The Fog of Depression

Depression is like a fog settling over your life.  You feel the shift in the air, you see it bearing down, you can even hear the warning signs coming, yet you just can't seem to escape it.  That haze has centered over me the last couple of days. I can't really explain where it came from and I don't think any medication could have held it off.  It's almost as if it alters your very thinking.  You start to see things in exaggeration.  When you dwell on the negative it starts to spread and like a fog and it will cover every nook and cranny of your life. It begins to filter out the positive, forcing it to become almost hazy as it tries to smoother the things out that keep you going.   Millions of people suffer from this every day, most are ashamed to admit it has seeped into their life.  Many are embarrassed by the medications they take to control it, they don't want society to think they are crazy or abnormal.  I become skilled at hiding it and I have been on medication for years because of it. I figured as long as I am making my life an open book I might as well put it all out there and pray my story encourages someone else. 

The Holidays can be a very difficult time and depression really hits so many throughout this season.  Getting this fog to lift from someone's life isn't easy.  I recently found that haze clouding my thoughts, influencing my decisions. Today my fog lifted and reality started to peak through.  A friend was being swallowed by that same fog and was ready to give up her life into it.  Reality check.  Life is fragile.  This precious person couldn't see her own worth.  The devil is a liar. We ALL have value.  God made each of us after his own image and he made us each unique and gifted us with special abilities. I'm thankful God could look through the fog, past "me", into "me" and still use "me" for Him.  Yes, the fog cleared today.  That's not to say it will not come back.  Just as the weather changes it is bound to happen but I am thankful to know God has power over the fog and His light will pull me (and my friend) through it.  God Bless!

~ Chelle
    12/10/13