Depressed?

Today, we had an interesting lesson study on depression.

We learnt that depression is normal and happens to almost everyone at least once in their lives. That's no surprise because, in life, shit happens.

But how do we deal with it? Exercise was the main takeaway really. Exercise releases endorphins that make people feel happy. Endorphins gives you a sense of well-being. In other words, a happy sort of contentment.

Linguistically, the word "endorphin" can be broken up into "endo-" and "-orphin". These are short forms of the words endogenous and morphine. It is intended to mean "a morphine-like substance originating from within the body." To think that an endorphin rush can help us feel better.

Perhaps exercise can also help you take your mind off things that are troubling you. In a facebook status update of my friend C, she said: "I guess anger can be a gd thing sometimes - tt anger fueled my finishing 5 kliks in 25 mins." She channeled her fury into positive energy on a vigorous workout. Was that personal best, C?

I guess one important tip we've learnt today is choosing to lean on God when in dire straits. I think somehow we can sometimes be really hard on ourselves. Especially when things don't go the way we want them to - no matter how hard you try, no matter much you cry. Often the temptation is great to think real poorly of yourself, just quit and sink into depression. This is where God's promise is sure.

"and call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” - Psalms 50:15

Knowing that we have divine aid goes a long way in giving us the strength and confidence to carry on working hard on what we do despite the circumstance.

S&S were very right yesterday. When you stop praying, when you stop reading. That is when your life starts turning upside-down.

Pray to God in trust and He will fix it.