Rates of anxiety and depression have been on the rise over the last several years, and chances are you know someone who is struggling without even being aware of it.

The sad truth about anxiety and depression is that they are topics most people do not want to discuss. For the most part, people do not like “bringing others down”, and choose to keep their feelings to themselves. The stigma surrounding depression doesn’t help, either, as people who say they are struggling are often viewed as “ill”. A person struggling with depression often times chooses to bottle their emotions, and hope that things will get better. Sadly, more often than not, this strategy proves fruitless, and leaves them worse off.

Anxiety and depression are not creations of God, but rather a result of “the fall”. Before Adam and Eve were cast out of The Garden of Eden, there was no sickness, worry, or anxiety. When sin entered the world, man felt shame, worry, fear, and a host of other feelings that God never intended for us to have to deal with. When you realize that all the anxiety and depression were never God’s intention, you begin to understand that He doesn’t want that for you, and will provide you a way out. Perhaps He already has, and you weren’t able to see it before.

We live in a time where people are constantly trying to be their “best self”, and this way of thinking can leave people feeling like they have to wait to become a better version of themselves before truly getting better. What’s even more troubling is that many people feel like they have to be better before they can start talking to God. The truth is that God loved you yesterday, He loves you right now, and He will love you for eternity. You don’t have to wait to come to Him.

While it can be difficult to talk to others about anxiety and depression, there’s someone who is always ready to listen.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7