Let's face it, we all get depressed at times, it is only being human. However, as with all things, when it becomes excessive, depression, characterized by erratic mood swings, loss of interest in hobbies and a generally sad demeanor is very detrimental to our overall health.

As damaging as it is to our general well being, it is quite alarming that most of us do suffer from this ailment and it is even more frightening that many people have been diagnosed as being clinically depressed. Is there hope? Most of us might ask.

Yes, there is.

It is summed up in one word; Faith.

And what is Faith?

Well, According to Heb 11. 1; "It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen", in lay man's terms, it is believing in what you can't necessarily see, feel or touch but knowing that it is there and will be beneficial for you.

Take for example; remember when you may have fallen of your bike as a kid and after your mom nursed the bruise she tells you "let me kiss it so the pain goes away..."? Well as adults, we know that didn't necessarily make the hurting stop...per se, but in being told that, as kids we automatically believed "Well, if mommy says it'll go away by kissing it, then I believe it will..." The trick is the second part of that thought is what made it happen! Believing that what mom said she'd bring about will happen!

Evidently, kids in their innocence and supposed naÔveté really are the group of humans who possess the most natural ability to abide by faith. We all had this gift at some point but, well, as we age and experience trying times in our lives, sadly the magic dissipates, leaving room for such negative forces as depression, doubt, self-hatred, you name it.

It's no wonder Jesus said "To enter the Kingdom of heaven, ye must be like little children..." The same Man went on to say in Luke 17:20-21: "The kingdom of Heaven is within you"

Wow...what a statement!

The author of "The Power of Positive Thinking" Dr. Norman Vincent Peale analyzed this verse and states that it means "We as humans, the images of God, have everything within us to make our worlds and lives better and all we want it to be!" Hey, it's no error that Psalm 82:6 says: "For ye are gods..." Now as powerful as faith is and as necessary as it is to overcoming depression, it needs to be exercised wisely to be strengthened.

Here are some tips:

1. Always act like it is impossible to fail, believe that it always works.

2. Pre-condition your mind to success in all things.

3. Try, really try! Think, really think! Believe, really believe!

You are what you are and will be where you want to be based on your thoughts.

Admittedly, it may not always be easy, but that is what life is all about and one comforting fact is God has promised in His word, 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation (problem) has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (tested) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (problem) will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

Think on that, strengthen your faith with the tips above and you too will soon be overcoming depression.



About the author:

Foras Aje is the author of the e-book: Fitness: Inside and Out-A guide to Improved Health, Vigor and Vitality. He is the webmaster at http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com/depress.html