Some days are darker than others. Have you noticed that? One day you can feel on top of the world and the next you’re down in the dumps. Today was like that for me. For some reason I was just in a mood. There was nothing especially wrong, just everything seemed gray.
Some of it was probably the weather, which was gray and raining. The end of Daylight Savings probably didn’t help either. When it starts getting dark at 4 o’clock it’s hard to be chipper. I’m also still getting over being sick. Whatever the reason, I just felt kinda blue.
Depression is a serious problem in our crazy world. It not only destroys marriages, relationships and careers, it can also be devastating to your health. Dean Ornish, one of the pioneers of lifestyle medicine, speaking at the conference I just attended, reported that people who are lonely or depressed are 3-6 times more likely to die prematurely than those who feel connected with others.
Even the Apostle Paul felt this need for connection. When he first came to Macedonia he faced incredible opposition. He, and those with him, “were harassed at every turn – conflicts on the outside, fears within.” (2 Corinthians 7:5 NIV).
But God didn’t abandon them to their depression and fears. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul reported, “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.” (vs. 6-7).
One of the best ways for you to help someone who is struggling with depression is to just be there for them. We all need each other. It’s been that way from the very beginning. That’s why God created Eve, because He knew “It is not good for…man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18).
If you know someone who is feeling depressed, let them know they’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Reach out to them, in person or even online, and let them know you’re in this with them. Remind them they have a Heavenly Father who “is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).
Today, let’s make a point to “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Be a friend to someone who needs one today. After all, tomorrow you just might be the one who could use a friend. If we will each just be there for someone else, then we’ll never be alone.