3 Things You Can Do When You Feel Down
- Psalm 42:5
NIV
Complex Emotions
Emotions are complex. We have highs and we have lows.
Our emotions are usually driven by whatever is going on around us, but there are also times where we feel down for no reason at all.
Today, I experienced this. I was moody, I did not want to do anything, and I was mean to loved ones.
Everything I thought, spoke, and did was filtered through this overwhelming negativity.
This depressive episode felt strong and the most frustrating part was that I could not identify the cause of it (though thinking on this I would assume it may be caused by the YouTube video binge yesterday…).
Feeling down often?
Are you experiencing the same thing?
It may not feel like it now, but there is hope!
I am going to give you 3 things you can do right now that can pull you out of depression.
I know you do not feel like doing anything, but believe me that if you commit to these solutions you will feel better.
1. Apologize
Chances are high that as you have been in this negative mood that you have lashed out at the individuals near you. Though beginning the conversation is tough, apologizing for your behavior comes with two benefits.
1. Apologizing releases you from the heaviness of guilt or tension you may feel from wronging someone.
2. Apologizing opens up a conversation to share how you are doing – hopefully they will be sympathetic and their fellowship could aid in making you feel better. Encouragement lifts up the heart.
I recommend saying this, “I am sorry for how I treated you earlier. I am feeling down and I took out my frustration on you… and there’s no excuse for that.”
This may be all you need to begin feeling better! However, Step 1 is not complete.
You should also speak to God in a time of confession as well. Trust the Holy Spirit to bring to mind any other wrongs that have been left unsaid.
2. Listen to Worship Music and Sing Along
3. Do Something Loving for Someone Else
Worship is not only accomplished by singing.
Worship of God is also done when we proclaim the glory of God through our actions.
I was reminded of Jesus’ words after He had given hope to the Samaritan woman at the well, He had been hungry and exhausted from the trip, but when His disciples brought Him food Jesus says,
“My food…is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34).
I believe this not only applies to energy and satisfaction, but also to our mood.
Are you downcast?
Go and love your neighbor, go and love somebody as we are commanded to do.
Let the knowledge of God’s joy in your actions invigorate your spirit (I am talking about heavenly rejoicing in good being done, not increasing God’s love for you).
It seems almost counter intuitive to go and love others above yourself when you are the one hurting, but that is how the wisdom of God often appears.
Ask for wisdom to know who you should show love to and how you should show this love to them.
You could bring somebody a meal, write a letter that lets somebody know they are appreciated, ask somebody what you could pray for and pray with them at that moment, give a gift just because, etc.
Conclusion
Now again, I do understand that when you are feeling down you will not feel like doing anything. This is when you have to ask yourself,
“What will happen if I do nothing?”
The answer is, you will stay in the same place, you will remain sad.
Once you push through this barrier, I am confident that you are on the path to restoring joy. I am confident of this, not because I think I have any special wisdom of my own, but each of the solutions above move the mind and heart to focus and pursue God.
Try it out! If you do, let me know about your experience or if there is any other solutions you have found to be helpful.
About the Author: Joshua
Joshua is a current resident of Oklahoma, an Oklahoma Baptist University graduate, a husband, a father, and most importantly a follower of Christ who is interested in passing on what he has learned through consistent reading and hearing of the Scriptures and prayer.
Instagram: @disciplined_faith