Purpose Beats Depression…

There is HOPE: Finding Purpose in the Midst of Depression

There were times in my life when I genuinely felt like the world would be better off without me. I didn’t understand depression—didn’t know what it truly was, why I felt the way I did. I was a depressed girl, then a young woman, then a young adult, and eventually, an adult. Throughout my life, I carried depression with me, though for me, it didn’t show up in the typical way I had heard about. Instead of feeling endlessly sad, I was often angry. I was angry and depressed all at once, and the confusion was overwhelming.

It was so difficult for me to understand why I felt the way I did. It wasn’t just sadness. It was a constant battle within myself—guilt for feeling this way, frustration with my inability to feel better, and judgment from others who didn’t understand. The moods, the crying spells, the isolation, and the constant lack of interest in anything were all signals I didn’t know how to interpret. When I finally opened up to someone I looked up to, I was met with a dismissive response that only added to the shame I already felt. That response made me question myself even more—what was wrong with me? Why couldn't I just “snap out of it”?

But I want you to know that awareness changed everything for me. The moment I began to recognize what I was going through, I was able to shift my perspective. Awareness creates an opportunity for change, and that change began with understanding.

Today, I want to create some awareness for you. Have you been experiencing feelings or symptoms that might indicate depression? Depression is often misunderstood, but it doesn’t have to remain a silent, invisible burden. If you’ve ever found yourself in a place where you weren’t sure what was wrong, or why you felt so hopeless, let’s explore some of the signs.

How do you know if you’ve been depressed, or might be experiencing a depressive episode?

Take a moment to check in with yourself. Have you experienced any of the following?

• A depressed mood or feeling down most of the day, nearly every day?

• Sleep difficulties—either sleeping too much or not being able to sleep at all?

• A loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed?

• Fatigue, feeling tired or drained nearly every day?

• Significant weight changes—either weight loss or weight gain?

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt?

• Diminished concentration—feeling like it’s hard to focus or think clearly?

• Recurring thoughts of death or even thoughts of self-harm?

If you find that you’ve been dealing with these symptoms, and they’ve caused you significant distress, it’s important to take them seriously. These feelings are real, and they matter. If these symptoms have persisted for at least two weeks, it’s a sign that it might be time to talk to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, or a mental health professional.

There is HOPE.

It might not feel like it right now, but there is always hope. Even when it seems like things will never improve, know that change is possible. Healing is not a linear process, but it does happen.

One of the most powerful tools I’ve discovered in overcoming depression is finding purpose. When you find your purpose, you begin to heal in ways that you may not have thought possible. Purpose doesn’t just mean discovering a career or passion—it means finding the reason to keep going, even when the darkness feels overwhelming. Purpose can come in many forms: it can be as simple as being there for someone you love, pursuing something you’re passionate about, or finding joy in small moments. Purpose is often intertwined with meaning, and when you see meaning in your life—even on the toughest days—it can act as a guiding light through the darkness.

So, how does purpose help beat depression?

1. Purpose gives you direction. Depression can often feel like you’re adrift, lost with no clear path ahead. Purpose provides direction, helping you regain focus. It gives you something to look forward to and reminds you that your life has meaning beyond what you might feel in the moment.

2. Purpose can inspire action. When you feel stuck, depression often robs you of the energy to take action. But when you begin to connect with your purpose, it ignites a spark within you. It helps you take that first step forward, even when you don’t have all the answers.

3. Purpose fosters resilience. Depression can make you feel weak and overwhelmed, but when you have a sense of purpose, it gives you the strength to keep going, even on your hardest days. It provides emotional resilience, allowing you to weather the storms of life with greater courage and determination.

4. Purpose connects you with others. Depression can make you feel isolated, but a sense of purpose often brings you closer to others who share your values or goals. Whether through relationships, communities, or causes that resonate with you, purpose can offer the connection and support you need to heal.

5. Purpose restores hope. Perhaps the most important gift of purpose is the restoration of hope. When you feel lost, it’s hard to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow. But when you find a reason to keep moving forward, no matter how small, hope begins to rise. Hope is the foundation of healing, and with it, even the heaviest of burdens can be lightened.

But there’s something even more powerful than finding purpose—there’s God.

As I began to recognize my own struggles, I realized I was not walking this path alone. God has always been present, even in my darkest moments. When you open your heart to God and invite Him into your struggles, He has the power to bring peace and healing in ways that go beyond what we can understand.

The Bible reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). No matter how deep the pain, He is there to carry us through it. When I leaned into my faith, I realized that depression did not have the final say over my life. I didn’t have to walk this journey in isolation or hopelessness.

How can God help make it better?

1. God offers peace that surpasses understanding.
   When life feels out of control, God offers a peace that can calm the deepest storms. In Philippians 4:7, it says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace doesn’t depend on circumstances; it’s a peace that comes from knowing God is in control, even when we can’t see the way forward.

2. God provides comfort and healing.
   God doesn’t dismiss our pain. He is there in the midst of it, ready to heal and restore. Isaiah 61:1 says that the Lord has come to "bind up the brokenhearted." When you surrender your pain to Him, He will not only comfort you, but He will heal your wounds, emotionally and spiritually.

3. God is your strength when you are weak.
   There will be days when the weight of depression feels unbearable. But God promises that when you are weak, He is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” When you rely on God’s strength, He lifts you up, even when you feel like you can’t go on.

4. God gives you purpose and hope.
   The ultimate purpose in life comes from God—He created you with a purpose. In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Depression might try to steal your hope, but God’s promises stand firm. He has a plan for your life, and even when you can’t see it, He is working behind the scenes to bring about good.

5. God calls you to community and support.
   You don’t have to walk through this alone. God places people in our lives to walk alongside us—whether it’s a trusted friend, a counselor, or a church family. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Community is vital for healing, and God provides that through His people.

If you’re struggling right now, please reach out.

You don’t have to carry this burden alone. There are people who care, resources available to you, and steps you can take to find your way through the darkness. It may not be easy, and it may take time, but healing is possible—with God’s help, and through the support of others, you can overcome this.

Please, seek someone you trust, whether it’s a therapist, a close friend, a family member, or your faith community. Take the first step toward finding your purpose—and with it, reclaiming your joy, peace, and the life God has intended for you.

Remember: There is always hope in God.