Gentle Reader,
I wondered if it would come.
That sense of sorrow, so deep it crosses into the confusion of numbness. That pain so awful it pushes with a physical ache into my heart.
Depression.
It always lurks, somewhere in my mind. Some call it pessimism, some call it a melancholy personality. It is both and neither. I have to work, every day, to push the grayness out of my eyes and see the sun. Some days the grayness is splotchy and it’s easy to overcome. Other days I feel like I’m trying to look through a blanket. Those days are hard.
As I lay awake in bed last night, trying (unsuccessfully) to get to sleep, the grayness invaded. I was unprepared for the onslaught. My chest hurt. The tears began.
I wasn’t sad about anything. I was just sad. That’s the difference between situational and clinical depression. And before anyone suggests that I need to deal with some sin, trust me: confession is often the first thing that pours from my lips. When there’s nothing to confess and you’re still sad, the only logical conclusion is that the sorrow is not connected to anything in particular.
The sorrow just is.
A few deep breaths and a, “Help me, Jesus!” later, I reminded myself of what was happening in my body. Without the Cymbalta and the hormones, I am, as Jackson Browne puts it, running on empty. I don’t go back to the doctor until the beginning of August, so I have to ride this roller coaster for another month. Yes, diet and exercise help. Summer is the worst time of year for me (I hate the heat and always have), so I was just telling Chris that I wanted to make sure we get a walk in this evening when it’s a little cooler. I’ll be eating…sigh…avacado as part of my dinner. (Gross). I’m aware of what I can do naturally.
But you’ve got to understand something. All the diet and exercise, and even all the antidepressants and hormones, don’t make this thing go away. The grayness won’t flee because it’s confronted by some Omega-3 rich salmon. The consequence of living in a fallen world is, for me, a broken brain. I am always going to battle depression and anxiety this side of Eternity, unless God sees fit to heal me. Thus far, He hasn’t.
In a way, that’s okay with me. I don’t relish the feeling of my feet being like bricks, so that every step takes monumental effort. I don’t like crying at the drop of a hat. Honestly, though, I’m over the stigma. I really don’t care what anyone thinks about my being depressed and anxious; anyone who wants to give me some input or suggestions may do so, but I’m going to shrug off any negativity or judgment. I refuse to take that in.
You know why? The grayness pushes me toward the Source of all light. I can’t see clearly, I can’t understand rightly, and so I turn to God, time and time again. If this battle is what it takes for me to stick close to Him, then fine. I am His beloved daughter, and He’s happy…no, He’s delighted to have me around. My struggle and need doesn’t surprise Him or put Him off. He’ll gladly hold my hand.
He’ll even carry me when I can’t see to take another step.
To read all the posts in The Detox Diaries series, go here.
The Chabad Jewish tradition believes that without the darkness there would be no illumination and that our purpose in life is to travel a path determined by God where we will find certain “sparks” of “divine light” that we are designed to release and to return to their source…to God. However, we would never be able to detect them in a world full of light. It requires darkness. God is in the stillness and darkness. Whenever you think you’re alone, you’re really not. He’s always with you.
It is said that when Jacob and the seventy members of his family went down into Egypt, God went with them, and when Moses brought the Israelites back out of exile, God came too. It is also said that in the Holocaust, when millions of Jews were condemned to the death camps, God was “taken prisoner” as well and was with His people Israel, sharing their sorrow.
If the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be with all exiled Jewish people everywhere across the long stretch of time, how much more can he be with just a single person existing in a single moment…with you?
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That’s beautiful.
I long for the day when there is no more darkness, but, for now, I would rather walk with Him through it than try to deny it or push Him away. Nothing, not the blackest night, can overcome Him.
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I’m praying tomorrow will be a “brighter” day in your world! You are shining a light in the dark for others, in your reminder that The Light of the World, Jesus has conquered the unquenchable darkness, and love floods comfort into your heart as you lean into Him.
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Oh, yes, He does drown me in love. I would not be able to stand this otherwise. Thank you, Amy!
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This….explains why you have been on my mind the last two days. I had dismissed it as being the fact we have yet to chat more….You know what to do and you know that Jesus has got you. Hang in there, and cling to Jesus…and if you need someone to listen…you know how to contact me. No judgments here. I just remind myself that Jesus sees my pain, collects every tear…and even hurts with me. He understands me and knows my fragile heart…rest in Him.
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Thank you Deanna. That feels like a hug for the soul.
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Your perspective about depression and anxiety is beautiful. I struggle as well, although mildly compared to some. I love how you told the other commenter you’d rather walk with God through it than to deny it or push Him away. You offer such hope.
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I sincerely desire for others to see the hope that we find in Jesus. He alone can get us through these dark times.
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May the SONshine wash afresh on you and hold you as you walk through this path.
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Amen!
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Currently in a time of grayness myself. So appreciate your words on this! Stumbled across these words in Psalm 139 verses 11 – 12. “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” Just know you’re not alone in the grayness! Hugs & prayers for you
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Amen and amen!
I’m so sorry that you’re bushing through the grayness, Sara. Fight on, dear sister. Jesus is at your side in all things!
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Love your heart through all of what you are going through. Jesus comes through. Grace is seen. Thank you for your honesty. It’s beautiful that the light of Christ can come through your grayness.
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The grayness can never overcome the Light!
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