Train Your Brain
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common topics talked about in our culture today. I actually get asked to write about these topics the most. Ironically, world suicide prevention day happened three days ago and we just experienced the news of another pastor committing suicide in the midst of dealing with mental health. We are in the era of information overload as “the average teenager in America today experiences the same level of anxiety as a psych patient in the 1950’s.” That statistic was said by Andy Stanley in his podcast titled, “Generational Diversity in the Workplace,” and you might want to read it again. It’s shocking, but it addresses the need for this conversation.
I want to say as a pastor that it’s okay to need Jesus and a counselor! It’s okay to need medicine! It’s okay to need help! It’s okay to talk about! In fact, I would argue that the way of the Kingdom is done in community - openly talking about the stuff we struggle and deal with without the fear of being rejected or judged. With all that said, it’s important to recognize what anxiety and depression actually are…
Anxiety is an irrational response to an overwhelming sense that life is out of control. Depression is projecting a negative outcome of your future. The reason you feel anxious and depressed is because you can’t imagine a better you, future, and life.
We forget that our brain is the most powerful thing in the world because our thoughts dictate our lives. When you learn to control the way you think, every thought gets put into its proper context. You don’t magically decide to overcome depression and anxiety. It’s a process that takes a ton of time and effort. Many people would rather let their thoughts control them because of the hard work it requires to control the way one thinks. We say words like “can’t” and defeat ourselves before we even begin the process.
So here’s my 4-step process to overcome depression and anxiety.
1. CONNECT - you have to reach out and stay connected to supportive people. This includes doctors, professional, safe people, etc. Don’t isolate yourself and make face to face time a priority.
2. ACTION - you have to move…literally. Do things that make you feel good even if you don’t want to. Receiving and overcoming depression and anxiety requires action, but ironically taking action is extremely difficult when you’re depressed and anxious. This will take practice but you have to find a hobby.
3. NUTRITION - this is probably the main issue for every negative side effect we experience. We don’t care about what we put in our bodies and we wonder why we’re miserable. If you’re not going to discipline yourself in regards to lifestyle diet, expect the consequences. Sleep is included in the conversation of proper nutrition because they go hand in hand. Get strict on a regular sleep schedule and you’ll be shocked at the difference it provides for your mind.
4. THINK - you have to challenge negative thoughts. You won’t be able to control all the thoughts you have but you can control the thoughts you hold onto. If you made it this far in the blog, I would encourage you to read Dr. Caroline Leaf’s book titled, “Switch On Your Brain.” If you apply what you read from that book, it really will change your life in regards to dealing with depression and anxiety.