Mental Health: How to Overcome Anxiety and Depression

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Well, the first thing I want to tell you, is that you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide said they have been facing the same mental battles, it is common to hear people say that they are feeling anxious or just discouraged to keep going with their day or their life. In most perspectives including mine, it is understanding considering the chaos that is going on around the world; from sickness to war, family issues, childhood traumas, life storms or just constant fear due to the news. It clearly is a constant battle every day. However, know that you cannot overcome these mental strongholds by your own strength. God sees you, he hears your cries and he cares about every little details of your life. He would love to take these burdens off of you, so do not be afraid to throw your anxious thoughts to him. Remember that God never promised us an easy life but he says that he will go through the moments of trials and difficulties with us. Be confident that as dark your life may be right now or as anxious or depressed you may feel, God's arms are wide open and he wants to heal your wounds, mend your broken heart, and control the situation for you. In Philippians 4:6-7 it says: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". This verse along with any other verses related to anxiety in the bible assure us that when you decide to surrender your worries and burdens to God, he will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding and an unexplainable joy.

Here are a few other things to remember if you want to overcome anxiety and depression:

1-Do not search for your peace and joy in earthly things: Both peace and joy are fruits of the Holy Spirit. You will never find them fully if you are seeking them from a job, relationships, money, or temporary pleasures. These things will never satisfy you. True long lasting peace and joy can solely be found when you are seeking God and let the holy spirit guide you.

2-Know that you have authority over your thoughts, you are not a victim: The devil don't want you to have freedom, he wants you to be in bondage and the mind is often the place where he attacks the most because obviously if our mind is affected, our entire being is affected. God gave you authority over these thoughts, take the word of God as a weapon to fight back, repeat the scriptures that speak directly toward how you are feeling. remind yourself that it is not God's will for you to worry or remain anxious, he wants you to have peace.

3-Spend time in Prayer: Prayer is key to everything, God can cure what no one else can, so ask him in prayer to renew your mind and heart, and to help you overcome these thoughts.

4-Do not live life alone, you need people: We were not designed to live this life alone, we need a community of people around us who are able to encourage us and pray for us in these times, and even share memorable moments with. It can be your family and some amazing friends that you have or just a few people that you know that you can fellowship with. If you don't have that community of people in your life yet, I encourage you to pray for it.

Be Encouraged!

-Christie SWP Purpose Team

You can listen more about this topic through our podcast "Shine with Purpose" on spotify or Apple episodes 10 and 13.

Title of Episode 10: How to overcome anxiety and depression with Special Guest Sara Etienne

Title of Episode 13: How to find inner peace and Joy

More Related Verses:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."- 1 Peter 5:7

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."-Psalm 94:19

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"- Matthew 6:34