i’m gonna talk about something I have yet to talk about, mental health

this is a topic I have been trying to write on since may and I just haven’t been able to find the right words. I will write a whole post on it and delete it a day later. this is such an important topic that I just wanted it done right. so, after many many re-writes I feel like i’ve finally found the words. if you struggle or know someone who struggles with mental health, keep reading!

there’s a stigma around mental health in the church. maybe people tend to say that in order to cure your mental health you need to “pray more” or “you don’t have enough faith.” what people don’t understand is that it’s just not that simple. you DO have faith in God and you DO trust Him. your healing just isn’t that easy. the bottom line is, you’re experiencing an illness it just looks a little different than the flu.

first, if you’ve ever been told these things I am so so sorry. there is absolutely nothing wrong with needing medicine and needing therapy. mental health problems are very real. your struggle is very real. even though it doesn’t feel like it, you are seen. each and every low point you have reached, God has been with you. your mental health issues doesn’t mean you love God any less, it doesn’t mean you don’t pray enough, and it doesn’t mean you don’t have faith. life isn’t easy and God doesn’t expect us to have it all under control, God expects us to allow Him to show us how to navigate it. just look at the stories of Elijah and David if you don’t believe me. God gave us a whole book to cling to so we may hear His voice clearly when dealing with our mental health.

if He leads you to therapy, go. if He guides you to medicine, take it. do whatever He tells you because God is there to help you fight this. mental health problems are illnesses. they aren’t simple to cure. from experience, I cannot promise it’s easy. dealing with this illness is HARD. what I can tell you is that God will bring you out of this. you are loved and you are so important. please know I am always a safe space if you need someone. i’ve been there. I made it out. you can too 🤍

if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health here’s a few reminders:

1. God is already in your life and working. cling to this

2. this is not your fault

3. talk to someone you trust

4. seek professional help if necessary

5. know you’re not alone

Psalm 40: 1-3  “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.”

I am attaching a few mental health numbers/ websites!

text: 988hotline: 866-903-3787 (https://mentalhealthhotline.org)crisis line: text HOME to 741741https://www.apa.org/topics/crisis-hotlines