How to overcome depression

Sad black man in front of grunge wall

Depression is the devil. It seeks to suck the essence of life all the way out of you until you decide to succumb. It doesn’t matter if you’re the highest of the high, the most powerful of the powerful, or the poorest of the poor. Your physical circumstance and environment can mask the truth — if that dirty dog called depression gets ahold of you, if you don’t figure out how to cut those chords, it’ll have you in cement boots watching the people and purpose in your life pass by.

My battle has been ongoing for awhile now. I’ve described the feeling of depression as like being chained to the ground in a see-through box with glass walls and no ceiling. You can see and hear all that life has to offer … at times you’re able to climb over the top of the wall and enjoy life’s experiences … but there’s always something holding you back. Something tugging on your brain. Something stealing your joy. It is not a good feeling. And oftentimes, people who have never had the experience look at you in a confused state, not being able to fully comprehend the turmoil that rises up, that can keep you trapped in a prison of regrets, lethargy and emotions.

I, for one, am determined not to fall victim. And though there are times when the depression devil wins a round or two, sometimes even three, I am fortunate enough to be pushed by God up out of that darkness in order to fight another day. If I were to write in Stephen Covey speak, I’d say that I am constantly sharpening my saw. And at those times where my blade is dull and I can’t seem to break through, somehow, some way, I have been able to soldier on … to experience happiness … to regain my sanity … to march toward success.


Now … what is it that I do when those clouds come close to flooding out my parade? Here’s a list of a few strategies that have made a difference. Hopefully, they can help you just as they do me.

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