Many addicts suffer with depression. They aren’t alone. Major depressive disorder affects 17.3 million American adults (National Institute of Mental Health, 2017).
If you struggle with depression, repeat this at least 20 times every day: “Depression lies. It tells you you’ve always felt this way, and you always will. But you haven’t, and you won’t” (Halley Cornell).
Jesus promised, “I have told you these things, so that in me you might have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
So how does this work? Let me leave you with five therapist-approved techniques to help lift the paralysis and stop the ruminating that may be holding you down, as published by Sherry Amatenstein.
- Take a different view of things.
- Visualize a happy memory.
- Tell yourself something good.
- Make plans.
- Find something to look forward to.
Recovery Step: If you struggle with depression, that may be a major influence on your addictive behaviors. God has created a wonderful person who can help. He/she is called a therapist. I’m truly sorry for your depression, but I know this. With God you can find help. And hope.
