If you have never struggled with depression, then you likely know someone who has. But as prevalent as depression is, the lies about this condition are even more widespread. The recent Julie Thomas film demonstrates first-hand just how easily a person can fall for the misinformation surrounding this complex mental condition. Here are just a few you’ll find illustrated in the film:
Guilt and shame are often the first blows to land when a person is fighting any kind of mental health issue. But depression seems to attract these emotional responses in especially strong ways. This happens when you buy into the gospel of positivity. You start thinking that all you need is one of Peter Pan’s happy thoughts and you can fly away from your troubles. But that is a lie.
This lie shows up in a couple of different ways. You might bury yourself in shame for having succumbed to a beatable condition. You might refuse to recognize you even have a problem because doing so would mean you are weak. But whatever the outward expression, this lie will handicap your best efforts towards healing. Weakness has nothing to do with depression. In fact, God might be allowing you to face this giant of a struggle because the fight will prepare you for something bigger he has ahead for you.
Close the drapes. Seal off the world. Hide in the dark. Don’t talk about it. These are all the outworkings of this lie. But reality does not depend on your perception. Depression exists whether you admit it or not. Recognize you are struggling and get help. If your house is on fire, turning your back will only let the flames grow. Believing this lie will only mean your house will continue to burn.
Would you call someone weak if they could not play football by themselves? Of course not, because football is a team sport. In the same way, depression is not something you can do alone. It has nothing to do with your abilities, skills, emotional or spiritual health or anything else within your control. Depression is just one of those things where you will need another person to help you run the plays. There are counselors, church support programs and many other types of support groups. Just reach out. There is help. Remember, you are not alone.
This one is really the definitive lie of depression. This is the lie that your brain will try to convince you of. But feeling hopeless, does not mean there is no hope. There are people who love you. There is a God who loves you. There is joy and goodness still to be experienced in life. You might not know how or when, but there is goodness ahead. Don’t let this lie convince you otherwise.
If you or a loved one is struggling through depression, then watch the new Julie Thomas film and discover for yourself the truths that can set you free.