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

Everyone knows this election in the U.S. was divisive. Extremists and moderates alike have been afraid, and fear leads to anger. Accusations, and even acceptance of the intolerable, unmasked mass terror that the other side (or either side) may win.

Today some people are traumatized by all the fear-mongering, splits in family and friend relationships, a newfound or refueled mistrust of the next door neighbor, and many are scared.

Many are down and sad. For people with mental illness, this election may have been a trigger. Stress levels are high. I know personally 2 people whose symptoms have worsened into dysfunction because of the results.

Will we talk about that side to things? Can we discuss the effects on mental health? The election is not the only divide in this country.

Since becoming vocal about my struggles with major depression, one person learned of  my story and walked away mumbling, “I don’t like to read.” Another appeared to take pleasure in being the one in the know, and so repeatedly told people in our social circle that I was “too sick,” and a “nutjob.” 

Does this sound anything like the presidential election of 2016?

My message, and that of thousands of voices in the mental health advocacy arena, is that contact without judgment is the most precious and priceless and helpful act anyone can do for a person struggling with mental illness. 

This morning, a search on Google brought a desperate person to my website. The search was, “cant get out of bed, im depressed”.  They found my post titled almost the same words, “I’m Depressed and Can’t Get Out of Bed. What Am I to Do?” At the bottom of that post is a link to a page headlined, “Gain a Mindset of Hope.” Both articles were read today – presumably by the one who did the search.

This is why, despite painful consequences, I am grateful God pushed me to go public. As for those people who choose to remain distant or unaware,  I pray they listen and grow.

Today’s Helpful Word

Romans 15:13

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or 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.