Why am I feeling down

Have you ever asked yourself why you are feeling so down? Have you ever asked yourself what is bothering you? 

With everything we have to do and face each day, we might feel depressed or exhausted. Even Christians could not escape depression, not even the greatest followers of God in the Bible. 

For instance, despite being recognized as the man after God’s heart, David experiences being upset. 

In the Book of Psalms, we see many moments when he felt hopeless and depressed.

Moreover, in Psalms 43:1-2, David is asking God to justify him. He pleads to God to defend him from ungodly people, deceitfulness, and injustice. Besides, David is asking God to redeem him. 

What makes you depressed? 

Factors why you feel downcast

Downcast is also used to describe the words saddened, gloomy, despondent, broken-hearted, miserable, wretched, grief-stricken, crushed, and depressed.

In addition, the word “Depression” came from the Latin “Depressus,” which means “to press down.” 

It can happen for several reasons, but we could categorize them into three groups. Physiological relates to our bodies’ chemistry and hormones, while Behavioral is connected to our personality. 

It is about how we think and respond to the world. 

Furthermore, Circumstantial is about the things happening around us. This could be the circumstance that we find ourselves in. 

It could be our disappointments, pains, and traumas.

Thus, Dr. Jeremy Pierre from “Honest Answers” and Southern Seminary noted that our downcasted thinking is the exact interpretation of a fallen world. 

He highlighted the Scripture in Philippians 3:20: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Therefore, until we reach heaven, there will be brokenness.

How did David respond to his depression?

David is one of a kind since instead of running away from God whenever he feels down. He wants to feel God’s presence.

Here are the things David did amidst his downcast soul that could help us deal with depression.

David reminded Himself who God is

In Psalms 43:2, David talked to God and said you are the God whom he takes refuge. God is his strength throughout his journey. 

David is reminding himself that God is his stronghold in every moment. He told himself that he does not have to mourn the oppression of his enemy because He has God. 

God can redeem him and save him from his enemies.

Whenever our soul is downcast, we must remind ourselves how God has been our strength in our past experiences. Remind yourself how He had saved your hopeless marriage or restored your joy while grieving.

God never changes yesterday, today, or tomorrow. We can still depend on Him. Sometimes our depression could help us forget God and focus on how heavy our burden is.

David asked God to send His light and truth

“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and your dwelling!”- Psalms 43:3

David pleaded to God for his light to lead him to the holy mountain to experience God’s peace. 

Also, he asked him to send God’s truth so he could dwell in His presence. 

Satan will use all the lies in our dark moments to eradicate us. He would make us believe we are weak and will continue crushing our spirit. 

Yet, just like David, talk to God and ask Him to show His light to guide you back into His presence. 

Moreover, just like David, we could seek God’s truth to remember who He is and who we are in Him.  

Though it is difficult to find the truth when we are sad and depressed, we have to ask God for Him to help us seek His truth and light. 

He is faithful to answer to us when we call unto Him. Pray to seek His guidance so you will not go astray in your depression.

David praises God

“Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” -Psalms 43:4 

After seeking God’s guidance of His truth and light, David is now confident to go to the altar of God and praise Him. He knew that God would give Him unique joy. 

The Scripture says David would use his lyre and praise God. 

Amidst depression and sadness, David still uses the strength that he has for him to exalt the name of God. 

God made David realize that he could only find the genuine joy he longed for in God’s presence. Thus, David would go to God’s altar and praise Him. 

It may be difficult to praise God when everything around us does not seem to go in our way. But, if you know the truth about Him and yourself, you will use that little energy to exalt His name. 

In addition, just like David, He used his lyre to praise God. Use whatever you have to glorify God. 

In our depression, our faith is under trial. It is about standing firm in Jesus Christ amidst our sadness.

David convinced himself

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalms 43:5).

In this verse, we can see David convincing himself to hope in God. After asking himself why he feels down and troubled, he told himself that he should praise God because his salvation comes from him.

Sometimes, talking to ourselves could help us to get back on track. Knowing the reason behind our depression is crucial for understanding how to deal with it. 

What is troubling you? Is it about work, marriage, or financial problems? 

Besides, are you troubled with seeking validation from others or dealing with rejection? 

We must identify these factors to help ourselves heal from our depression. 

More so, David told himself that he would hope in God and praise Him because He knows He is His Lord and Savior. 

Thus, we could also convince ourselves to put our hope in the Lord because He would redeem us from this dark situation.

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression differs for each individual, but there are common signs and symptoms. These symptoms could be part of our average lows. The more symptoms you have, the stronger and longer they have lasted. 

Although we should not self-diagnose, here are some common symptoms to know if you suffer from depression. 

Helplessness and hopelessness

Suppose you feel there is nothing you can do to improve your situation.  Also, if you think no one could ever help you, you might feel depressed.

You feel it is worthless to try since you feel stagnant in where you are.

Not interested in daily activities

If you no longer care about your former hobbies, recreational and social activities, you may have lost the ability to feel joy and pleasure. 

Change of weight

Some people facing depression could lose their weight because they do not have the appetite to eat. 

On the contrary, some people gain weight because they derive energy from food. They want to get distracted and do not want to acknowledge their depression.

Angry and irritated

Those feeling downcast could be violent and restless. Depressed people have a low tolerance level and are very short-tempered to anyone or anything.