A prayer to reach out to a friend who is suffering from depression
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Friends are always loved, and brothers are born in times of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
As someone who suffers from depression, I cannot fully emphasize the importance of reaching out to a friend who is suffering from depression. When I was first diagnosed with depression, I was also diagnosed with anorexia and systemic anxiety disorder (GAD). I was sharing this information with a college friend in group chat as my doctor said I needed a support system. After writing my diagnosis, how I was feeling and asking if they could become my support system, I sent a message.
I’m not a child. Everyone left me reading. He hasn’t answered or said anything. As you can imagine, this made me feel quite uncomfortable. I thought these individuals were caring about me, but their lack of response helped me to know that perhaps relying on them was not the wisest choice. As the years went by, I realized that asking these girls to become my support system was probably too much for them. Most of them were married and had graduated from college or graduated. I have no malicious intentions against either of them. Because when they are struggling with countless mental health concerns, they understand that it is difficult to be there for someone else. Through their lack of words, I have learned to lean on God. He was always there, but I often only saw him as a last resort.
It’s amazing how much we talk about God. As believers, we need to challenge ourselves to go to God first, not second, third, or last. We always need to go to him first. After I turned to him and asked for his help, I saw his love work in my life. My depression hasn’t been cured, but overall it’s better because I know my value is primarily. He loves me, and one day I no longer have to struggle with depression.
I will share all this with you and you to reach out to your own friends who are suffering from depression. Don’t listen deaf or treat it as if it were “dramatic.” Depression is a real mood disorder that cannot be easily treated. Medication and treatment are helpful. However, there is no treatment. Something that can help those suffering from depression is that their friends will appear for them.
Just as your friends need to be a support system for me, your friends suffering from depression need support from you. Support doesn’t have to drive them to appoint a doctor or text them 24/7. Instead, supporting them might mean catching up to coffee or going to their apartment when they feel isolated. Make sure you’re really there for your friends. Sadly, most of us suffering from depression feel that we are not loved and we are not a problem. Failing to show up for them only reinforce these feelings. Choose to be there for friends who are suffering from depression and help them in any way you can. As mentioned before, sometimes simple face-to-face visits can lift their spirits.
Proverbs 17:17 says, “My friends have always loved me, my brothers are born in an age of adversity.” As this proverb comes with it, friends are always to love. In a way, friends can get closer to us than our own brothers. This is especially true if your friend has experienced many struggles with you. Therefore, cherish your friends and always truly love them. This will help them work through depression and know that bright days are ahead. In addition to being there for them, make sure you are praying for them. We don’t need to underestimate what God can do for our friends, as God can bring comfort to their hearts.
Let’s pray:
Dear God, many of my friends suffer from depression. I ask you to help them and give them peace. I understand that depression can erase all hope and life from a person. Help them overcome this depression and help me become the best source of support I can provide for them. Thank you, God. In the name of your son, I pray, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty-Antonioguillem
Vivian Bricker received his Bachelor of Mission and a Master of Arts with a focus on theology. She loves theology, mission work, and everything that helps others learn about Jesus. Find out more about her content on Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
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