With every pregnancy I experienced depression for the first 16 weeks and it eventually tapered off by the 20th week. Depression was unknown to me prior to my first pregnancy. Most of my friends would describe my emotional life as even-keeled for the most part. When I was hit with depression, I had no idea what to do. With the second and third pregnancies, even though I knew better, it was still very difficult to deal with a mind that kept spiraling downwards. It seemed I was constantly bombarded with unwanted, downright depressing thoughts.

At this stage of my life, I don’t have depression, but I still have some unwanted and depressing thoughts. Ever since becoming a mother, the thought of losing my child to an unexpected event or illness often plagues me. If I dwell on or entertain the thought for even a few seconds, my sense of well being changes dramatically. Fear overwhelms me. Anxiety nags at my soul. What do I do in this instance?

In such times, I find the answer in one of my favorite verses, 2 Corinthians 10:5:

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Whenever a depressing or fearful thought comes to me, I try to remember this verse and take this thought captive and put it before the Lord. Every thought that goes against the truth must be taken captive. I find it helpful to memorize this verse and keep repeating it every time a depressing thought comes to mind. It is a way of talking to myself — instead of merely listening to out-of-control emotions. If I give the depressing thought a chance to dwell in my mind, it can take hold of me. The preventative measure is to remember God’s Truth.

Instead of dwelling on bad thoughts, we should dwell on things that are good and truth as written in Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.