Depression has a way of slowing life down to a grinding halt. Tasks that once felt simple suddenly take energy you don’t seem to have. Getting out of bed can feel like climbing a mountain. Your mind becomes foggy, heavy, or overwhelmed — and momentum, the thing that pushes you forward, feels impossible to maintain.
These last few months have been difficult to say the least. I have struggled emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally. It has been difficult to take a step forward when your feet decide to become anchors, literally and figuratively. The motivation that served as a driving force to create something wonderful with 4HOPE Haven, turned into doubt, questioning of purpose, and a slight case of imposter syndrome. Everything I thought I knew about myself suddenly became questionable. Every step- big or small- seemed out of reach. Even talking out my feelings became a monumental task.
As a therapist, I always encourage my clients to find an outlet to express their feelings whether through talking, art, or writing; whatever it takes to release instead of suppress. I encourage them to find a way to make internal space for the smallest tasks, just to keep going. Now, I’ve found myself at this crossroad of finding a way to take a step out of the quicksand. And while I may have taken a little longer than it should have, I was able to do so. Because of the safe space found in my sisters, I was able to slowly open up and unload. I acknowledged every feeling I felt, allowed myself to feel them, and worked through each of them. I gave myself grace. Grace gave me permission to experience it. Each day was met with fresh grace, fresh hope, renewed faith, and a clearer mind. I was able to take more steps each day until I was back to full capacity.
So here is the takeaway: Don’t stop moving. Don’t give up on yourself, your purpose, or your goals. Give yourself grace. Give yourself time. Give yourself space. Momentum during depression isn’t about moving fast; it’s about not giving up.
Even the smallest step is still a step forward. And every act of resistance against the darkness is a sign of strength in the light.
I want to share some gentle, practical, and faith-rooted ways to maintain momentum when depression tries to keep you still:
Redefine Momentum: Small Is Still Movement
Depression lies. It tells you that if you’re not doing everything, you’re doing nothing.
But momentum isn’t measured in leaps — it’s measured in consistency.
- Brushing your teeth counts.
- Sending one text message counts.
- Drinking water counts.
- Making your bed halfway counts.
When your emotional capacity is low, small steps keep your life from standing still. Celebrate them. They’re proof of perseverance, not insignificance.
Create “Low Energy Routines”
When depression hits, high-energy commitments fall apart. Low-energy routines help you stay grounded without overwhelming you.
Try routines like:
- A 5-minute stretch in the morning
- Listening to worship or calming music
- Writing a single sentence in a journal
- Sitting outside for 3 minutes of sunlight
- Reading one verse or affirmation
These routines keep you connected to yourself without demanding more than you can give.
Use External Supports When Internal Motivation Fades
Motivation often disappears during depression. That’s okay, motivation is not required for movement.
Borrow momentum from:
- A trusted friend who checks in
- A therapist or counselor
- A support group or ministry
- A timer to break tasks into tiny chunks
- Apps that remind you to breathe, hydrate, or rest
Asking for support is a form of strength. Warriors aren’t meant to fight alone.
Practice Grace, Not Guilt
Depression makes you feel like you’re behind in life. Grace reminds you that healing is not a race. Grace creates room for momentum to return.
Your worth is not tied to productivity.
Your value is not measured by what you accomplish.
Romans 8:1 says, “There is now no condemnation…” — not even when you’re struggling.
Give yourself permission:
- To rest
- To say no
- To restart
- To try again tomorrow
Keep One Thing Stable
When depression disrupts everything, keeping one thing consistent helps anchor you.
Choose one:
- A bedtime
- A morning routine
- A daily walk
- A personal affirmation
- A spiritual practice
Even if life feels unpredictable, your anchor keeps you from drifting too far.
Speak Truth Over Yourself
Depression attacks identity. It whispers, “You’re failing,” “You’re too much,” “You’re not enough.”
Counter the lies with truth:
- “I am worthy, even when I’m struggling.”
- “God is close to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18
- “This moment is difficult, not permanent.”
- “I am allowed to heal at my own pace.”
Your words can shift the atmosphere of your mind.
Celebrate Quiet Victories
Progress doesn’t always roar.
Sometimes it whispers:
“You made it through today.”
“You reached out for help.”
“You kept going.”
Healing is formed from a thousand quiet victories.
Honoring them builds confidence, builds resilience, and slowly — day by day — builds momentum again.
Remember: Depression Doesn’t Define You
Depression is an experience, not an identity.
A season, not your whole story.
A chapter, not the ending.
Even when you feel still on the outside, God is moving on the inside.
And not only will you get through this — you will rise stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than before. Momentum will return. Joy will return. Strength will return.
You are not losing the fight — you are learning how to win it differently.
Final Encouragement
If all you did today was keep breathing, keep trying, keep hoping… you did enough.
You are enough. And you are not alone.
Your healing is unfolding, even on the days you cannot see it.
2 Comments
I really needed this today 🙌🏼 thank you for this it helps bring things in perspective!!
Much needed and beautifully written ❤️