Compassionate Love: Displaying Compassion for Those Who Struggle with Mental Illness   (c)2017 Nancy Virden, Always The Fight Ministries

Violet questions her value.

Tom yells and cusses at other drivers.

James is brutal with self-criticism.  

Makia apologizes frequently. 

Shannon avoids important social events.

Do you have a similar experience?

What mental health looks like

We think we know what mental illness is (whether we do or not). Do we understand mental health? According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.” 

How do you think you score in those departments?  For Violet, Tom, James, Makia, and Shannon, well-being in the following areas may be goals. 

Well-being is believing in your worth.

Well-being is calm and patient toward others.  

Well-being is accepting your imperfect humanness.

Well-being does not apologize for existing

Well-being is the ability  to function and participate in life. 

It pays to check

Are you at premium mental health?  

Mental illness is diagnosed with ongoing symptoms that interfere with one’s ability to function. The person with a mental illness suffers frequent stress due to those symptoms.

Nevertheless, how often do we bother to assess our mental health? This requires some introspection and a desire to achieve well-being.  I believe mental health is akin to contentment. It does not make sense to skip over that.

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 33: 13-15

The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.  From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

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Comments are always welcome (see tab below).  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.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Hope and help can be yours.

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