::Depression::

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43:5

Why are you downcast, O my soul? A more modern way to word that question would be: Why am I so depressed?! I don't know about you, but I get depressed sometimes. I mean, let's face it life is hard. Not only is it hard, but it can be downright depressing! It seems like there is always something that isn't going the way that I think it should. Someone says something about me that isn't very nice (or maybe downright mean), I'm not allowed to do something with my friends that I really wanted to, or maybe I wasn't even invited, or maybe the guy that I liked just started dating my best friend. Maybe it's something bigger like you have to move, or you're parents are getting divorced... The list of possibilities is endless, but you want to know something? One thing I have noticed is that I am only depressed when I'm focused on me. If I am busy praising God, I forget that I am depressed. Let me tell you, it is so hard to be depressed while singing worship songs!

There are lots of different ways to cope with depression, but I have truly found that the best way is to remember that God loves me. The things of this world, while they are the here and now, won't last. I use to get so mad when my mom would say something like, "it's just high school, it only lasts for 4 years". It made me want to scream. I mean, anyone who has ever been to high school should know that it is the LONGEST 4 years of your life, and for those 4 years it IS your life. I'm not trying to make it sound like it isn't a big deal, but I have come to realize that the individual events that happen each day, usually are forgotten in a week or two. So I wasn't allowed to go to the mall with my friends, there's always next time, and even if I'm not allowed to go next time, I will still see them tomorrow. As for that guy dating my best friend, either I need to be happy that she is happy, or realize that I really didn't need him in my life, and I am better off without him. God knows everything that I need in my life, and He will provide everything that I need in His timing, not mine.

Reflection:

Do you frequently find yourself depressed? How do you handle your depression?

Application Step:

Next time you're feeling depressed, turn on some praise and worship music. Sing at the top of your lungs about how awesome our God is!

Prayer:

Father God, I am so thankful for you! You know all of my needs, and you always take care of me. There are times when all I can see is the here and now, and I get depressed Lord. It's so hard to look forward when life seems to be weighing me down. Help me to remember that you are awesome, no matter what life throws my way. Help me to praise you through the storms, and get through life's depressing moments by focusing on you. In the name of your Son, who you sent to die on the cross for me, I pray. Amen.

The above devotion was written by a girl named Heather Heart. But I personally now what this feels like. Not myself, but people around me. Last year I had a friend that was so depressed that the only way he knew how to deal with that was to cut. When he me this I knew that there was something wrong and he needed to stop, and instead turn to the Lord for his problems he was dealing with. Also  many students that I used to go to High school with have delt with it, but it went to the extreame where they actually took there life, because it just got to be to much for them to handle. Last year there were 2 boys that took there lives in a matter of a month inbetween. Thats scary to know, and you can't tell if the person is depressed. They act normal while at school, but then they lead the "secret, real" life when the door is closed. And that is exactly what happened this morning. Cameron Tomlinson, 16 years old took his own life this morning. And the known cause is unknown still, but he was yoru typical 16 year old guy. He liked to hang with his friends, he played football for his high school team and liked to party on the weekends. He was that funny, smart, good kid, with a smile always on his face. I got to have the oppertunity of getting to know him these past summers. See when he was younger he used to attend the day camp I worked at as a camper and when he was old enough he started to volunteer. And now his sister is a also a volunteer. He always used to like to joke around with the campers and was just a fun guy to get to know. Who would of known that his life would be taken so soon. At least he got to witness to children while he was still here, and he knew the Lord. Unfortunally, this sickness came too soon and now he is with the Lord. To anyone that is reading this, don't let depression take over yourlife!!! DON'T! Cuz in the end you not only hurt yourself, but everyone around you too. Talk to someone. A parent, a teacher, consellor, a close friend....Cuz in the end....who knows what might happend?!? Here are some warning signs to people dealing with depression, and if you know someone like this, sit down, talk to them and in the end, who knows..YOU could SAVE A LIFE!

Signs:

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Warning signs of suicide include:

Warning signs of suicide include:

Talking about killing or harming one’s self

Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped

An unusual preoccupation with death or dying

Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights)

Calling or visiting people to say goodbye

Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose ends)

Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”

A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.

R.I.P Cameron, forever in our hearts