Strength Made Perfect in Weakness: My Story of Depression, Anxiety, and Hope

“My Grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

Have you ever struggled with finding the good in a terrible situation?

In May of 2017, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I had never felt so lonely and helpless. When I first started struggling with these things, everything that once made me happy – my friends, family, and soccer – were no longer satisfying. I wasn’t motivated to do anything at all and I began to question God… “Why is this happening to me now?” 

I was about to begin my senior year of college soccer and everything was lined up how I planned. However, we all know that our plans aren’t always what is best for us. Through months of therapy and prayer, I began to realize that a lot of unhealthy existed in my life – I needed something to change. This prompted me to transfer to the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. Although it was a very last-minute decision, I was desperate for change. I had no idea what I was getting myself into (the cold weather, a new team, and a totally different culture). And yet, I was welcomed immediately by the community of Jamestown, the soccer team, and my coach. As I stepped into this new adventure, I was filled with hope. I continued to attend counseling and a healing group so that I could continue to work through the pain I had faced from my anxiety and depression.

Through all of this, something was changing in me. Things weren’t perfect and I was still struggling with some dark days and nights, yet I never lost hope in this new plan God was creating in my life. I found my passion for soccer again and realized that God not only sent me here to heal but to serve as a mentor to several girls on the team. Because I had taken on this role, I pushed myself to be as Christ-like as possible both on and off the field. I committed more of my time to God and with this, I wanted to say “yes” to 100% of what God asked of me. Just as things seemed to be getting better, two really hard situations were thrown at me. One of my teammates was at a terribly low point in her life – she began to self-harm and came to me after contemplating suicide. This was one the scariest moments of my life and something I thought I would never be fully exposed to. Looking back now, God is so faithful because He gave me the strength to put my own situation aside so that I could be a rock for m m y dear friend. As the weeks and months went by, my friend began to heal – and so did I. I noticed huge improvements in my mental health! I suddenly felt more motivated to do the things that would make my own life better.

Another difficult thing that I faced was the decision to end things with my boyfriend of almost two years. After years of him pressuring me to do physical things that I did not want to do, I decided to break things off with him. As I look back and recognize how painful of a decision this was, I feel so blessed that The Lord gave me the strength to stand firm in what I believe and to go through with it.

Ladies, I have seen God give me strength in some of my weakest moments – and I can stand confidently knowing he will do the same for you. Even the darkest of situations can be made beautiful by God. Today I write this to you free from so much of the anxiety and depression that I used to face and with an eager heart to know God more and to help others through their darkest times. God is good.

Amanda George

My name is Amanda George, and I am from Fountain Valley California. I am a senior at the University of Jamestown and majoring in Health and Fitness Administration. I am passionate about God, mental illness, and soccer! Thank you for taking the time to read my story.