Christian Men and Depression
Are you a man who really desires to have it all together but the simple truth is you don’t. May it be that you secretly suffer from depression? You are not alone. I too deal with depression. In this post I share a little about it and I hope that this will lead to further discussion between us.
Men and Depression
When it comes to depression I can’t speak for all men but I can speak for myself. It quite literally sucks having depression. It’s difficult to get the day started when I feel blue. The weird thing is I don’t have one good reason to be depressed.
I don’t think my depression is caused from any circumstance in my life. Life is going really great. My wife and I live where we have wanted to for the longest time and we are doing what we have wanted to do. I think there is another culprit causing my depression.
I have not been formerly diagnosed with depression but I do have family members who have been. I believe that I have to deal with depression because I inherited. I have been diagnosed and deal with ADHD-PI. Life’s not that bad, I just walk in a fog most of the time.
How is depression displayed in a man?
Depression Symptoms
- Aggressiveness
- Irritability
- Blaming others
- Falling into comfort sins
- Sadness
- Emptiness
Coping with Depression
I honestly don’t know a good way to cope with depression but here are some things I have tried:
- Scheduling – Keeping a schedule keeps me sort of focused. The more I get done on the list the better I feel about myself.
- Sleep – I personally need 8 hours a night. Sleep actually isn’t a problem for people who are depressed. Going to sleep at the same time each night and waking the same time each morning is the challenge.
- Spiritual Discipline – Reading God’s Word and praying to God helps some.
- St. Johns Wort – This herb has helped some with coping. Some say it works and others don’t.
- Exercise – This one is a hit and miss for me. Sometimes exercise makes me so sleepy that I am worthless for the rest of the day.
So Christian men, how have you dealt with depression? Any strategies that you think might help us?
(Disclaimer- This post is not a replacement for our doctor’s opinion. But please feel free to share what is helping you work through this unfortunate obstacle.)
Okay, for me it's getting off by myself for a while. I have recently found that I enjoy running or walking. This has been something I can do to "get away" from it all.
On Sunday my head was literally aching from being with people too much. I got away for 5 minutes and they wondered where I went.
I'm a classic introvert. Monday was spent being depressed and alone. So I felt like this
I think getting away from it all is great advise.
Does an exercise in trusting God fit here? I'm risking irrelevance and, possibly offense. Don't intend either. It's just the first thing that popped into my head when I read your post. I was reminded the trust journey God has had me on for some time now and, while I still feel depressed from time to time, how I do not have it as frequently when I'm reminded to trust God in everything….everything.
Ask God how you're doing in trusting Him. He'll show you. I know because He showed me and the Word says to ask.
I'm not "there" yet (whatever that is!) but have learned a lot from the best Teacher ever.
I'm praying for you too.
Thanks for comment Bob. First I want to say that your comment is welcomed and that you were not offensive at all.
I do think that sometimes my depression is triggered from not trusting him completely like I should.
Other times I really think it is just my serotonin not working correctly. But yeah, first I should seek Him to make sure I am trusting.
You say you are not there yet, well then you are in the right place. Feel free to drop by anytime.
Thanks for the prayers. I'll drop one off for you too after I hit send
definitely have struggled with this. still do.
Thanks for commenting.
Don't know if this would cheer you up but I highly enjoy 8bit Network
same here – Jon, your web properties are a blessing.
My recent post themtoo
[New Post] Christian Men and Depression – via @strivematurity http://striveformaturity.com/christian-m...
I recently came through a period of pretty severe depression. I have probably yet to discern every reason for it, but I do know this. God revealed to me some of the reason for it was bitterness.
I believe we need to ask God to reveal to us what is really going on emotionally to make us suffer with depression. Granted, it can be an organic reason such as chemical or hormonal. But, perhaps this is an argument for which came first the chicken or the egg.
Satan plays on our emotions and one of the key ways to accomplish this is through our past. Bitterness is an ugly thing. And most of us at some level, whether we recognize it or not, have some issues with our past or present that is unresolved.
Im not trying give a blanket cure or be a shadetree psychologist (Lord knows I am on the same journey as everyone who is trying to live the abundant Christian life). But, it is just something that has been revealed to me that I believe can help alot of folks. God Bless!
Thank you for your comment. This post definitely needs commentary like yours.
When I was in college I went through a couple years of depression and anxiety! It was terrible! Finally my mom gave me some tough love and told me to go serve other people. Spiritually speaking this is what we are called to do. Mentally speaking it gets our mind off our trials. Emotionally speaking we feel better when we help others. Serving others was huge to me! Check out Eph. 5:1. It changed my life. I still struggle sometimes but it is a reminder to go serve people with God’s love.