Depression Lies

It can be painful and frustrating to try to help someone who won't help themselves or won't accept help they need. Depression lies to those who are living with it. Depression tells you that you are not good enough. It tells you that you don't need medication. It tells you to isolate yourself and stay away from those who offer them help. Depression tells you that you are better off alone, that you are not worthy of any help. It tells you that you can fight this on your own, that you won't loose control again. Depression tells you that it will never get better, that you will feel this way forever.

Why do we believe this, why do we not accept help that's offered? I believe its because we don’t want people to see us in our weakest state or because we are avoiding opening ourselves up for real and meaningful conversations because it hurts. Allowing ourselves to become vulnerable is difficult. Our instinct is to shut down in order to protect ourselves. I have watched people I care for deeply exclude themselves from events to stay home by themselves.

So why it is that I am so open to accepting the love and support of others around me during the most difficult times of my life? Believe it or not, I fight the same fight daily. My instinct is to close down and curl up in my bed and steer clear from everyone and anyone, however I know in my heart and mind that is completely unhealthy for me. I often tell people if I allow myself to be consumed by the thoughts and feelings in my head that I would fall deeply into a dark hole and there may be no pulling me back out. Being surrounded by loved ones and fellow believers reminds me why life is still worth living and gives me a purpose.

People should NEVER isolate themselves from other people. How do I know this? Because I saw my son isolate himself and we all know how that turned out. It’s not only dangerous but unhealthy. How are we to help others or allow others to help us if we separate ourselves from family, friends, and those who can help us?

God did not make us to be alone. We are all part of the body of Christ and we are told to have fellowship with one another. Would Satan rather come after a group of believers having fellowship and building each other up in Christ or would he rather come after a struggling loner? When we isolate ourselves we open up the door for Satan to attack our thoughts and mind. His goal is to tear us down and make us believe we are unworthy. Unfortunately He succeeded with Tommy but I will speak up against this so it doesn't happen to someone else We need to continually surround ourselves with fellow believers who will love on us and build us up when we are struggling through life’s difficult circumstances and at our weakest. But we have to fight against the pull to isolate ourselves. We need to surround ourselves with those who will help and open ourselves up to be helped. We need to embrace those around us. Fight the lies with truth.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.