Tunnel Vision

Having depression is like tunnel vision. You're not in a fog where some things are discernable. Instead, you can only see one thing: your suffering. And because that's all you see, it gives you the sense that there's nothing else - the "old you" is gone and you are destined for continual suffering. The depression gets more restricting the longer we feel this way.

In the Sunday morning session of general conference last week, President Henry B. Eyring said:

My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done. You remember that song we sometimes sing: “Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

It's important for us to remember and then live accordingly to the good things we've experienced. Having the Holy Ghost will help us remember our blessings. The Holy Ghost can expand the blinders until they're eventually removed. The Savior said in John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Although depression makes us feel like we're not worthy of the Holy Ghost or can't feel it, that's a false conclusion. So long as we haven't broken any commandments, we can still feel the Holy Ghost, despite the depression. Depression can't drive the Holy Ghost from us like sin, it simply makes us less inclined to listen.

President Eyring further instructed:

Heavenly Father has given a simple pattern for us to receive the Holy Ghost not once but continually in the tumult of our daily lives. The pattern is repeated in the sacramental prayer: We promise that we will always remember the Savior. We promise to take His name upon us. We promise to keep His commandments. And we are promised that if we do that, we will have His Spirit to be with us.

Do what you can to receive the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It can help in ways you will not expect. Having said that, I don't want to mislead anyone that I think depression is a spiritual sickness or can only be removed by religious means. You may need medical help. I did. You certainly can't face depression alone. But, the gospel greatly helps me deal with depression. Our Heavenly Father will always help us if we do what is right.