Compassionate Love Blog: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness   (c)2016  Nancy Virden, Always the Fight Ministry

There was cake. This morning, a small crowd acknowledged our friend’s birthday. People with cake told those without, “It’s delicious! Here, have a piece!”  We have no trouble sharing cake, even if we are tempted to tuck some away for later.

I had a good, long, frustration-ignited and exhaustion-fueled cry a few weeks ago. Life pushed hard this summer. What is exciting is that I did not go under mental health-wise despite challenges in that area. There was once a time that kind of stability seemed out of reach. Now that I’ve tasted it, I want to share.

Here, have a peace, friend.

Know your risk. Mental health is not, contrary to what some might wish, a guarantee. Mental illness is not, as the stigma goes, “losing one’s marbles.” At least 1 in 5 people in any given year struggle with the dysfunction that often accompanies a triggered, underlying mental illness. Left untreated, these disorders of the brain tend to become worse.

Know how to find help. In a suicidal crisis, call 9.1.1 or go to your emergency room. For medical care, see a psychiatrist, a doctor who specializes in brain function. He or she will prescribe medication. To learn how to manage your condition and for counseling, see a psychologist or other licensed therapist.  To avoid feeling alone in your struggle, join a support group through NAMI* or another organization.

Know there is hope. Millions of people with mental illness are enjoying more normal and satisfactory lives due to receiving treatment. Mood swings, irrational thoughts, phobias, a sense of being out of control, a sense of worthlessness, or despair are, believe it or not, manageable. There is a way out. Seek professional treatment, stop self-medicating, do not beat yourself up for feeling “abnormal”, and pursue the hope that is yours for the taking.

Know God loves you. When we doubt this, I think it is generally because we feel flawed in some way, and incapable of deserving God’s attention. The voice of Truth, Jesus, teaches grace, mercy, and unfailing love as character traits of our heavenly Father. Sin separates us from him, yes, and he made a way around that through Jesus’ death and resurrection because he loves us anyway. Jesus became our Savior.

The peace I know despite the discomfort, sadness, grief, heartbreak, stress, and depression is that I have a foundation for mental stability. Understanding my illness and how to manage it are key to healthy functioning. Reaching out for appropriate help keeps me well. Because I have experienced a loss of hope and watched it return, I understand hopelessness is temporary. All of this prevents utter despair.

Knowing God loves me changes my worldview, releases me from the past, and frees me from fear for the future. Because his love is constant, I am never alone and cannot question my worth.

This is delicious!

Here, have a peace friend, we can share.

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 34:8 NIV

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is one who takes refuge in him.”

-King David

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

*National Alliance For Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots support and education organization which exists to combat stigma and hopelessness. You can learn more at http://www.NAMI.org