In my journey through depression I discovered three key areas that made a difference to my outcome. Quiet literally the outcome was either life or death. Depression is seldom discussed openly, it is a taboo subject one of which is not fully understood and when brought up in conversation it is often quickly shelved with a ‘snap out if it’ response. However, there is great purpose in depression, a purpose that acts as a signal to a deeper problem. Depression is more than just a low mood. From time to time we all feel sad, moody or just flat, in depression these feelings are experienced more intensely, more frequently and most often without reason. Daily function is difficult, just to complete simple everyday tasks is a challenge. Activities that once brought joy become a thing of the past as every breath is burdensome and every thought, deed or action is precede with the phrase ‘what’s the point’?. Symptoms of depression are to be observed as the tip of an iceberg, with the cause for depression hidden deep beneath the surface.

 With this in mind, we cannot simply treat the symptoms without exploring the root cause for depression. The concept of depression as an iceberg underscores the importance of addressing the deeper issues in three key areas; spirit, soul & body in order to be completely healed.  In my experience, depression requires healing on all levels. God has created us as a triune being, we are spirit which has a soul and lives in a body. I could not simply address the physical aspect by taking medication and hope to get on with life, in like manner just seeking good counselling, or just receiving prayer or just exercising daily was not the answer. The journey for healing can become quite overwhelming so I suggest you start small… but at least start! Do something today that will nourish you spirit, soul and body…  get out for a walk, shoulders back and head held high (healing for the body), chat to God along the way, tell Him all your cares (healing for the spirit) and stop to notice the song of a bird or the beauty of a flower unfolding (healing for the soul). When you lay your head down tonight quite your mind, turn your heart towards God and thank Him for the journey… this journey called ‘life’. x