I know the truth of this because I have experienced it. After my stroke, I developed "post-stroke anxiety"--a real and documented side effect--and depression. My problem is not 100% spiritual. It is partly physical, also. (Side note: I don't believe any depression or anxiety is 100% spiritual or 100% physical. I believe every occurrence is a combination. Each person's combination will be different based on their circumstances, how faithful they are reading the Bible and truly trusting God, and the make-up of their gut flora.) I started taking a probiotic developed specifically for the gut-brain connection and the physical aspect of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. The difference was astounding! When I take the probiotic faithfully, my anxiety is manageable and my depression is best described as "depression-lite." The negative thoughts still come, but I can beat them down with Scripture. I experience a cycle of this, because I'll be taking the probiotic so faithfully and feel 99% better and think, "Oh, I don't need this anymore because I'm better," so I stop taking it and almost immediately fall back into the throes of it.
The point of this article, though, isn't to convince anyone of the reality of non-spiritually rooted depression and anxiety, but to share some non-medication tips on how to beat depression and anxiety (heretofore referred to as just depression).
2. Listen to uplifting music. This one kinda tags along with number one. Heavy metal or country will only keep your mood low. The best music to listen to when you're feeling down is solid Christian songs that talk about God's love, His goodness, etc. There's one song in particular that says, in part, "When God says you're loved, believe Him. When He says you're precious, believe Him. You can trust that He cares for you, knows what you're going through. He feels every burden you bear." Have a listen! Even if you aren't depressed right now, it's still a great mood-booster!
4. Have goals. These should be short term and long term, and they should all be attainable. (Don't make your goal be to run a marathon next month unless you've already been training for it!) A short term goal should include doing something nice for yourself ~just because~. You won't want to at first, but this is a great way to start small.
5. Exercise, eat, and sleep. Studies show that moderate exercise (hard to carry on a conversation) helps the mood. It keeps your blood pumping, fresh oxygen cycling through your brain, and your blood pressure where it needs to be. Good food keeps your organs healthy and functioning properly. (Most Americans are deficient in some vitamins and minerals, so getting blood work done to check isn't a bad idea. Supplements are a great way to get needed nutrition if you're deficient.) A regular sleep cycle keeps your serotonin and melatonin levels steady. All of these combined will boost the good bacteria in your gut so your gut flora communicates properly with your brain.
6.Practice thankfulness. Keep a gratitude journal, write down something good that happened every day, post "I am thankful for..." on social media every day. Do something to purposefully turn your thinking from negative to positive. True, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous, praise-worthy. Every thought should pass all of these tests. Is it true that your hair is dry and brittle? Maybe. But is that a lovely or praise-worthy thought to dwell on? No. So when those negative thoughts come, bash them away with something positive.
7. Surround yourself with uplifting people. Misery loves company, and it's easy to collect other depressed people as your friends when you are depressed. It's also very easy to push people away and seclude yourself (even at work and other mandatory group activities). When you're alone, you don't have anyone around to inject positivity in your life. Fake happiness is annoying even when you aren't depressed, but people who exude kindness and joy are important to be around. Allow yourself to be open to their attitude, and let it seep into your soul.
In addition to these, there are essential oils that help lift the spirits. Watching a funny movie or playing your favorite game can also offer a reprieve. There are people in YOUR life who care whether or not you are suffering, and they WANT to help you. There's nothing bad or shameful in asking for help. If the first person you tell brushes you off...tell someone else!