Overcoming Depression and Anxiety by Luke

Depression and anxiety are emotions that people struggle with. This mental state can make life challenging. Nearly 20% of teens and young adults struggle with depression and anxiety. This is the stage in life where  most people are still trying to find who they are and what their purpose is.

Depression and anxiety affect all kinds of people, even those we admire and consider successful. A famous actor named Ryan Reynolds said he struggled with depression and anxiety for most of his life.

Though depression and anxiety shouldn’t define your life, they should  be taken seriously.

Depression and anxiety are battles that can feel endless. I say that from experience. They drain your energy and confidence. But you are never out of options or hope. Whether it’s through talking to someone you trust, or your faith.

When I was twelve years old, I had my first battle with depression. I was in my room when a wave of sadness hit me. I felt like doing nothing. I didn’t understand what was happening. I just thought I didn’t matter, and nothing I did helped. I didn’t recognize how bad it was to isolate myself. I thought that not really doing a whole lot might somehow make me feel better, but avoiding the people and activities I loved only deepened the darkness.

Over time, a few bad days became weeks, then months, and eventually years of struggling in silence. I was confused, not sure how to escape my depression and anxiety. I didn’t know what happened to the other me, and I blamed myself.

But eventually I found my hope through Christ.

He helped me see the light in my darkness and I began to get better.  

Looking back, I realize how important it is to reach out for help. Sharing my story is a bit weird, but I hope it shows others that depression doesn’t define who you are and that healing begins the moment you take that first step out of darkness.

God does not abandon us in our pain, our struggles, or our darkest moments. His presence brings comfort even on the days when anxiety feels too heavy or depression feels inescapable. I have experienced firsthand that God’s love is powerful, real, and constant. It doesn’t disappear when life gets difficult. It doesn’t fade when we feel unworthy.

His love remains steady, offering strength when we feel weak and hope when we feel lost. 

The Bible shows us that God sent his perfect and blameless Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. He will not abandon us even in our darkness and times of pain. This truth really brings me and others comfort, even on the days we feel overwhelmed or anxious. 

I can say for a fact that God’s love is powerful and real.

I want you to know that you have a Savior who loves you unconditionally and who gives you strength to keep going. No matter how dark things can get, that light will never fade.