Depression can come into your life in two different ways, through chemical changes in your body or through situations. Mine has been brought on by the brain trauma, from the abuse I have suffered throughout my childhood and marriage. As I live with depression, I notice that I am physically, mentally, and most of all spiritually drained. When I am physically drained the doctors tell me to stop and rest. To recover from being mentally drained, I am told to rest and use mental affirmations. But what do you do when you are spiritually drained?
Spiritually, before my depression, I was sure about all that I believed. My thought process with depression has been anything but sure. I have felt alone. I continued with my prayers, but still felt empty. I have questioned why, if there is a god, would he allow someone to experience such sorrow and despair. I have questioned whether god ever loved me, because he never saved me from the abuse, and now I am suffering from it once again. I have wondered why I didn’t die when I attempted suicide; was it to keep me suffering. As I have attended my church, I wondered what exactly was it that kept me so dedicated to my beliefs for so long. How can I keep going when I am so drained?
All these questions are valid. But, they are the depression talking.
When a person goes hiking and they become lost, the first rule is to stay where you are until help arrives. When a person is injured and they lose the ability to use their limb, the physical therapist begins by stimulating the muscles to help the body to recall the muscle memory. These two examples can be applied to life when you become spiritually drained.
First, stay where you are.
Second, start stimulating yourself.
I know that I am not the only one out there with depression. I know that trying to manage the effects it has on your life is not easy. But if you are drained, like I am, don’t throw away your connection to your higher power. Stay where you are. Do things that connect you to your higher power; like walking through nature, put your feet in the ocean, or stargaze. As you continue your connection, your body and mind will respond to the stimulation and help unearth you from the depression.