I often use the metaphor of darkness when working with my clients and referring to depression. When someone is struggling with depression they often note feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. One of the earliest fears I can remember was of the dark, specifically the darkness in the basement of my boyhood home. I still remember the different times I was asked to get things from the basement and the resulting feelings of fear, including fear of some unknown thing or person that was going to “get me”. I was fearful of what I couldn’t see and also afraid of not being able to predict what was going to happen. I would run between light switches as fast as possible, feeling a little better as more and more of the basement became brighter. With each flip of the switch I found it helped to focus on the section of the basement I could see leading up to next light switch. It is also helpful to redirect our focus from the seemingly expansive darkness surrounding us and to keep our eyes on the crack of light within view.
Here are a few ways to help us not get lost in the darkness:
Focus on what you can see.
- You can’t control what others do; you can only control your own actions. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Proverbs 4:25)
Make a list of things you are grateful for.
- Focusing on things we are grateful for leaves less room for negativity. (See Philippians 4:6)
Don’t isolate yourself.
- This is something many do when starting to feel symptoms of depression and often make things worse. Find ways to connect with others. (See Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Eat healthy and exercise
- Much research has gone into showing how both food and exercise can affect one’s attitude. (See I Corinthians 9:27)
