Prepare For The Journey

Day 3 of 31 days of Depression.

Are you prepared for depression? It seems to creep in unannounced but being prepared for it can make an immense difference.

Yes, even in the middle of it.

How does one plan for depression?

With a schedule. With a definitive plan.

Because when oppression rolls in, we tend to come to a stagnant stand still.

If your day feels wasted, it feeds the lies of being useless, a failure, and unimportant. Removing that fuel helps lead us out of the pit. It’s all about baby steps.

Write up a basic schedule and make yourself stick to it. No matter what.

• Shower and get dressed everyday. Staying in your jammies with matted hair all day enhances the “I don’t care” attitude. Getting dressed tells the brain you’re going to do something today – even if you don’t.
• Eat regular meals. Yes, sometimes you have to schedule them. Low blood sugar makes you feel tired and depressed. Don’t allow not eating to contribute to feeling down.
• Add a small chore or two. Pick something easy that will make you feel as though you did “something” today.
• Get up and go to bed at the same time everyday. Bless your body with the gift of rest but don’t overdo it.
• Go for a walk around the block. We know exercise produces endorphins that boost our mood but exercising while depressed seems impossible, so just take a quick walk around the block.
• Check off your scheduled items through out the day as you accomplish them. It will make you feel empowered.

From experience, I do realize that creating a schedule and doing it can seem overwhelming and like too much work but our goal is to climb out of the pit of depression because it sucks to be down there.

Do today:

• Memorize this scripture: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
• Pray: Lord, please give me the strength to care for myself each day. Your word says there is joy in you and I want that for my life. Please set my feet upon the rock and keep me firmly grounded. In Jesus Name, Amen.
• Write out your schedule for the day. Stick to it. Cross accomplishments off.

Do you stick to a daily schedule? How has it helped keep you from getting further into depression? *You may comment anonymously. Email addies aren’t published and you are welcome to use another name. Comment policy still applies.

To purchase this song:Beauty Will Rise


The next 31 days we will be discussing depression and healthy ways to combat it but we’re going to get real too. Because for those of us who wind up in the pit often, we know platitudes and fluff pieces do nothing for us. My expertise is only based 0n my own very personal battles with depression and is no way, professional or medical advice. Your participation in this series is voluntary and Melinda Todd is not legally responsible for any choices or actions of participants. Participants release Melinda Todd and Trailing After God from responsibility and liability and continue at their own risk and discretion.