I am familiar with depression.  For the better part of ten years, I cycled through some level of anxiety or depression.  It turns out this was mostly situational, and due to my being in the closet.  It has now been 15  months since my last depressive episode, largely due to my coming out combined with getting the right medications and seeing an incredible therapist.  I made life changes, namely speaking the truth about who God made me to be, that set me free from so much that was keeping me held down for so long.  For me, coming out created so much free space in my soul, and this past year has almost felt like a sabbath for my mental health.  But I have to admit that I am so used to the cycle of anxiety and depression that I keep waiting to be hit with it again.  So I try to take care of my mental health even during times of wellness, acknowledging that depression and anxiety can creep into my life again.

It’s important that we remember that even when they are situational in nature, anxiety and depression are illness, and we should take steps to treat mental illness just like we would to take care of our bodies with physical illness.  It’s interesting that John Wesley recognized this in his own day.  He said, “This is eminently the case with regard to those which are termed nervous disorders. And faith does not overturn the course of nature: Natural causes still produce natural effects. Faith no more hinders the sinking of the spirits (as it is called) in an hysteric illness than the rising of the pulse in a fever.”

In my comics, I have usually portrayed Charles as the one who experiences depression, though there is historical evidence that John may have experienced depression occasionally as well.  In this week’s comic, I wanted Charles to demonstrate what compassion looks like in being a friend to someone who has depression.  First and foremost, when you know someone struggling with depression, listen to them!  Believe them.  Do not try to fix them or tell them it’s going to be okay.  Validate their feelings.  Encourage them to see a therapist and to stick with it.  Encourage them to see if medication will help (they’d need to see a psychiatrist for that).  Be sure to practice your own self-care and boundaries setting as you pursue friendship with a person experiencing depression.  You may even offer to help with daily tasks, as these may be difficult to perform for someone with depression.  Stick with them and continue to reach out to them.  Educate yourself on depression’s causes and effects so you can better recognize what’s going on with your friend.  In being a compassionate friend to someone experiencing depression, you have the opportunity to experience God’s grace yourself.  I am so thankful for the family and friends who stood by me steadfast through my times of depression.  They were an anchor reminding me of God’s boundless love and grace for me.  They held the faith for me when I couldn’t hold it for myself.