DEPRESSION DOES NOT HAVE TO DEFINE OR OWN YOU

Hey everyone , Leeman here ! Now that I have some time to blog , I wanted to talk about my battle with depression.

Before I really get into this , just want to let you know what this blog entry is about, fyi: my blog entry about my battle about depression will not be:

 1. I am not throwing myself nor do I want a  pity party.

 2. I'm going to be blunt and will probably offend you but not intentionally.

 3.  I refuse to give ignorant stereotypical Christian answers or thought when it comes to the topic of depression.

So with that out of the way , lets have a real talk about depression!

I know I have blogged about depression and my battle with depression before, but his time around I want to come at this topic at a different angle .

Since 9/29/2017, I have been battling a dark depression that I have let define me and own me.

 I let my past decisions and peoples opinions about me or who am I suppose to be or not be, define and own me.  

About 2 Sundays ago a gentleman prayed for me at a church , there were some chains were broken that day.

Then that tuesday I got fired because I missed too many days of work . 

I don't have to explain myself but the reason I missed so many is because I have suffering with extremely bad migraines.  I am working with my DR to get a diagnosis and for now looking for part time work .

Did I get upset ? did I cry? did I ask God why me ? YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But his time I dealt with it and let myself feel!  I HAVE NEVER FELT SO MUCH PEACE AND FREEDOM!

So here is what I really want to get across to ya'll and encourage ya'll with............................................

  DEPRESSION DOES NOT HAVE TO DEFINE OR OWN YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Me keeping it 100, I have a issues that I need to work and I will be going to therapy.

With that said,  I REFUSE TO LET DEPRESSION DEFINE AND OWN ME ANY MORE!

Again keeping it 100, dealing with depression or any mental illness , there is no quick fix for depression . 

Yes I do believe that Jesus can 100% heal people of depression , please believe know that. 

But the bible does say will go through trials in our life , examples: 

I have been through many trials and tribulations in my short life but Jesus has pulled me through those tough times . 

Have I doubted him ? yes , but  I did not let those doubts/lies from the devil become fully grown tumors in my mind and soul.  When you do let those doubts and lies grow, its a sad dark place to be in and can be lead to a darker depression .

Here are 3 things that help when I am depressed :

1.Find someone to confide in , someone safe and trustworthy.  

If possible, find someone that you trust and respect that can be your ear to vent to but also someone who will step in if you need further help and can't help yourself. 

I am blessed that I have my wife lydia, she has been my lighthouse in dark times.

2.  Therapy

Therapy can help undo the damage that depression has caused and fins the direct root on why you get depressed.

Therapy can also give you healthy tool's to deal with your depression.

This is just my opinion  , Christian counseling is not always the best option , especially if the Christian counselor/therapist  or pastor has wrong or unhealthy view of mental health .  

When choosing a counselor or a therapist , make sure you are upfront on what you need and don't need.   

3.  Make a music playlist that reminds of good memories.

Music has helped get through a lot of tough times in my life . 

I like to listen to worship music , Stevie Wonder , boy bands , or 90's hip hop when I am depressed. 

Trust music can be very healing.

In closing,  you will beat this depression and you can live a happy life !

DON'T LET YOUR DEPRESSION DEFINE YOU OR OWN YOU !