By Nancy Virden (c)2023

Several of us sat in a circle discussing depression and the lack of hope we felt. It was a depression support group; most of us were trying to get well, and others of us did not see a reason to try. Somehow, the topic had turned to apples.

“People want us to cheer up but we cannot just snap out of this,” a woman said. “It’s like we have two apples. One has a worm and the other has rolled in the mud.”

“Yes!” piped in another. “And people are saying, ‘Hey- you’ve got an apple!'” Everyone laughed.

When we are hurting, it is not a simple matter to change our mood or outlook. Depression and anxiety or any other mood disorder are not ‘attitudes’ we can correct. It takes time and a lot of hard work to reorganize one’s thoughts around hope once it has been lost.

A Christian singer recently said, “There is always good because there is always God.” Knowing that our Highest Power has our best in mind, we can begin thanking Him in faith even when good is difficult to believe.

Emotionally speaking, small, baby steps lead to bigger steps. No, perhaps you cannot feel thankful right now for life and all the big stuff. You can thank God for the sunshine, or rain, or for the fact that most of your body works well, or that you have a mind with which to think. Thank God for your existence, trusting Him to have a reason that He will reveal in time.

Thank family and friends who try to support you even if they are not good at it. Take the word of those who say they love you when you cannot feel. Thank people for needing you, and grasp the truth of that. Every time someone suggests your life matters, say thank you instead of arguing the point.

Did a cute kitten pass your way, or did you see a spot of beauty in the fall leaves? Has a ray of warmth from the sun warmed you or did a person smile? Do you have an apple that is good to eat?

You can, even without a lot of gratitude feelings, begin to express thanks. This practice will be helpful in small or bigger ways as you heal.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 42:5

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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