By Nancy Virden (c)2020

On this foggy, damp morning the woods in my backyard resemble middle earth. As appealing as it looks, the reality of city life will soon return. That is how life works, does it not? From weather forecasts to belief systems, in time, what is true will prove itself.

For most of my life emotions scared me. Both admitting and dealing with them cost what I did not want to pay. The solution? Postpone truth; hide and deny. 

Finally, forced by despair to admit my way of coping had not worked, a half-hearted search began to discover a new way.  It has been a glad surprise to learn that acknowledging emotions without judgment steals their power to threaten and destroy. Ignored emotions will make an unexpected appearance somewhere one day somehow. 

In time, what is true will prove itself. 

Friday I spoke with my psychiatrist on a video call, who asked the simple question, “How are you feeling?” Initially, I had no intention of mentioning the shadowing mood and unhealthy behaviors. Denial told me I was in control. Hiding told me not to embarrass myself.   

At her question, a part of my life flashed before the eyes of memory.  Panicky fear of repeating a history of merciless pain caused me to blurt out the truth.  

I told her. Everything. 

This pandemic quarantine is getting to me. I know it is negatively affecting many people. I read online their struggles with addiction, eating disorders, depression, psychiatric hospitalizations, and even suicidal thoughts. Occasionally someone will tell me directly how they feel through messenger or comments on my website. 

For them and you dear reader, it is imperative I set an example by practicing what I preach. Honesty. I urge you to reach out for help as well.

My psychiatrist referred me to a support system I did not know existed in my area. Already I feel the relief of knowing honesty has won this fight. As a woman of faith who experiences God’s love every day, I know to trust him to lead me down the best path.

Today’s Helpful Word  

Titus 2: 7-8a

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized.”

 

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

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

If you are 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. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright (c) 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.., Carlo Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved