Compassionate Love Blog: Displaying compassion for those who fight mental illness, addiction, and abuse (c)2018 Nancy Virden, Always the Fight Ministries
It is normal to struggle.
It is normal to struggle.
Say that to yourself, and then say it to others. Not everyone knows this truth.
Recognize Normalcy
I’ve spoken well of previous therapists who helped to move me from suicidal despair to a life of hope and joy. I was encouraged to change unhealthy thinking patterns and habits.
Due to my temperament and life experiences, much of what I felt in this process was a sense of failure at life. Had I known how normal my struggles were, how they are so common they have names in the psychology books, I would have felt less shame.
Since that time, my research relating to advocacy has uncovered the truth. It is extremely beneficial to learn that much of how I’d been responding to life’s challenges was normal, even predictable, under the circumstances I’d been given.
Explore your possibilities
If you equate struggle with shame, let it go. Humans have more in common than many of us realize.
Stress will produce anxiety. Ask, “What is known to help the myriad of people who overcome anxiety?”
Depression is caused by many factors. It is appropriate to find out, “What works for the millions who recover every year?”
Being an abuse survivor has some predictable outcomes. Your best question is, “What have others done to overcome horrible lies and victimization and to live to the fullest degree of joy?”
Within our struggles, God offers good gifts:
- The help of others
- Opportunity to rely on Him
- Chances to refocus on new purposes
You see, overcoming is normal too. It happens all the time.
Stick to living, taking one day at a time. Allow yourself the privilege of humanness. Take advantage of God’s gifts. You will join the throng of people who make it through.
Today’s Helpful Word
Hebrews 13: 5b-6
For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental and behavioral health challenges. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. (for international emergency numbers, go here ), or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not be alone. Hope and help are yours.
* crossing the bridge- Photo by Josh Willink on Pexels.com
Always the Fight 