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.  It is a battle within the mind. 

According to a study done several years ago 77% of all self-talk (yes, people do talk to themselves – like a lot) is negative and berating in nature.  That stat shows us that three out of every four things you speak to yourself in your mind are potentially harmful to how you view yourself.  This often leads to a feeling of depression or even being depressed. 

During the past year many things have changed in the lives of all teens and students.  There are not as many social gatherings.  Schools have changed their normal activities.  Teens are spending a lot of time on their own, at home, on their phones, on social media – and it all has led to an increase in depression.

Why is that?  We are losing the battle within the mind.  Since we are prone to think negative of ourselves anyway, it is easy for us in times of isolation to think these lies:

No one likes me because no one likes my posts on Instagram; I guess I’m not pretty enough.

I don’t have any friends because no one is snapping me back.

I always have to text first, so I guess no one is my real friend.

Those guys made fun of the way I play Fortnite or Apex, they must think I am stupid.

I don’t understand any of my schoolwork, I am an idiot.  I will always be an idiot.

How can this be combatted against?

We must realize that we control our thoughts.  They don’t have to control us.  Look at these scriptures:

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 AMP

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, what is right and confirmed by God’s Word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [ center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Note the first verse says that our imaginations (our thoughts) can exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.  Our negative thoughts about ourselves tend to go against how God truly sees us.  He sees as a masterpiece created in His image for His purpose.  The second verse tells us how to think and what types of things to dwell on within our minds.  So instead of thinking negative, remember you are a Child of the One True King!  You are worth dying for.  You are worth leaving all of heaven for.  You have a Friend in Jesus.

If you are dealing with depression talk to someone about it.  Talk to your parents, pastors, youth pastors, or someone else you trust.  Also, start fighting against the negative thoughts that flood your mind by reciting some of the truths I mentioned above.  We are praying for you!