6 Truths for Overcoming Anxiety or Depression

Struggling with anxiety or depression? These 6 truths have helped us remember who we are and Whose we are, even in the darkest places. Our hope is they do the same for you:

1. You are promised peace.

In this moment, things may be really difficult. But this is not the end-all moment. There is an eternal promise of peace and comfort for those who rest and rely on the Lord:

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:7

​Peace is something far greater than an emotion we experience at any given time. It’s an everlasting promise, something to look forward to as we continue to strive after Christ in our daily lives.

2. Your worries and fears are known and cared for.

There is nothing new under the sun. There is no fear that has not been felt, no concern that surprises our Creator. He asks us not to worry or be anxious because He knows what we need and He will provide it, even if it is in ways other than we expect:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” - Matthew 6:25-27  

3. You are never truly alone.

Even when you feel lonely, outcast or misunderstood, there is comfort in knowing you aren’t ever truly alone. The very Creator of the world sees you as you are and does not leave or forsake you. Instead, He calls you His child and knows everything about you, down to the number of hairs on your head.

4. Your worth is established.

Feelings of worthlessness can often accompany anxiety or depression. You may even allow yourself to believe you deserve to only feel despair because you don’t see your own worth.

But your worth is divinely established. Each one of us is a child of God, loved and known and valued beyond our own understanding:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 10:29-31

5. How you feel does not negate what is true.

When you are feel submerged in the darkest depths, it does not mean darkness has captured you. There is always hope and light and life, even when you feel at your worst, because of the freedom in this: even though you feel hopeless, it does not mean there is no hope. Even though you feel overwhelmed, that does not mean you will not overcome. While depression and anxiety come in waves, truth stands firm against them.

6. Your story can change lives.

Your unique struggles connect you with those who face the same. By sharing your story and your vulnerabilities, you can help others to overcome, too. 

This is the core belief behind our line, Courage Dear Heart. It’s often that first step to vulnerability that is most difficult, so each design was created to help you share your story in a simple way.
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The inspiration for this line comes from chapter 12 of The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis:

“Lucy looked along the beam and presently saw something in it. At first it looked like a cross, then it looked like an aeroplane, then it looked like a kite, and at last with a whirring of wings it was right overhead and was an albatross. It circled three times round the mast and then perched for an instant on the crest of the gilded dragon at the prow. It called out in a strong sweet voice what seemed to be words though no one understood them. After that it spread its wings, rose, and began to fly slowly ahead, bearing a little to starboard. Drinian steered after it not doubting that it offered good guidance. But no one except Lucy knew that as it circled the mast it had whispered to her, “Courage, dear heart,” and the voice, she felt sure, was Aslan’s, and with the voice a delicious smell breathed in her face.
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In a few moments the darkness turned into a greyness ahead, and then, almost before they dared to begin hoping, they had shot out into the sunlight and were in the warm, blue world again. And all at once everybody realized that there was nothing to be afraid of and never had been.”