Putting one’s mind on something that is lasting and not our present problems or even when things are great. You don’t need a reason to imagine about something that will happen unless one thinks that it will never happen.
In Psalm 128:1-2, "Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD, that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee."
What does it mean, to "fear the LORD"? It means to dread disappointing or disobeying Him! And how can one "walk in His ways"? It means to walk a narrow path of death to self, to Sin as a master, and to the world; and a life of following Christ, illustrated in learning from spiritually mature people. Mimic--be a copy, an image--of them!
"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Heb. 6:11-12)
Thus one's imagination must have bounds, Satan loves to have you use your imagination the wrong way. Depression comes from that, so--beware of imaginations! Don't walk the broad way to Hell!
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing thar exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ..." (2 Cor. 10:3-5)
How did the saints like David and Peter and and Martin Luther overcome depression for thousands of years? By allowing the Holy Ghost to control ones thoughts, attitudes, plans, and activities. How long has Prozac (antidepressants) or Valium (anti-anxiety) been around? About only forty years, and they attempt to wrest the function of changing how you feel away from the Holy Ghost, Who has been doing this since the earth was formed, thus contradicting the weapons of warfare God has given to the saints!
I've got a little book here that lists 35 antidepressants and another 26 antianxiety drugs (not to mention dozens of the same chemical constitution but with another name) whose effects have never been totally known for a particular person! All produce dependency, like alcohol and heroin do. Some, of the benzodiazopine types, rapidly produce chemical addiction and mind changes that can only be escaped by death. Do general physicians know what they are prescribing of these does to an individual? Rarely. Do psychiatrists or their clinical psychologist partners? only barely, usually. Those who know in depth but are enriching themselves by chemistry are not talking. IMHO, but you can believe otherwise.
"Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk (addicted to, dependent on) wine (beer, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, heroin, marijuana, cocaine), wherein is excess, but be filled with The Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and The Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Eph. 5:17-22, with comparisons and emphasis solely mine))
Should I recommend that "A Proud American in Canada" seek out chemical means to displace the Holy Ghost? I say, "No!" and I've been there. Here's what one should do:
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts tothe Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Col. 3:16-17)
Is this sufficient for conquering deprression? I say, "Yes!" -- it has for hundreds of years, and it has for me. I've been there, too; and still am there, preserved by the indwelling work of the marvellous all-sufficient Holy Ghost!
Be warned--most of the "Christian" music formulated and performed today is produced by either unregenerated "believers" or by undiscipled spiritual babes, and is full of emotive "holiness" but devoid of rich Scripture references and holiness obtained by persistent application. For most stage performers, this is just a quasi-spiritual cash register. Look at their lives. Stay away from this stuff, and search out the great hymns found in a wisely compiled pew song book. Start with just memorizing Holy Scripture and saying/singing it to oneself and God. This is the way out of depression, not by chemistry, and certainly not by suicidal avoidance which cannot erase the effects to one's eternal soul.
Again, if you want to be joyous in the Lord, follow Psalm 128:1-2 precisely (and Philippians 4:6-9 as another has pointed out previously). Fear God, discern His Ways. It will be well with you.
With respect --