That is essentially what I keep needing to tell doctors concerned about the state of my mental health. I'm sure everyone that has needed to visit their doctor's office has been handed a questionnaire with questions along these lines: “Do you feel depressed or anxious? Are you worried about anything?” I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. Once you finally see the doctor, they might even ask you these questions again. There is probably some requirement in place that necessitates these questions, because they do it during every visit.

Whenever I am asked these questions, I truthfully tell them that I am not anxious, worried, or depressed. Many doctors who have asked me these questions act like they don't believe me when I answer that way. They just assume that because I have what is considered a fatal disease, need help with my daily needs, have little muscle strength, and am confined to a wheelchair, that I must struggle with those things. The truth is I have never really struggled with these things, even though they think I must be in denial or something. Sadly, they have probably seen countless others in equally bad or even better situations that have struggled with these things. I'm sure they typically see poor or at least unstable mental health in someone with a condition like mine, so they assume I'm just like everybody else.

Really, I'm not like everybody else. As believers, none of us need to be like everybody else. In fact, we should not be like everybody else. In a world riddled with panic and anxiety attacks, it's nice that we don't have to be like everybody else. The reason I don't struggle with depression and anxiety is because of what my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done in my life! Throughout my life and the struggles brought on by my disability, God has taught me to depend on him in such a way that I do not get depressed or anxious. Are there times when I am down or times that I struggle with things? Sure. But God has shown me how to keep those things from controlling me and dragging me into depression or anxiety. I do not stay down such that I am overcome by my circumstances and put into a depressed state.

I know there are many believers that do struggle with depression and anxiety, but I am living proof that you do not have to stay there or even arrive at that point in the first place. On some occasions it is possible that a medical condition or ailment is to blame for your depression, but that is rare. Ultimately, it is a spiritual battle. As Christians, depression and anxiety should not define our lives. In fact, God's word defines these things as sin. Both of these things are reactions to our situations. When we react to what happens in our lives with depression and anxiety, it reveals an area that we have failed to trust God.

Some people might read this and say, “That's nice that you say that, but I can't help it. That's just how I am. I do trust God and I try to follow him, I'm just prone to depression.” Well, it is true that there are certain sins that people struggle with. One person might struggle with profanity, and another might struggle with sexual sin. The person who struggles with profanity might not have any issues with sexual sin and the person who struggles with sexual sin might not have any issues with profanity. It is possible that some Christians just struggle with depression. However, a Christian should not stay in a state of depression or anxiety. That should not be a defining characteristic in the lives of believers. There might be seasons where you struggle with that, but it should not be your habit. No sin should be a habit.

Do you think God would command you to do something that you could not accomplish? On our own, apart from God's help, obviously we could not accomplish what God commands us to do. The point of the law in the Old Testament is to show us that we are not good enough to keep the law under our own power. We just can't do it. Thankfully, for the one who places their faith in Jesus as their Savior, God gives them the ability to accomplish his purposes and obey his commands. As Christians, God has given us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live for him. He gives us the strength to turn from our sins and follow God. Will we do this perfectly? No. Becoming more like Christ and rejecting sin is a lifelong process. It also takes a lot of work. Let's return to that question. I do not think God would give us commands that are outside of our ability to accomplish, especially with God's help. God commands us not to be anxious. He also tells us to rejoice which is the exact opposite of depression. That means that he expects it is possible for us to not be anxious or depressed. God can bring peace into your life, to an extent that is beyond your understanding. The following verses make this clear:

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? – Matthew 6:25

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7

The peace of God is able to guard our hearts in such a way that we don't have to struggle with these things. Like with any sin, when we are tempted or have the desire for a certain sin, God has made it clear that He will provide a way of escape. I recently heard a pastor say, “God does not deliver you from depression, but from the power of depression.” It is not God's responsibility to deliver you from depression, but it is your responsibility to use his power so you can be freed from depression. Any Christian has access to the power God has given us to reject sin and escape falling into that sin. God gives you the way of escape; it is your responsibility to take the way of escape. Don't believe me? Well, at least believe God's word:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

How can you escape anxiety and depression then?

1. Look to God. By his power, he can give you the way of escape. Remember that you have been redeemed. He paid the price not only so you would have eternal life, but so you could experience freedom from sin in this life and for all eternity. Remember the hope you have in Christ.

2. Read the word. If you're not reading the hope of God's word and being continually reminded of what God has done for you and how he has changed your life, it's going to be a little harder to find that way of escape.

3. Pray! Pray that God will show you the way to get out of your depression and anxiety. Thank him for all that he has done for you.

4. Repent! You might be struggling with anxiety and depression because of some other sin in your life. A pastor recently said that repentance gives psychological stability. If you are having psychological problems, examine your life. Some other sin could be to blame.

5. Seek help from fellow believers. You can do that by talking to a pastor. Talk to a friend who has overcome these sins.

6. Seek out biblical counseling. Do not confuse this with Christian counselors or Christian psychologists that are somewhat or completely based on the idea that man has all the answers. There is a huge difference because God has all the answers. God has given us all the tools we need in God's word to help us overcome these things. After all, he created us. If he created us, he knows what we need to help us overcome these things. A biblical counselor will show you how the Bible applies to your depression and anxiety and give you steps to help you trust God and get out of that pattern. If you need to find a biblical counselor, you can find one through https://biblicalcounseling.com/

Be encouraged! There is a way of escape for you! God does have the answers! You do not need to feel like depression is something you can never be free from. If you are saved, you have been freed from the power of sin! You just need to know how to use the tools God has given you. It's OK if you need help using those tools, just don't ignore the fact that you need to use them.