Depression hit Katara Washington Patton like a gut punch. As a high achieving, joyful woman of faith who grew up in an idyllic setting, Katara wasn’t prepared when the dark clouds of depression settled in and wouldn’t lift . Looking back, Katara recognized several contributing factors, but she said, “I was side swiped by my mother’s death. I was struggling to get out of bed. Those were dark, dark days for me.”

As she learned how to manage her depression, Katara found many helpful, and some not-so-helpful, ways to keep herself encouraged and looking forward when all she wanted to do was collapse on the couch. She shares these personal reflections, practical steps, and godly wisdom in the 90-day devotional, Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Depression Steals Your Hope. A friend encouraged her to write the book, and Katara said, “if one person picks it up and says, I can find hope, it will be worth it.”

“Depression can be so overwhelming. Any mental issue is so isolating,” Katara said. “This is your book that says, How do I get out of bed in the morning, refocus, and have just enough to make it through the day? Even on your cloudy days, even on a hard, hard, deeply depressed day, God is with you. God is holding you. And there are practical things that you can do to take that next step.”

Take it one step at a time

“If you look at the whole picture it’s going to overwhelm you even more or make you sadder and stuck, so take one step at a time,” Katara said. When you have zero energy, even the simplest of tasks can seem daunting. So, give yourself a break and understand that healing takes time.

“This whole book is about the things I did in the throes of depression,” Katara said. The “Progress, Not Perfection” section of the book will offer “a slice of encouragement” for day-to-day growth.

Understand that it’s a process

While Katara believes people are genuinely trying to be helpful, some of the most difficult comments to hear were All you need is Jesus or Just snap out of it. Katara knowingly smiled and asked, “Don’t you think I would do that if I could? I would love to be able to get out of bed and grasp the day.”

There are many ways to find relief from depression which may include exercise and healthy eating, surrounding yourself with trusted friends and family, medication, or a qualified counselor. Whatever methods you try, understand that it takes time.

Know that you are not alone

Walking through depression or anxiety can feel so isolating, yet remember you are not truly alone.

“Finding hope when you’re so down can be tough because everything is exaggerated. It’s overwhelming,” Katara said. “But look around you. There are people that have walked this journey and have a testimony. There is a benefit to being authentic, and you can’t get that when you’re not in relationship with others.”

Your church community can be a good place to ask questions and listen to those who have experienced similar situations. And Scripture is full of examples of suff ering—Hagar, Elijah, Mary Magdalene, Jesus—who were at human low points and who God comforted.

Turn to Scripture for encouragement

God’s Word can be a love letter to our souls. Although there are several key Scripture verses that play a big part in Katara’s healing, one of her favourites is John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

“That reminds me when I’m depressed this is not the space I’m supposed to stay in. My life is supposed to be full, complete, joyous, abundant,” Katara said. “It’s a reminder to me that even if I’m not feeling that right now, I need to be getting there because that’s my promise.”

Compassion Is Key

If you are walking alongside someone experiencing depression, remember that compassion goes a long way. “If someone’s going through something you don’t understand, sometimes the best thing you can do is pack your compassion and pack your silence. Be there, but don’t be judgmental,” Katara emphasized. “You can’t solve the problem of depression, but you can be a soft spot for someone.” You can be a listening ear, a prayer warrior, a gentle encourager, or someone who offers kindness and tangible ways like bringing a meal. Katara calls them “little nuggets of compassion” that mean so much to someone who is hurting.

She wouldn’t have willingly chosen depression as the vehicle to get her where she is, yet Katara can affirm, “I can sit here and praise God for it, because at the end of the day, that’s a big part of my journey.

About the author

Katara is a writer, editor, wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend. She has been in the publishing industry for all of her adult life and loves it. She specializes in theology, social media, audience engagement, digital publishing, children and youth development, curriculum, and African American interests. Currently she’s a Senior Editor at Our Daily Bread Publishing. She and her husband Derrick reside in Chicago with their daughter Kayla.