Out Of The Pit

I first remember feeling depressed sometime around the age of 13. Other than a move to a different suburb, nothing notable had occurred in my life. I just remember being sad all the time, sleeping for extended periods of time, and crying a lot. I never talked about how I felt with anyone. I thought this was how everyone felt.

It wasn’t until I met my now husband at the age of 19 that I began to realize something was wrong. He introduced me to Jesus in a way I never experienced growing up. I began to understand God loved me, wanted a relationship with me and wanted me to have joy. Deep joy that brought me peace and gave me enthusiasm for life.

I found this verse and was immediately encouraged. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40:1-3).

I often felt like I was in a pit of depression. The idea that God knew I was in there and heard my cries was almost more than I could handle. The fact that he wanted to lift me out of the pit and give me a firm place to stand was life altering! I decided to lift my arms and ask for God’s help.

I would love to tell you that once I got out of the pit I was never depressed again. But that’s not true. I am so much better, but I’m still tempted at times to slide back into it. I sometimes still struggle with depression. Life is hard!

Here are some things you can do if you are feeling depressed.

1.     Talk to someone: There are so many resources available for support, including the Renewing Life Center. We have a variety of counselors available to help you. You can schedule an appointment by calling 702-434-7290.

2.     Practice self-care: Exercise, meditation, hobbies, and even taking a walk can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

3.     Socialize: Connect with friends and family or join a support group to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.

4.     Challenge negative thoughts: Identify and challenge negative thoughts that may be contributing to your depression. Replace them with positive, realistic thoughts.

5.     Set small goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, achievable goals to help build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. I often encourage people to set a timer for 15-minute bursts of activity.

6.     Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains can improve mood and energy levels.

7.     Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help improve mood and reduce fatigue.

8.     If you are a Christian, ask God to get you out of the pit: Prayer, journaling, reading the Bible, attending a small group at church, and listening to worship music are just some of the ways to connect with God. He sees you. He hears you. He loves you.

Jennifer Antonucci, M.A., LMFT, LCADC