How to Overcome Depression: Christian Advice on Depression, Antidepressants, & Joy in Christ

[@SugaGalaxy]

As a Christian who has been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and OCD for years, I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this video. This is the first Christian video I’ve watched where someone hasn’t bashed antidepressants (which I take) or said “just suck it up and have faith.” This was very insightful and helpful. Thank you so much.

[@Mskids1993]

Completely agree :)

[@ubyy1]

So tell me how is your thought life? Does it fall in line with Philippians 4: seven through eight? A lot of Christians do not realize just how powerful God's word is , and therefore do not walk in obedience to it. God's word has the power to heal. I had anxiety attacks in 1986. God healed me in 1986 with his word! I have had many things happen to me since then including the loss of my child, and a stroke, blood transfusion. No anxiety attacks no depression. God taught me in 1986 how to totally trust in him and his word. But we must follow his word. And we must trust in him. Satan tries to make things look one way to make us not trust God. Take those issues and hand them to the Lord he did not create you to carry that load. Ask the holy Spirit to help you and stay in his word. You also might want to make sure you have a real version of God's word... You can tell if it's fake by searching it on the internet whatever version you have for The words morning Star..... Fake versions will have several different verses. Read all of those verses and see who they are talking about. If some of them are talking about Satan and then later on talking about Jesus Christ! You got to fake version. Because the morning star is Jesus Christ it is not Satan. Satan is a star fell from heaven. A big difference and God is not the author of confusion. You can also look at first John 5:7. Is your Bible talking about the Trinity? Are some other garbage like blood water and something whatever. If it's not the Trinity it's a fake version

[@FeliciaJoyloves]

Wow,, I needed this.. I have been battling depression since I was 17 . its been years...I have been going through Counselling... When I opened up to a fellow believer about this a few days ago I was told that I have demons, I need to repent from something, apparently I was depressed because I wasn't right with God.. I was shook! I love God, I try my best to live right through Jesus Christ, I serve in my Church but the treatment I got from fellow believers really knocked me down.. I am so thankful for this video

[@cherylann6344]

thank you for this video. two short years ago my special needs son died. he didn't walk or talk, he remained like an infant his whole life. was told he was expected to live 2 yrs. he lived 35.. never weighed more than 50 lbs. never spoke a word yet filled our church to over capacity at his funeral from the many lives he touched......deep sorrow and yet at the same time such deep gratefulness for being able to experience what real love means.

[@ElizabethRenny1]

cheryl ann I’m so sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace with Jesus ✝️

[@latreases.jonesjr.459]

Oh my goodness. This touched my spirit. I've been suffering from depression and was just officially diagnosed a few days ago. Thank you for such a powerful message Mark. God bless you.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Wow, I'm so glad this was helpful to you, God bless you

[@talia2229]

PinkiePie 44 I got diagnosed last week. I understand what your going through. God is gonna help us no matter how much pain we go through or embarrassment at the moment! Let’s keep going. 😀😀😀😀

[@jaymers66]

Thank you Mark. I find that I'm really ashamed and embarrassed to talk to people about it because my family thinks I'm just looking for attention and I'm afraid to talk to my Christian friends about it because I don't know if it's a sin to be depressed or not. This video answers a lot of my questions.

[@loveycat5474]

I grew up with depression. There were many times when I would experience uncontrollable crying with no reason to be depressed. before the age of 30 I don't remember a time when I was happy. I prayed for years to God for relief from depression. I finally followed the advice of my parents and saw a doctor who prescribed medication. Since then I have experienced peace and joy that I never felt before I started taking medication. I know that this was the answer to my prayers. The brain is a organ like the heart or the lung. It can get sick too, requiring medical treatment.

[@ubyy1]

Yes the brain can get sick, but I submit to you that most of the time that it does, it's because of stinking thinking. In other words people ignoring God's word where he said in Philippians 4:7-8 what's over things are true. Honest just lovely of a good report virtuous and praiseworthy think on these things. If you sit around thinking garbage thoughts fearful thoughts angry thoughts hateful thoughts, you will make your brain sick. This life is a spiritual battlefield and that battlefield is in the mind. We are to take every thought into captivity and bring it to the obedience of Christ. When I had anxiety attacks the way I was thinking was causing my brain to tell my body to create adrenaline. When I got my stinking thinking corrected by putting my trust in God Proverbs 3:5-6 guess what! Gone where the anxiety attacks and gone was a victory that Satan was having over me. And I did not need to give a bunch of money to pharmaceutical companies. In other words I did not need any kind of medication for depression or anxiety. But if people want that then okay I guess! There's a reason God's word tells us what it tells us. And we need to be obedient to God's word and if we are he gives us the peace that passes all understanding and we don't need drugs to get it nor do we need alcohol. Weird! God knows what he's talking about and his word is amazing and his word has healing power if we read it and heed it

[@itskareninchina]

It's great that you are starting the conversation about depression among Christians. You are right, medication is helpful in instances of biological imbalances, but I think it's also really important to note that people that experience trauma and/or abuse, particularly those who go on to develop ptsd or cptsd, will generally need help from medication in order to get to a point where they are able to deal with those things. I think that although it might be easier to discuss the issue of depression by separating the cause into three distinct categories, the reality of many people who experience trauma, either within the church or out of it, lead to a mixture of two or all three, and that medication may be a necessary tool that can be used to get to a point of healing. That being said I do agree that antidepressants do tend to be overprescribed as a solution to all forms of depression, regardless of the cause behind it, but in my experience the church has a lot of learning and understanding to do on the subject of mental health and addressing those who suffer with compassion so it is great to see this kind of video.

[@forthejoyfit]

Have struggled with depression for over two years now, and been slowly going through the healing process. I connected so much with this video, thank you for sharing!

[@godsoriginal4540]

How did you know I needed this right now? Lol! God did! Thanks so much!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

God is good!

[@godsoriginal4540]

All the time!

[@Glow_Vlogs]

Man I did everything with diet and exercise and quit coffee and all these lifestyles. I tried vegan diet with one hour of walking daily, ate raw vegan diet for 6 weeks and tried a regular healthy non vegan diet all these diets I tried with exercise and lots of water. I dealt with all my addictions and habitual sins. I believe my brain is really depleted. in my most healthiest day I would still feel the need to sit down and could not get up and find any interest in doing anything. I've gotten so many tests: blood test, allergy test, mri, food sensitivity test, cat scan, sleep studies you name it. Nothing wrong. When I was eating super healthy and working out every morning for an hour about 5 minutes after workout, I was so puzzled that I would then instantly have this loss of interest and fatigue, not sadness but just not wanting to be around anyone and just lay in bed or sit on the couch and could not clean, could not play with my son and I couldn't believe it after trying so hard to be healthy and taking vitamins and probiotics and all these things and nothing worked. I believe from my years of addiction I depleted my brain and caused a malfunction in my brain releasing serotonin dopamine because the addictions that I had, I severely abused kratom, alcohol, Adderall, tramadol and Xanax, bulimia. I even got several different demonic deliverances which helped in many ways but still had this chronic fatigue and low brain energy. I left all those addictions in my past and gave my life back to the Lord, gotten healthy again and here I am in the same place of feeling so low in my brain like I get so mentally exhausted after having a 2 minute conversation. Even the thought of answering texts and phone calls is so tiring and I avoid all socialization at all costs. I almost feel like everything I'm doing is a chore and I just have no physical strength or motivation to clean or get out and do activities but I'm not sad. Now I cry because I'm realizing that this is bigger than I thought and I'm missing out on the world out there. I have such a capacity of love and acceptance of people and a gentleness and selflessness and I have all these gifts that I feel are being suppressed by this mental state I'm in but I believe this is exactly where God wanted to take me so that I could see that He has to be in full control and that all those old ways and past sins will lead me here. I have this peace inside of me knowing that no matter what God is with me and I've never been in this place that I am with God where I am at the end of myself, fearless, free from those chains, truly purely only wanting His will and I think he wanted me to get to this place so I could truly experience that and heal. I have neverfelt this low and tired and almost like I'm 90 years old which it's like in this placeGod is pushing me in a cornerand through this extremedifficulty of real chemical depression God is changing me so that once my brain starts healingI will alreadybe renewed in my mind and spirit to give everything to him with my new restored life. Honestly I think God wanted me to seeafter all my obsessions of trying all these different dietsand lifestyles that I was trying to govern myselfthat Iam not God and i have no control over this low brain energy and loss of interest and this feeing like I'm losing myself but it's in this corner I'm being lovingly pushed into where I'm for the first time hanging on to God and I'm not afraid and I feel like he's leading me into taking and anti depressant because I am in my own consequence from my drug abuse that rewired my brain to where it can't function. This will be the first time truly taking a antidepressant and following the directions and I'm excited because of let go of everything else that I use to chemically depend on and now I'm just putting God first and leading this trial for antidepressant help correct my brain and all the joy and peace that I may get from taking it I'm gonna give right back to God.

[@Glow_Vlogs]

Sorry for the typos and poor grammar. One thing with real chemical depression is that poor cognition is a symptom and I think that's why I feel like I'm 95 years old. even writing these comments leave me feeling really exhausted 😔 and so I just want to ask for prayers because I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to start on an antidepressant that has the lowest side effects. I'm remaining hopeful no matter how it goes and know that God will not leave me and that I'm alive for reason which is to reach others so God will finish the work He starts in me. I know that I desire to be used by God and I am walking towards him so he won't leave me useless sitting in my apartment all day to waste my life unable to function when I'm actively asking for is help and learning to depend on Him. In someway Jesus will do something with all of this to bring glory to Him and that's all that matters!! I love you Lord!!! thank you for never giving up on me. Love you all so much!!!

[@ReneeK777]

@@Glow_Vlogs I will pray for you. I have feelings of depression after I got saved 6 months ago. I have the idea Im still processing everything I did and stuff that happend in my old life. I give it to Him, and will trust Him that he knows best. Thank you for sharing.

[@robertolsen4140]

My experience with depression is unconfessed sin. Once I did deep soul searching and brought all sins to the light, God forgave me. It was like the sun coming out on a dark rainy day. My main problem was hanging on to resentments and not forgiving others that have harmed me. I am in no way saying this is the answer for evereyone's depression. I just want to share this experience, hoping it can help another person.

[@lisacutsinger7367]

Thank you so much for sharing this Mark. I’ve experienced bouts of depression during different periods of my life. When I started my current job at a hospital as a nurse’s aide I was working the night shift. That time period was definitely a spiritual and circumstantial depression. It was spiritual in that I started losing touch with so many people from small groups of the church that I was previously attending and I wasn’t always able to go to church every week. It was circumstantial because I had also moved out of my parents house before I started this job and it was very abrupt. I felt like the Lord was telling me to move out because it was a very tension filled environment. Also I think working the night shift made me realize that not being out in the sunlight had an effect on my moods.

[@amandaquiroz775]

Thank you for this video, it really helped me feel like im not alone. Ive been so afraid to talk to anyone in my church about my depression out of fear that they might not understand or judge me. I'll try to open up about it without feeling ashamed. Praise God!

[@baby.lemonade5864]

it's been 2 years maybe 3 of deepest darkest depression I prayed, begged, pleaded ..no peace no end in sight

[@Annas-f5o]

I’m so sorry. I’ve been in in bed for a year after my mom 🧓 assed last May. I’m building a church family as mine is gone. I feel for you.

[@greenkidd529]

Becauss theres no god

[@malineder4252]

Thank you so much! Thank you Jesus for this message. God bless you!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

You are welcome!

[@migdaliamojica7123]

Amen, I don't suffer from it. But I know people that do. But I pray for them. Listen to them and cheer them and encouraged them while I check up on them. Cause alot of people want to kill them self sooner or later. And we can't let the devil take that soul.📙

[@BronzedAzian]

I finally realized I was clinically depressed about 10 years ago. 10 years later I am STILL depressed. I have gone to the doctor but none of the meds were helping. The meds that probably would work cost too much, even with insurance. I have tried other methods before I turned to meds, still to no avail simply cause I just can’t stay on track. Right now I am at an all time low. None of my friends really understand. They think I’m lazy, unmotivated or just making excuses, so I don’t go to them for support anymore. I guess I’m just venting cause I have no one to vent to. I’m dying inside, soon I think my life will end. I honestly can not take it anymore. I still pray...

[@teddybear5657]

Jae Bei how are you doing friend?

[@Glow_Vlogs]

I'm right there with you. Can I do anything? You should try trintellex, it has the lowest side effects and I'm researching that everyone saying it works so good also there's just nausea like the first week but if you push through it's like one of the best medicines and from all the reviews everyone is saying they've tried everything and this was the only one that worked and go to the website they have a special program which you can get it for $10 a month

[@joco9207]

Jae being, my love to you. I can relate to these feelings .hang in there

[@jessicahutton6502]

Perfect timing. Thank you!

[@missweenieboys2]

I have been waiting for this video! Thanks for the great message.

[@samiejones1660]

This video was very very HELPFUL! Thank you for creating this video, I appreciate it!

[@jennifermoore4246]

Great video full of encouragement and a well balanced approach to viewing and dealing with depression. I just want to add that circumstances in the past can be a source of present day depression (not just present day circumstances). For example, having a harsh or a distant parent can lead a person to believe there is something fundamentally wrong with them or they are unlovable, which can lead to depression later on. Going back to heal childhood wounds and confront the lies they fostered can also be a path to healing from depression. (Not that it is easy!)

[@theresetuohy1794]

great im very sad and depressed right now

[@pgtips4240]

Thank you for this video, you have a very good understanding of depression.

[@alissamicheleanderson]

Thank you for these videos. Watched the one about Christian advice for the job...and now this & totally relate to both. 😌

[@meanasturdivant6916]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I needed this. I know I am dealing with some of it but don't want to stay or speak it into my life. Identifying it and the source very important. Bless you

[@godswordsaves7673]

that was so good. mental health issues can really be a constant battle. thank God for grace. people like vegans and those on special diets are particularly susceptible to low mood because of nutritional deficiencies in their diets. commend you for addressing a tough topic.

[@talia2229]

Thank you so much! I got diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder last week and everyone in my family knows something is wrong with me and I’m in an episode right now and i need to set up an appointment with a psychiatrist for antidepressants but I’ve been thinking what if my family finds out and the people who loves me at my church and I really thought that I can’t let people’s opinions keep me from treatment and it’s been soo bad, like I feel like I’m drowning. And I prayed for God to help me because I didn’t know what to do. And I saw this video😌😌😌 thank you 😊

[@beae.5159]

Thank you for posting this video!

[@Msbusinesss]

I needed this so bad as well. To be honest, I felt ashamed to have the "diagnoses" of depression. I already know and can admit I am depressed but I just hate the label. What do I do? Could it be pride? Either way I don't want anyone to think it's who I am. I am not depressed... I am Dee. I just have moments of depression... In those times I saturate myself in God's word then I am fine. It is usually triggered by unresolved issues.

[@theresetuohy1794]

my heart hearts

[@Kinabus2]

Mark, another excellent and thoughtful video! God bless you💕

[@UceScooter]

Mark, can you PLEASE do a video on getting help and choosing to do no more sin as it pertains to lust, impurity and sexual desire. I been really wanting for desires and thoughts in me to stop and end and that I dont act on any of it but I been struggling recently and dont want to turn to sin but to christ and freedom of deliverance. I feel I just will keep slipping up but I don't want to and feel it and I wont ever get right. It's so difficult being single lonely and losing hope i will ever meet and find my wife and that leads me to not only depression but worse. Please pray for me as well.

[@Dave-if5qj]

I'm almost 60 and a lifelong Christion and have suffered For decades and prayer pills or therapy nothing works And now the now the good years Are gone 😢 nothing

[@christopher61757]

The seal of Alahiym (The seal of God) is the Father's name written in peoples foreheads. Revelation 7:1-3; 14:1. Anybody who has the Father's name sealed in them also has the Son's name sealed in them. The name of YAHUWAH is the greatest name of all! and the name of His Son YAHUWSHUWA who came in His Father's name. John 5:43, Proverbs 30:4 (King James Version).

[@charlesdavis9937]

Mine has gotten worse, going to see a doctor soon. The last month isn’t been good. My nephew was diagnosed with same terrible heart disease as I have, which is hereditary. My mom was diagnosed with skin cancer and my best friend that I looked up to as a brother, passed away yesterday. He just had a birthday the day before. And I’m having to live with chronic pain and getting no relief. It’s been hard to pray or even read the Bible. Help.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

I encourage you to get connected with a local church. There are no quick fixes, you need on going support as you rely on God and grow in Christ.

[@judithchiky5635]

You need to be around people that genuinely love you. Am sorry about this.may Jesus come to your rescue.

[@chrisgreen2299]

I suffer with medical depression. In the very dark times I can't even feel God near.

[@alyqat4]

I know this is an older video but it helps me a lot. Thanks

[@melissanaranjo2259]

So good! Thank you for this!

[@bethgrissman2009]

Thank you

[@craigime]

Very nice

[@chrisgreen2299]

Thank you, this was well said.

[@italiancapo7]

Deeply depressed as my relationships & career has not gone well. Single parent trying to get through each day.

[@renegadeoftruth2891]

My depression was rooted in spiritual issues, and what I was feeding my soul with (entertainment choices), and dietary choices (I needed a healthier diet). I also needed more exercise. Meds didn't work for me personally. In my opinion, they are just a band aid solution pushed by Big pharma for biological issues that can be resolved with healthier diet and lifestyle choices. The side effects were worse than what what they were supposed to cure in some cases.

[@livingunashamed4869]

Amen everything spot on.

[@thejazhazosuohu2407]

Well said 🙏🏻😇

[@jeejeeband2290]

Thankyou for the video on depression. Can Jesus save those from biological depression?

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Yes, but he may use practical means

[@greenkidd529]

Getting into relgiion ruined my life as someon with mental illness

[@pettervaxjo]

Soon i am at the point that there is nothing else i can do than take anti depressive meds. But i dont think i will if God dont tell me to do it. If meds is my solution God could have told me years ago. 💔😞

[@jordanackerman2134]

Idk if it’s possible or not but I’m going through all these three types of depression but it is infact deviated towards circumstantial more. Praying and reading the Word doesn’t help idk what to do, I can’t seem to find this joy and peace in the Lord.

[@ralfrodriguez8885]

Thanks for the video I have a few questions. I have prayed and tried to have faith I felt that God reached me three years ago but now I'm doubting my self if in fact that was it or my desperation for help. I have asked and feel now that God is not sovereign. And I have resentment towards God. Some say God's timing is best however I feel like if in fact God does deliver and it's years since to the point you no longer care, will that even be glory to God. I asked for this then Lord I don't care for it know I overcame it. Then is it possible to believe in God follow the commands by Jesus, but no longer care to ask for anything or love god just be obedient out of fear of damnation not out of love?

[@jsfoyer5769]

Hi! It’s not yo judge you dear but, it seems to me that you follow a God you don’t truly know? Sometimes we are désappointed because we believe something about God that’s not true, or we thing of God in a certain incorrect way. God is truly àd perfectly Sovereign. He is loving. If the unique thing i might have done for you will be to sacrifice His Only begotten Son just to forfive Your sins and grant you everlasting life, what is far far more than escaping Hell. Do anyone explain the full Gospel to you? It’s not just escaping hell’s damnation. If He wasn’t loving, you will not be here today. Yes He is truly who He says He is. God don’t owe us nothing, if not justice. But instead, He grant us grace and mercy. Please, pray for divine revelation and enlightment from above, and understanding, He will give you if you ask. Oh how He deserves all the thanksgiving and worship and praise for Who He truly is. I lost a child aged 1, My precious little girl Chloe. And i can say my God has been so merciful and faithful and gracious to us, even in you suffering. Be blessed

[@marshachesbro5969]

Now why would I be 😔 depressed ? I have never gotten my needs met.

[@patricianguyen7012]

It took me years to realize that I was depressed

[@King_of_Painters]

I was diagnosticated anxiety on November 2016; and can say that mental work is on you , not on GOD. I think and believe that GOD helps us when we pray and have faith regarding with this aligment between our works (physical work at your work, saving money for your new home, for your new entrepeneurship job) and the faith we show to GOD. But sometimes i think unconciesly we think that GOD is going to do everything. GOD is not going to make you free from depression or anxiety, is your WILL to looking for GOD , your WILL to looking for working a lot, and changing your own thoughs and your way to think. Depression and anxiety is more about the kind of thoughs and actions you have and make than the relationship you have with GOD. The mental work depends on you, only you can stop your bad thoughs and habits, only you have the determination to looking for GOD . If you look for GOD by praying but you dont stop your depression or anxiety through your actions and positive thoughs, it will be the same over and over again. You have to pray and work, you have to pray and change that negative though into another positive though. I think this not have to be something unblibical or sinful , and we can combine faith with some world psichological resources antidepression or antianxiety (breath excercises, mental positive thoughs repetitions throughout the day, sports, hobbies... ), i dont think everything on this world is sinful, is the way you use it what makes it sinful!, and we can use all these things from world in order to have a better life and enjoy not only the presence of GOD, but also the entire expression of life. Regards! GOD bless!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Thanks for sharing Gilberto

[@lascartasdegabriel29]

To be honest this happened...1# I Got fired today from my job 2# Iam bipolar 3# cant sleep because of restless led syndrom 4# Iam in deep depression 5# A1d 6# I hate myself deeply 7# Iam 31 old man never married nor have a girlfriend....I swear if I only have the guts I would blow my brains off. Iam tired of this crap I hate this world deeply I just want to die...

[@mattamedjam450]

Maldo Gabriel You have a lot going on, and I have no clever words of inspiration, except to ask you if you have ever met Jesus in your heart? With man, it is impossible to address the problems you have.. But with God all things are possible if you bring to his son. Since he died to make you whole and give you abundant Life, what have you too loose if you turn to him. He loves you more than you can imagine and no problem is to big for the one that knows you better than you know yourself. He feels your pain and took your pain on his body on the cross so you wouldn't have to carry it, not to say we don't have issues.... But he makes life bearable because he never leaves your side, EVER. HE GAVE UP HIS LIFE, so you could have eternal life and a hope down here. He said my PEACE I give to you... Not the the world's peace.... He has all your answers... Prove him wrong.. Call on him to show himself to you... He will. I will pray that you do... Make the right choice.. He gives you a choice, he hopes you will make the right one... I do too. As far as not having a girlfriend.... I can tell you I'm a girl, and if your with the wrong person... I've said many times... I'd rather be alone, than wish I was. Everything in it's time!

[@lascartasdegabriel29]

@@mattamedjam450 you said you have no clever words for inspiration and you had saved my life and inspired me...thanks sister may God bless you and your wisdom I really needed the right words at the right time in this trial. Thank you!

[@claribelmaysonet9372]

Hey I don’t know you but, don’t give up !!!you are so special and God made you very special too! Don’t let the people or circumstances put you down. The Bible says the Lord will never leave or forsake you !😊your truly loved

[@melinajohn14]

Surround yourself with people that love you. There is a worth living. Don't let those feelings define you.

[@alexcoli]

still easyer not to exist i guess if God doesnt do it i cant repair myslef

[@james0805]

You’re stigmatizing depression brother

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

how so?

[@ubyy1]

I have a feeling many people cover up the problem with drugs, the underlying problem needs to be dealt with or you will be on those drugs and making money for those pharmaceutical companies for decades....