When worry takes over, your mind and body kick into overdrive. That nagging concern at the back of your head can affect your heart and blood pressure. It can also trigger a higher release of stress hormones. The dread and fear begin to control your daily life, and it may feel like those anxious or negative thoughts never seem to go away.
It’s common for depression to set in, and when you try to express your feelings or anxiety to those around you, they are often dismissive or you’re met with contempt. It can seem like anxiety and depression are stigmatized, especially in Christian communities, but I’m here to tell you there is nothing wrong with you.
Most people battle anxious and negative thoughts more often than they would like to admit. Your depression might not be your fault but was caused by circumstances outside your control. And so, I would like you to keep this in mind if you continue reading.
‘Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.’ Proverbs 12:25
Pastor Craig Groeschel from Life Church describes these four things as the most common root causes of depression in Two Truths to Remember When You’re Battling Depression.
Common Causes of Depression
Biological Causes for Depression
Biological causes can be triggered by chronic pain and illnesses, which is not your fault nor is it in your control. You could have inherited your depression genetically, which gives you a predisposition to depressive behavior. Alternatively, it could be caused by a hormonal imbalance, such as in the case of postpartum depression.
Relational Causes for Depression
Whereas relational causes stem from rejection, or perhaps someone you are close to is going through something difficult, and you take that on yourself. Maybe you’ve just gone through a breakup or divorce, or you’re having a rough go at work and your boss is overbearing.
Circumstantial Causes for Depression
On the other hand, circumstantial causes include stressful events, big life changes, financial implications, and severe physical, emotional, or psychological traumas caused by things like physical or sexual abuse, bullying, and abandonment, especially in your early childhood life when you didn’t have control over your environment.
Spiritual Causes for Depression
And finally, your depression could be caused by spiritual attacks. Ephesians 6:12 warns us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
How do I Deal with my anxious thoughts?
Acknowledge That Your Emotions Are Real and Valid
You begin by acknowledging that your emotions are valid. As Pastor Craig says, ‘Your emotions are valid, but they are not permanent.’ What you are going through is real. Know that. Accept that.
In the years that I wrestled with depression, I learned not to make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions because you will always end up regretting them. Even if you’re angry at the world or frustrated with how you feel, it is better to delay taking regrettable or hurtful actions because they will lead to more stressful situations later.
Take Your Thoughts Captive and Change Your Perspective
Being self-aware is difficult. It is certainly a skill that requires practice, especially in heightened emotional states. The ability to take your thoughts captive and change your perspective allows you to analyze them rationally, and by doing so, you can begin to identify the truth and the lie.
Objective truth is without individual perspective, so remember that “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” Proverbs 23:7 KJV
Bring the Present Into Focus
Know that anxiety exists in two places: in the past and the future. We don’t have control over either. Present behavior can indeed affect future outcomes, but it requires a present mind to do so. This is why we must come into the present and change our focus. Challenge your thoughts, especially when they don’t make sense. Don’t allow it to sabotage your life.
Meditate On the Truth
In the end, we want to meditate on the truth. “Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentation 3: 21–23.
The grace that God has given you today is enough for today. Today’s grace won’t solve tomorrow’s problems, but it can help with tomorrow should you learn how to put your focus on God today. Know that you can always go to Him about anything without fear of judgment, and eventually, your pain will turn to praise.
If you would like to Take Your Thoughts Captive, click the link, download the free worksheet, and complete it at your convenience.
Leave a comment below if you’ve overcome your battle with depression, anxiety, or negative intrusive thoughts, or if you are still battling depression and need prayers. I’d like to pray for you.
Depression is real it’s a dark place and your article on how to sit calmly in anxious thoughts helps a lot, honestly I don’t know there was a bible verse on anxiety thank you very much sunkiss
I’m so glad that I could help. Even if it’s just a little. At times when the feeling of hopelessness becomes overwhelming, know that you’re not alone. That is the great comfort of God. When we are consumed by the darkness of our circumstances, He is a glimmer of hope and the gentle light we need to navigate the storm. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. If you ever feel weighed down, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am sending you heaps of love, courage, strength, and hope on your path ahead.