Feeling Depressed?

Living the Christian life is full of ups and downs. As you probably have experienced, just because you are at a Christian college or are contemplating the possibility of attending a Christian school does not make you "depression proof." You are or will experience real stress from every direction.

However, what if there's more to this stress? What if you start feeling like there is something deeper going on? Many heading out after the high school years are overwhelmed by the workload and demands of the day. There is a balancing act of school, work, priorities and relationships. According to a survey by Teen Health and Wellness, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24 in the United States. This is a real issue for some college students. Depression is a very serious problem. Don't be fooled: Even those who love Jesus and are attending a Christian college can struggle with depression.

Maybe you are in the middle of your college experience and feel like your life is so overwhelming that you don't know what to do. Perhaps you think you're dumb for even feeling this way. There is hope for you, but you can't move forward alone.

Many who are in the dark hole of depression choose to keep it to themselves, believing they can fight their way through it alone (or with God). They're trying to build their own life preservers even as they feel themselves drowning in the ocean. Listen, this is no time to be silent. This is the time to yell for help! Go. Run. Hurry. Choose a close and trusted friend, pastor, brother, sister, mom, dad, step-mom, step-dad, grandparent, professor, physician, coach, teacher or counselor. If the first person you tell doesn't take you seriously, keep searching until you've found a trusted friend who can help.

Don't worry about looking stupid or feeling too needy. We were built for community and connection with others. This is the body of Christ in action. God created you and will always be there with you, even as you walk through this valley of death described in Psalm 23. Jesus walked through the same valley just hours before He was nailed to the cross for our sins (Luke 22:39-46). Here is some good news: If there's a valley, there must be a mountaintop. No matter how difficult it might seem, victory is yours through Jesus Christ who conquered death.

Take your stress seriously. Seek times of mental, physical and spiritual renewal. If you feel like you are heading into deeper darkness, talk to someone today.