God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. – Psalm 46:1
When one is faced with a challenge, it is difficult to talk to anyone about it. You may think people see you as a weakling. Even though it’s a “simple” challenge, it’s an added challenge to all the others you must deal with.
You start to contemplate everything and analyse it in the finest detail. You’re faced with depression symptoms: eating and sleeping patterns change, staying tired, having poor self-esteem, self-isolation, lack of concentration…you want to give up.
Challenges such as bullying do not cause depression. If you don’t get help to manage depression symptoms, it may lead to reactive depression. If you don’t talk about the challenges, no one knows you need help urgently. Identify someone (e.g. a teacher, youth worker, parents of a friend) who you can trust 100% with your “inside story”, someone who will listen without giving advice. Ask your GP if antidepressants are an option for you.
Don’t feel guilty when you can no longer read your Bible or pray. God knows you. Reach out to a believer and ask for intercession. You don’t have to give details for the prayer request. If you don’t get answers right away, that’s okay too. Just keep talking to God.
You don’t have to go through this by yourself. God is always ready to help.20
There Always Will Be Help
Prayer: Lord, help me believe that I am not a weakling when I ask for help. Give me the courage to ask for help. Show me the right person I can trust to walk the challenging road with me in Your name. Amen.
Challenge: Develop a plan to tackle your challenges. When and who are you going to talk to?
