6 Warning Signs That You Are Stressed or Depressed

Many times when we are in the midst of a great struggle—we are doing everything we can just to make it through. In our busyness, we may not even recognize that we are stressed or depressed. However it may be very evident to those around us especially when there is a change in behavior or habits. Stress and depression can manifest itself in many different ways that aren’t as obvious to us—and sometimes it’s necessary to seek professional counseling. What are the 6 warning signs that we are stressed or depressed?

Warning Sign #1) Isolation from family and friends

“I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof” (Psalm 102:7).

There are times when isolation is good—to get away to hear from God, to rest from the busyness of life, or to put distance between ourselves and negative people. However prolonged isolation can make us more vulnerable to feeling sorry for ourselves. We need the comfort, perspective, and encouragement from godly people to keep us moving forward in the faith.

Warning Sign #2) Inability to hear from God

“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit” (Psalm 143:7).

We can get depressed or stressed when we can’t get God to move quickly enough in our behalf. Our impatience can drive us to not even bother to pray or seek answers from the Word of God. Faith that is tested in the storms will result in God’s answers at just the precise time when we need to hear from Him.

Warning Sign #3) Not able to get enough sleep

“My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest” (Psalm 22:2).

Sleeplessness nights and/or exhaustion can rob us of the necessary rest to get through the day. It’s imperative for us to find the best solution for rest in this season of life. It may mean going to bed much earlier, turning off all media devices at least one hour before bedtime, and/or dealing with worrisome thoughts instead of letting them fester throughout the night.

Warning Sign #4) Struggling with having energy to do what’s required

“My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes” (Psalm 38:10).

Stress and depression can sap us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We must learn to discipline ourselves to eat healthy and exercise regularly when we are down. It might be a battle every single time we make the right choice—however, the benefits eventually will be evident in our ability to keep pushing forward.

Warning Sign #5) No motivation to stretch our faith

“So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed” (Psalm 143:4).

When stressed, we are compelled to choose the easiest paths possible because the harder ones require more effort on our part. However, it’s the harder choices that many times stretch our faith in ways we may never have known. Sometimes the Lord allows us to sense the dependency of weakness in order to drive us towards growing up spiritually.

Warning Sign #6) Trouble controlling our thoughts

“How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:2).

If left unchecked, our thoughts can run faster than the speed of light. However we must first recognize our stress or depression so our hearts can be open to change. We can modify and train our thoughts to be in sync with God’s word. This takes time and practice to experience how to attain the mind of Christ even when stressed.

Lifelong Struggles Require Lifelong Strategies

Life isn’t always happy and on the mountaintop of joy, but it isn’t always in the lowest valleys of despair either. Unless there’s a physical breakdown of the body, most of our days are right in the middle between joy and sorrow. However we must prepare our hearts and minds for the inevitable moments when we are feeling stressed or depressed. Keeping a regular routine of prayer, worship, and study of God’s word—regardless of our feelings—can help carry us through the hard seasons of life. The Lord sees, hears, and knows our struggles. He gives us the strength to carry through even when we are weakened by troubles. In our spirits, a greater work is accomplished when we trust in Him and continue to be perfected to be like Jesus Christ one day at a time.

Article by Crystal McDowell

Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.  

Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at https://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.