Battling Depression: 3 Things I Learned

Before I truly dive into my story, I want to first say hello! My name is Abby Arend, and I am so excited to be writing to you and I am so excited that you are HERE!!

To say the least, my journey has never been the most straightforward.

There have been many twists and turns, red lights and green lights.

I have seen my fair share of valleys, but I have also been to the mountaintop.

Through it all the Lord has walked hand in hand with me.

He has been my compass when I was lost.

He has been my light when all I could see was darkness.

He has been my friend when I felt I had no one.

He has helped me navigate through anxiety and depression.

He has given me a story to tell. It is one that is far from finished, but it is one that I hope to use to inspire girls like me who may feel alone, stuck or not good enough. I am praying that the Lord can speak through me to reach whoever needs to hear this message. I am praying that His light can shine through this beautiful, yet crazy story of mine. I also hope I can make you laugh, make you smile, and help you feel a little less alone.

So today, I want to share with you my top three lessons I have learned while battling with depression, a battle I have faced for over nine years. These lessons were not learned without a struggle, friend. These lessons were instilled in me through the struggle. And it is because of my battles that I have the voice I do now, it is because of my battles that I know the Lord.

Lesson One: There is Purpose to Your Pain

Depression is a liar. It is a thief. It is not from the Lord.

During one of my darkest seasons, I couldn’t see a purpose to what I was battling. I couldn’t see that there was a way out. I feel like a lot of you who may also face depression relate to this.

But I want to encourage you. There is more to your story than the battle you are in right now. There is strength to be found. There is growth to be had. There is purpose to the pain you are facing. And depression will never get the final word.

Lesson Two: Your Identity is not found in your diagnosis.

This is a lesson that has taken me years to fully grasp and believe. I was ten when I was first diagnosed with clinical anxiety and depression. From a young age, I knew my struggle and I believed it was all there was to me.

And here is what I have learned:

Depression, anxiety, mental illness, these are all words that mean different things. Being told that you will never be good enough, never be anything, or that you are alone, are empty words that hurt, but hold no power. Why? Because who I am and who you are, is not found in empty words.

Who you are is not found in your ability or inability. It is not found in your strength or weakness. Who you are is found in the Lord.

Who you are never changes, because it is found in the One who doesn’t.

And no, a diagnosis can take that away.

Lesson Three: You are NEVER as alone as you may feel.

This lesson doesn’t need much explanation. But I will provide you with proof of this truth:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6

“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20

Friend, I don’t know where you are today. I do know that the Lord is with you. I do know that whatever it is that you are battling, there is purpose behind, and that your identity is not and will never, ever be found in it. I pray that you can find encouragement in these words and hope in the Lord.

Want to see more of Abby? Follow her Instagram here and read her blog here.

About the author: Abby Arend

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