When dealing with depression, it could be one of the most difficult things you have to struggle with in your life. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) discovered that 16.1 million US adults, ages 18 years or older, have at least one episode of Major Depressive Disorder in the last year. This statistic was discovered during 2015. Major depression is described as having at least one symptom which is either a loss of interest and pleasure in most of life’s daily activities or a great feeling of sadness that came about. Other symptoms may include an increase or decrease in appetite, hypersomnia, insomnia, constant fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Anxiety, not too dissimilar to depression, can lead to similar feelings.
Anxiety disorders affect 40 million US citizens, aged 18 years or older. This represents an 18.1 percent of the overall US population and is a staggering number at best. While such statistics might seem grim, anxiety difficulties are treatable. Sadly, only 36.9 percent of those dealing with such difficulties. It can develop from personality, life events, genetics, and brain chemistry. Around half of the people diagnosed with depression also are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety or depression can lead someone to develop a substance abuse problem. 20 percent of Americans, struggling with depression or anxiety, the ADAA found, deal with a substance abuse problem of sorts. Another 20 percent of those with a substance abuse problem also deal with a mood or anxiety disorder. Those struggling with a drug addiction might need to find drug addiction help. It may not be easy. The most common is social anxiety disorder, where people abuse substances, often alcohol, to deal with their emotions. There may be better ways to deal with depression or anxiety rather than turning to alcohol or drugs.
You could have to seek drug addiction help if you ended up with a substance abuse difficulty. You might wish to look at what God has to say about dealing with depression and the anxieties of life. It may prevent you from turning down the path of substance abuse. According to Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses reminds us that the Lord does not forsake us even in times of great difficulty. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you,” Deuteronomy 31:8 said. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Reminding us of God’s presence within our own life, despite the difficulties within life, can give us hope that something better is out there. It could show you that there’s a better tomorrow along the way. Yet, Moses is not the only preaching the Lord’s word out there. Paul, in Romans 8:38-39, also alerts us that nothing can separate us from the love that God has for his people.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:38-39 said. This is Paul telling us God’s message that there is not one thing that can stop God from loving us. He is always present in our lives and loves us a great deal. He believes we all have a great deal of potential to live a good life.
The difficulties of life can be tough and not easy whatsoever to fight in life. Isaiah makes clear that God will not only be with us but will strengthen us in the days to come. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God,” Isaiah 41:10 stated. “I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
As we battle the many demons of life, whether they be depression or anxiety, it may be tough. But, remembering that God is present in all our struggles, that’s what we should all remember during the dark times life has.
About the author: Tommy Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, addiction and recovery, and the entertainment industry.
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