Depression is no joke. Ask those who have suffered from even mild depression, and they will tell you the same. Sadly, the Christmas season can bring out depression in all its dreary dread. Unmet expectations and unpleasant experiences make this struggle even more real to many.

Depression is not something for which anyone should be ashamed. Our culture often places a stigma on those who struggle with depression while elevating and honoring physical ailments. However, they are the same. We must counter our culture’s views. We wouldn’t fault a diabetic for not regulating their sugar levels, so why do we fault people who struggle with depression for not regulating their brain chemicals? It needs to stop.

Whether you suffer from depression or know someone else who does, find someone to talk to. Be there—make yourself available to someone. Talking to someone is critical for dragging depression into the light and allowing the Holy Spirit to do something with it.

How can you address the matter of depression?

• If you experience depression or know someone else who does, give grace!
  You do not have to experience something to empathize and listen. Give yourself grace and don’t buy into the cultural stereotype.
• Drag these issues into the light and determine what is chemical and what is spiritual.
  This advice may seem too simple, but if you need help differentiating what is what, then find a spirit-filled therapist to help you.
• Sift your thoughts. Much of depression’s nastiness will begin in your thought life.
  Are you thinking about the holidays and trying to determine what you can’t do or what you can? Are you thinking about what you’re missing or what you have? Are you thinking about who you aren’t or who you are? It only takes a single thought to take root and grow into a bigger belief.

The Christmas season looks different this year. Along with the normal anxiety of the holidays, we are wrapping up a year that came with uncertainty, challenges, pain and grief. Give grace to yourself and be kind to those around you. If you know someone who might be struggling, check on them and find a safe way to support one another.

Find more encouragement and 25 secrets on navigating the holidays with grace in Cassie Reid's book Unwrapped.

Copyright © 2018 by Cassie Reid

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