The Dreaded "D" Word

If you suffer from any debilitating chronic illness, then "the dreaded 'D' word" is likely something you are familiar with.

No, I'm not referring to a profane word.

Rather, I'm talking about the one word very few people like to bring up but many are aware of how it finds its way into our lives.

Depression.

Yes, I did just use that dreaded word.

I've never publicly admitted it, but I am now - I have been diagnosed with depression.

Some days are harder than others when it comes to dealing with it.  The smallest things seem to trigger it, and it's always on days/times where you don't anticipate it.

But when it hits, man does it hit!

There are a few things I've learned since my diagnosis:

1. Just like my migraines, it doesn't define who I am.

2. Fighting it will only make it worse.  Rather, it becomes much easier to deal with if you just accept it and ride out the highs and lows (even the lo lows) of it.

3. God chose to bless me with this.

Speaking of number 3 - I had a friend ask me the other night why I thought God chose me.  Notice how I phrased that - God chose to bless me with depression.

Here's my answer:  I don't know why God picked me.  But I do know this much -- God blessed me with depression (and chronic migraines) because He knows I can handle it.

Think about it... God picked me.  Me!  Of all of His children, He chose me!  God loves me, He has faith in me, He is with me, He knows I am strong enough to handle whatever challenges depression/migraines/etc. may throw my way.

How neat is that?? God knows just how strong I am.  He knows I am stronger than I think I am!  And He has promised to be with me and help me get through it all.  Can anything be more comforting than that?

So, to answer my friend's question -

I don't know why God picked me to be blessed with depression and chronic migraines.  Maybe it was so I could help others through their struggles.  Maybe it was so I'd constantly be reminded of His love in me thus helping me to always be thankful to Him for being mindful of me.  Maybe it was so I could show others how you can still let your light shine even in the darkest times.  Maybe it's all of these reasons.  Maybe it's none of them.

One thing I do know for sure, though.  God made me and in His image, nonetheless.  He loves me.  He is forever mindful of me.  He is always with me.

So, at the end of the day, there's really only one thing I can do: F.R.O.G. - Fully Rely On God

Are any of you closet depression sufferers? Or, on the flip-side, are any of you open about your struggles?  How do you handle your hi highs and your lo lows?  What do you turn to for comfort when you're struggling (with depression or anything else in life)?

Please feel free to share your thoughts. Whether you choose to share openly or anonymously, I'd love to hear from you!!