Struggling With Depression? Here are 20 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner: 20 FAQs + Tips

This is the year to get motivated and cross off the goals on your to-do list. However, if you have ever suffered from depression, this time of year can also remind you of how much of a rapid ascent can be made, but can come crashing down easily. We are highly motivated, we know we can conquer the world, but then one thing threatens your high spirits or a series of unfortunate events happens. Then you are crashing into a depressive episode once again. Read on to discover 20 rapid-fire tips and FAQs on how not to let depression steal or threaten your 2026 based on my new book, Let God be Your Medicine, Overcoming Depression.

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1. What is depression?

Depression is sadness that is stuck. It will not leave, no matter what type of happiness comes your way. It affects your entire being. Your personal life is affected. Your work life is affected. Your relationships are affected. You try to appreciate life and have gratitude. But it seems like there's always something to threaten your joy.

#2. Why do I feel purposeless?

You feel purposeless if it's based on something outside of yourself, such as your children, your job, your title, or your possessions. Your purpose in life is to love God and to love others. That is the foundation of your purpose. If we loved God and loved others as He commanded, we would not have anything to be sad about because there would be no sin in the world. Your calling is something different, which is your life's work.

#3. Why do I feel worthless, and I do not know who I am?

Your identity is not based on worldly constructs such as your Zodiac sign, your ethnicity or race, or your title. Your identity is based on your soul, which God created. The world is constantly changing, so do not put your identity in the world. Your worth is based on the One who died for you and who considered you worthy. If you place your identity in the world, you are bound to get lost because it is constantly changing.

#4. Why do I have no self-control?

You need to transfer that energy into your calling. Whatever energy is spilling into addictions, like dooms-scrolling, drinking, or drugs, needs to be transferred into something that you love and that you are passionate about. These are your talents and abilities that God gave you to be used for His Kingdom. You are an artist just like Him. Addictions and reckless behavior are seeking an outlet that is often misdirected and misaligned.

#5. Why am I depressed?

You need to find the root cause of your depression. Most of us suffer from trauma that we have buried beneath our consciousness. It needs to be uprooted and treated. If it is not brought up to the surface and healed, it never goes away; you just end up masking the symptoms.

#6. Why do I have intrusive thoughts?

These are lies that you have come into agreement with. You need to combat and reverse them with God's truth. They may feel like they are the truth in that moment because you have been so accustomed to them. The truth may feel like it's a lie, because you are not used to it. It is not a lie. Do not let the devil trick you.

#7. I don't have anyone to talk to.

You need to release the words in your mind and on your heart. Talk therapy makes you feel better, even if the issue is not resolved right away. Do not let not having a counselor block you. You can always talk to God 24/7.

#8. You need to listen

After you have talked, be ready to listen to a response from God. This can happen in various ways to guide and uplift you. So listen up and follow his instructions.

#9. You need to let it go.

You need to forgive those who have hurt you in the past, or you will remain stagnant in life. You will repeat the same regrets and offenses over and over again until you release them. You will be in the same deadly cycles of living out your symptoms of anger, irritability, anxiety, and addiction without ever getting to the root cause. The way to resolve this is through forgiveness and letting go.

#10. You need to meditate.

You need to think about God's Word over and over again so it takes root in your heart and affects your mind, emotions, and behaviors. You have been accustomed to listening to the same lies over and over again, and it has affected your behavior. So now it's time to change the script. You need to uproot the weeds and replace them with good seeds, which is the Word of God.

#11. Real life is better than digital life.

There are people in real life who need you. Do not spend your time living in a digital reality. This is a time warp and guzzler. It can consume your soul and alter your mind. There are real-life connections that need to be made. This will provide you with the fulfillment you are seeking that digital reality cannot provide.

#12. Fear, anxiety, and worry are bullies.

God tells us constantly to not worry. It does not add to your life, so that must mean it subtracts from your life. It will eat away at you until you are left with a bundle of wrecked nerves. This is not God's will or purpose for your life. Do not listen to the threats of fear, anxiety, and worry because that's all they are, just threats.

#13. Grief.

It sucks when someone you are close to dies, but it's not the end. If you believe in the resurrection of Christ, then you know that you will see them again. Live like you will see them again.

#14. Food, rest, and exercise are your physical tools.

These are tools to help you. You need to care for your physical body because it will affect your spiritual body. Certain foods can affect your mind. You need breaks and sleep, or else you will be off balance and can worsen your symptoms. You need to move your body to help shift your focus and create endorphins so you can feel good.

#15. Worship, prayer, and fasting are your spiritual tools.

These tools help your spiritual body. These are your spiritual life lines to God, otherwise you will be disconnected. Worship is your devotion. Prayer is your communication. Fasting is your discipline. As your body can be affected, so can your spirit, and you need to strengthen it by using these tools.

 #16. You need to love yourself.

Let go of perfectionism and love yourself unconditionally. Forgive yourself, love yourself, and be yourself. Love yourself as God loves you, with compassion, mercy, and grace. Do not beat yourself up over every little thing. There is only one of you.

#17. Release guilt and shame.

Stop hiding, confess, release, and move on. God does not condemn you; the Holy Spirit convicts you for change. The devil condemns you for fear.

#18. Do not be consumed.

Your mind and your thoughts can make you fall prey and sink into bed, which is the resting ground for depression. Most times, you do not realize that you are actually doing better than the last time. It is just your old identity fighting to come back. Do not let her in. Get out the bed.

#19. Be content, but don't be passive.

Being content means you are satisfied with whatever situation you are in. But it does not mean you are not working towards something better. It means you always find the good in any situation. You seek something to be happy about. You are also an active participant in God's call for your life, so do not give up.

#20. Do not listen to the lies of the enemy.

Your life has worth because you are connected to others. Because you have overcome this, you can help others overcome in your own unique way that someone else cannot accomplish. If you cut your life short, there is a ripple effect on the earth. You are meant to be a chapter in someone's life. The devil told Jesus to jump off the highest point of the temple. He was trying to have him die before his appointed time. Jesus knew better. The devil was trying to get Jesus to not accomplish what he did at the cross. Saving millions and billions of people's lives. You do not need to prove your identity or worth to anyone. It is already within you. God already validates you. You have everything you need. The desires of your heart will come true if you relinquish control to God.

I hope you enjoyed these FAQs and tips on depression. One day, you will look back and see how far you have come. I am so proud of you.

Don't forget to grab your copy of Let God be Your Medicine, Overcoming Depression for more!