With permission, I’ve decided to anonymously share some of the correspondence I’ve had with readers about their struggles with anxiety and/or depression over the coming weeks. I think some of you may be able to relate with these individuals who are currently battling fear and darkness, and it is my hope that you find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in this. And I also thought my responses may be of some use to you as well.

To those readers who aren’t struggling in this area, I’d like to encourage you to hang in there with me for a few more weeks! I’ll be back writing as I had before long. Thank you for patiently waiting this topic out!

I am sitting at work, at my desk, in tears over your article on depression/anxiety. I’ve been experiencing this for some time now and I just started going to a therapist. I haven’t tried any meds but I’ve tried exercising, etc and nothing seems to work. I’m always fearing things to the point where I believe I mess things up because of my fear. (Instead of living and relaxing and just doing my job, I worry about everything and it prevents me from enjoying my relationships/jobs/etc.) My constant fear and anxiety is ruining my relationships and I’ve had enough. (Although I didn’t even realize that I had anxiety until I ready your article.) I tired of being down, depressed and in fear. I am a Christian but I don’t seek The Lord like I should. I can go days without really seeking/thinking about Him. And I was just this morning, on my way to work, feeling like I’ve been abandoned and hopeless. I realize after reading your article that I feel this way because I am looking to people and myself for the hope/faith that I need to be looking to God for. Sorry for my rambling but things have been really hard for me trying to come out of this depression but now I feel like I’ve had a breakthrough and that I’m not hopeless after all. I would love to hear back from you. Thanks!

I am so sorry you’re going through this! It just breaks my heart to know you’re in that terrible place I was in. Know there is hope!!! Know that you WILL get through this! Press in to God and He will see you through. I did try meds, but for me, they only made things worse. I remember saying that my depression worsened ten fold when I started the medication. I know that’s now everyone’s experience but it was mine. And I am so happy it didn’t work because I don’t think I would have sought God otherwise! Let me know if you have any specific questions!! I’d be happy to help if I can. 

I’m praying!!

Thanks for responding, Laurie! You don’t know(or maybe you do) the difference your post has made in me. You gave Phil 4:8 and that’s a great verse and so inspiring then I read the whole chapter and found Phil 4:6-7 which gave me even more peace/hope. I’m going to start making God my priority and look to Him instead of others for my peace/joy/help/etc. cause if I do that everything else will fall in line, and if not, at least I’ll be able to handle things better. Idk how I ran across iBelieve(which lead me to your article) but I’m so blessed and happy I did. Thank you again and God bless you. I will be in touch!

Right!! God tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to us!! Keep pressing in! Thanks again for sharing!

A while later, this person wrote saying:

I am well. Better and better everyday, and taking it a day at a time.