By Nancy Virden (c)2021

I needed to see my son this week. It has been a long wait between the pandemic, his work hours, and timing. In early February the loss of his company started to really get to me. My mood dropped, it was difficult to concentrate, and obligations meant less and less.

Finally, I realized, I am not built for long partings. It became a question of do I visit him and chance Covid (I do not have the vaccine yet) or do I become more despondent? I had already done everything possible to keep my spirits up, so I visited him.

When we live with mental health challenges, these types of choices pop up from time to time. Our internal debate sounds like, which do I sacrifice, my mental health or this other thing that seems right but is costing me?

Of course it seemed right for my son, his girlfriend, and I to stay apart. It was also strongly advised by our governor to stay home. However, too many times I have delayed taking care of my mental health for the sake of some cause, or person, or busyness only to wish later that I had made a different choice.

From experience and training received in therapy, it was easy to recognize the telltale signs of an oncoming depressive episode. It was successfully thwarted by knowing what had to be done and doing it. It is up to us to meet our own needs, that is, to find ways to get them met and to protect our mental wellbeing. -COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 31:5 A Prayer to God

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

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.

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!

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