Today’s tip is more about something that has helped me with the discouragement and depression that can come with isolation, chronic illness, disability, and care-giving. Yes, I struggle with it just as each of you likely does.

As we talked about last week, one of the first things that helps is to “nip it in the bud.” In other words, learn to notice the early signs that it is setting in and take action. What are your triggers – medicine, fatigue, stress, weather, or whatever? We can’t always avoid the triggers, but we can be proactive.

1. Thoughts: 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take every thought captive. When you notice that you are having discouraging thoughts, take them captive and combat them with Scripture, prayer, and music.
2. Accountability: There are many “one another” verses in the Bible. We need to be there for each other. When you are starting to struggle, reach out. When you know someone else may struggle, reach out. I have a small circle of friends/family that I will tell when the first signs of discouragement come or when I will be on medications that can cause that blue feeling. Consider these verses:
   • Romans 15:1
   • 1 Thessalonians 5:11
   • Galatians 6:2-5
3. Connect: God made us for connection. That is one reason we made this group.
   • Hebrews 10:24-25 – We are to consider one another and not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Bear with me here. I know that many of us cannot get out to go to the assembly for one reason or another. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t “assemble.” Our assembly may look vastly different than what it did before, but we can still assemble. When opportunities for “assembly” arise, grab them!
   • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Two are better than one. Even a phone call, text/message, or even snail mail can build someone up when they are down. Be there for others.
   • Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 – Speak to each other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. In this, I see that our connection has purpose. We are to be here to encourage one another.
   • If you are struggling with connection, we are glad you found this group. We would like to help you connect in whatever way we can.

The journey we are on can be lonely and discouragement can set in. God cares. He sees and loves us. Discouragement and depression comes with the territory of disability and chronic illness. However, there is hope! Reach for the hope!