Special Note: This article is part of an intentional home series by Davonne Parks, author of Chaos to Clutter-Free. To view the rest of the articles in this series, go here.

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When depression becomes deep, just getting out of bed in the morning feels like an enormous task. Being intentional about embracing a role at home seems nearly impossible. And according to ADAA.org, over 40 million adults are affected by depression every year, meaning this is no small issue.

We should not turn a blind eye.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.” Romans 12:15-116 (NKJV)

If you’ve ever struggled with feelings of depression, I recommend reading Conquering Depression: A 30-Day Plan to Finding Happiness by Mark A. Sutton and Bruce Hennigan. This book goes through a month-long study on depression, with tips and strategies to conquering the depression.

Conquering Depression covers topics such as things you can do to relieve depression on your own, when to find outside help, and what to do when there is a chemical imbalance. Each chapter is short and to the point, so the book only takes a few minutes to get through each day, and offers hope from day one.

If you feel depressed, you should also talk to your spouse or a friend and consider seeking guidance from a counselor.

Here are 5 ways to manage your home when you’re overwhelmed or depressed:

1) Only focus on one room.

You may choose the room that bothers you the most, the room that’s the easiest to clean, the area company first sees when they arrive, or any other room you’d like. The room itself doesn’t matter nearly as much as just starting somewhere and giving yourself a success!

If you need a little more guidance in this area, watch my short video about what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed about housework:

2) Just do something.

You may not have time to clean your entire kitchen, but you could unload and reload the dishwasher. If you can’t organize your entire dresser, you can declutter one drawer. It doesn’t seem like much, but all of these little minutes help add up to make a huge impact!

3) Give yourself grace.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when we’re not making progress as quickly as we’d like. But we can give in to those discouraged, paralyzing feelings or we can offer grace to ourselves while we push through and refuse to give up.

{Related Article: 5 Life-Giving Truths When You’re Struggling with Feelings of Defeat}

4) Find support.

Whether you grab a friend, write in your journal, read inspirational books, find a counselor, or get involved with an online community, seek out encouragement from people who will love you where you are, but will also encourage you to grow.

If you’re not sure where to start, then consider this your official invitation to join the Tidy Up Club on Facebook. It’s a community where we share, encourage, support, and uplift one another as we all work to embrace our own unique role at home.

5) Draw near to God.

When I’m going through a particularly trying time, it’s easy to get bogged down with negative feelings. But using difficult times as an opportunity to choose thankfulness and to draw nearer to God through Bible study and deep prayer is a much better way to walk through trials. Here are some verses that I cling to when I need to be reminded of God’s strength and promises:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10, NKJV

“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26, NKJV

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:7-8, NKJV

Also, remember this battle – a messy house, trying to keep up, feeling at times like you’re drowning – it’s all temporary. One day, there will be no more sorrows or pain for those who love God and obey His word.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

Personal Thought/Application Question: What practical tips and encouragement can you offer to someone who is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed?

Davonne Parks believes that your role at home is valuable and she wants to help you thrive in your environment. Click here to receive immediate access to the FREE printable library she created just for you.