It took me a long time before I was ready to write about depression on this blog. The opening up of what is going on in your mind and heart to an unknown audience is quite frightening. But in the process of being transparent, I am able to experience healing.

Being transparent with other people is something everyone struggles with, whether they have depression or not. Does anyone who asks really want an answer to the common question, “How are you?” But having someone or several someones with whom to share this battle of the mind is an essential part of managing depression. That support network might consist of a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist, and even a depression support group. It could involve chatting with others in a depression forum online. It might be a best friend. A person struggling with depression must invite others into their pain.

Inviting others into the pain is humbling. It involves taking off the mask and letting other people see what’s really there. It’s showing the scars, the stains, the ugly wounds, and the brokeness. It’s admitting to not being perfect, not having it all figured out, and not being able to do it alone.

One of the most formidable aspects of depression is the way it can gradually sneak up on a person. One of the signs of depression is withdrawing from others. The benefit to having a network of supportive people is that they are more likely to notice a change in demeanor or mood.

There have been times in my life when I did not have a support system. I could be in a crowded room yet feel so isolated it was as if I was all alone. The hopeless thoughts were so powerful that I when I was around people who were laughing, it felt like I was from another country and hearing a language I did not know. Through counseling I learned how crucial it is to know my personal signs that depression is looming and to go to my support system and tell them.

About five years ago I started a small discipleship/prayer/accountability group with several other women. One of the things that has helped me the most is knowing that I have a group of people who are always at prayer for me, who accept me as the mess that I am, and who are there to see me through it. They will point me to the Healer, the One who carries all of my burdens- He carried them all the way to the cross.

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

“Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.”

Ecc. 4:9,10