9 Ways to Avoid Depression
1. Obey God
In the Old Testament, God had always rewarded man according to his relationship with Him: If man obeyed God, blessings would follow him; but if man disobeyed God, the reward would be curses: Poverty, barrenness, famine, hunger, sickness and diseases, all of which produce depression in the life of man (Deuteronomy 28 ).
2. Be other-centered
The Bible says that it is better to give than to receive. There is a joy that comes from helping and serving others. Instead of focusing on yourself alone, reach out to others in need if you can. This will prohibit you from dwelling on your own problems, as well as combat any feelings of low self-esteem, because it will allow you to know that you are a valuable individual who has something to offer others.
3. Stay away from envious people.
This group of people can make your life very miserable and make you very depressed, especially when they have power over you. In the Bible, Saul was so envious of David that he pursued him to kill him, for a very long time. As a result, David became very depressed because he had to be constantly running for his life.
Envious people will do anything they can to make your life unhappy. Proverbs 27: 4, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" If you can avoid these people, please do, and while you're at it, also avoid the jealous, mean-spirited, angry, prideful, full of strife, and disrespectful folks who have no respect for anyone but themselves.
4. Avoid negative thinking.
Philippians 4:8 teaches us to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, with virtue, and with praise. Negative thinking on how people have offended you, will only engender depression and other negative feelings; so, avoid them.
2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to, cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. You must train your thoughts to conform to the things that Christ taught us to obey.
Whenever unpleasant or unholy thoughts come into your mind, it is your duty to say, "Devil, this is not for me, I cast it down in the Mighty name of Jesus," and you tell him what the word of God teaches. The more you do this, the better you will become at controlling your thoughts.
Finally, if no one affirms you, look in the mirror and give yourself a good pep talk. Say good things about yourself out loud: I am beautiful. I am intelligent. I am holy. I am caring. I am loving. I have understanding. I am talented. I am blessed in the city and in the field. I am valuable. I am unique. I am a diamond. I am kind. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Jesus loves me, and so on. Say what the word of God says about you because God has affirmed you!
5. Make the right choice in relationships
Being in a bad relationship can greatly increase your level of stress and sadness; this is why it is so important for you to choose correctly, especially when you are choosing a marriage partner. Inquire from the Lord concerning any relationship and avoid a host of unnecessary heartaches.
Choosing the right friends will also help to prevent depression. Surround yourself with people who celebrate your success and encourage you. Do not drain yourself emotionally, spiritually, and physically being around negative people who criticize you incessantly.
The Bible says that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. If your Creator sees value in you, who is anyone to disagree. Find a spiritual counselor for guidance and wisely consider any relationship before making a serious commitment.
6. Walk in your purpose
Finding your purpose in life will give you great satisfaction and, consequently, increase your joy. Spend time in prayer to find out what is your purpose or seek out a prophet or counselor. God sent you into this world for a reason. You must know what it is in order to fulfill it.
What is that burning desire in your heart? What is that thing that you always wanted to do? What is that thing that when you do it, always result in joy? What is that thing that is always coming into your heart? It is probably the thing that you were called to do.
7. Spend time in worship, prayer, and reading the word of God.
Worship and prayer brings you into the presence of God, in which there is fullness of joy. You cannot truly be in the presence of God and not feel real joy and peace, and experience healing. Practice spending time in God's presence daily, by singing songs and telling Him that you love Him. Delight yourself in His word-live it and read it--and it will keep depression away.
Psalm 1:2-3, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. v3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth for his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Withering is like a form of depression to me; but the word of God promises that you will prosper when you:
a) Keep His commandments.
b) Read and meditate in the word of God daily.
c) Avoid the counsel of the ungodly, the way of sinners, and the seat of the scornful (people who are saved but hate rebuke).
8. Exercise, meditate, getting out, and playing music.
Exercising, meditating, getting sunshine, and playing music will help to ward off feelings of depression. All of the above assist in increasing the "feel good" hormones in your brain, and making you feel energized and alert. Meditation alleviates stress and anxiety by quieting your body, mind, and spirit. The results would be a healthier, happier life. If you cannot get out, make sure your let the sunshine in during the day. One reason God created the sun is to bring sunshine into our lives.
9. Trust God.
Trusting God is key in avoiding depression. When you learn to rest totally in a kind and loving God, and you understand that He wants the best for you, and that He is working all things out for your good, you will worry less and be anxious less. He knows everything that is going on in your life and that should give you inexplicable peace. And after you've done all you can, just stand and do these three things in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
- Rejoice.
- Pray without ceasing.
- In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
God knows that depressing situations will crop up in your life from time to time; but His goal is that you will not bring unnecessary stress and sorrow into your life through making wrong choices and decisions.
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