Help is Available for Depression and Invisible Disabilities

People with invisible disabilities are prone to depression because dealing with unending physical problems is emotionally challenging. Loneliness and misunderstanding ensue from ongoing pain and weaknesses. In addition, the diseases themselves can cause depression. So, dwellers are often faced with the question of how to cope with depression.*

I recently read the poem below and realized it is one way to overcome—or at least minimize—depression.

A Walk in the Dark with God

I open my eyes but I cannot see

It's a lonely walk in the dark for me

I take a breath but I cannot breathe

It's a long swim back from the raging sea

I'm lost in a cave with no light in sight

It's a scary place to feel inside

I'm wide awake In the middle of the night

With no safe place to hide

As I take a walk in the dark

With You by my side

It's your light inside

That keeps my soul alive

Your love is my only way to survive

It's Your strength that's kept me alive all this time

As I walk in the dark with my God

He'll keep me going till the break of dawn

He'll keep me alive till the morning light shines

When the honey dew drips off the vines

And His glory in me will finally rise

And shine through me till the end of time

It's the most beautiful place to be

To walk in the dark alone with God

It's a solitary peace that frees

When all your focus is on God

When you've been brought down to your knees

And all that's left is to pray to God

And worship Him at His feet

It's the most important place to be

When you get to kneel at Jesus's feet

After a long walk alone in the dark with God

What you--dweller or observer--can do

Do you feel down? Please reach out to someone. If you’re depressed, seek help. But if you’re feeling suicidal, it’s imperative to find immediate help. Talk to a trusted friend or minister. Reach your doctor, if possible. And/or call the Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

An observer? Have a friend with invisible disabilities? Keep in touch. Having a friend can head off depression in the first place. If you don’t know anyone, look around and see if there’s someone you can befriend. Or maybe you can put that person in touch with someone else. Remember you may be the key to helping a challenged person stay emotionally stable.