What I have discovered is that walking in the light about my struggles helps me to fight against them because I know I am not alone and I know how my enemy works. If you struggle with depression, I want to encourage you to find a safe person you can talk to. Don’t assume they will brush you off and don’t assume that they won’t understand. Having people around you who know what you’re facing, who listen to you, and who are praying for you is indispensable in your battle against depression.

Last week the time changed and it would be difficult for me to overstate how difficult this time of the year can be for me. Typically, I leave the house before the sun rises in the morning and do not return until after it sets. Because of the nature of my job, most of my time during the day is spent indoors.

During the late fall and winter months, I fight with what Winston Churchill called “the black dog.” Depression nips at my heels from the first week in November through the end of February. Unless I take appropriate steps, a general sense of darkness will follow me wherever I go. I don’t want to be around people, I have little joy, and I can spiral down at the drop of a hat.

By God’s grace, I’ve learned how to stay one step ahead of the black dog. This is not some miraculous formula that drives away depression, but it has helped me to continue walking with the Lord, loving the people around me, and experiencing joy after previously letting it overwhelm me year after year.

These are a few practices I have put in place to run from the black dog.

Be Honest about the Struggle

For years, I lived in ignorance and denial about the darkness that enveloped me. Often I walked around in absolute misery, refusing to admit something was wrong and not understanding what was going on in my own heart and mind

I’m not sure when the epiphany came, but by God’s grace, I started to see a pattern develop that helps me know when I’m about to start struggling. Instead of staying silent and ignoring the problem, I acknowledge the temptation to my wife and some trusted friends.

What I have discovered is that walking in the light about my struggles helps me to fight against them because I know I am not alone and I know how my enemy works. If you struggle with depression, I want to encourage you to find a safe person you can talk to. Don’t assume they will brush you off and don’t assume that they won’t understand. Having people around you who know what you’re facing, who listen to you, and who are praying for you is indispensable in your battle against depression.

(This post focuses on the spiritual aspects of wrestling with depression. Often, there can be medical issues in play as well. If you find yourself walking through prolonged darkness, and especially if you start thinking about hurting yourself, seek out your doctor and a good Christian counselor. There is no shame whatsoever in admitting you are hurting and seeking help. The Gospel frees you to be honest about your struggles and also delivers you from false guilt.)

Read and Pray the Psalms

Early in my Christian life, I could not understand why the Psalmists were so whiny. Now, the older I get, the more I identify with them.

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