By Nancy Virden (c)2021

With regard to both our mental and physical health, sometimes we are blindsided by an unexpected challenge. Another possibility is we see symptoms, ignore them and put-off treatment. So why is it still a surprise when our mental or physical health breaks down?

I have played denial games for months. You see, I have two chronic physical diseases. One will let me know when it wants to come out of hiding. It seems simple to pretend, procrastinate, and ignore symptoms because after all, who wants to go to the hospital? Meanwhile, functionality diminishes until it is impossible to rationalize away.

Ok, so I am home tonight after five days. Perhaps that could have been one afternoon if I’d listened to my rational self. Getting a ride to the Emergency Room, many tests and specialists, liquid diet days, and sleepless nights later, doctors pronounced me well enough to go home. Only now I do not feel so good again.

What are my options? The same devastating triad of pretend, procratinate and ignore is tempting. It is fortunate an appointment to see my regular doctor in a few days was already in the books. It is normal to want to escape what is painful or uncomfortable. I’m sure most everyone wants to avoid the hospital!

Let me encourage you. As one who has been rushed to the hospital for mental and physical emergencies, please go to trained professionals for treatment. I was told, “Suffering is inevitable; misery is optional.” Do not put it off- just go and accept the blessing of preventive and healing healthcare.

Hopefully, my lessons are learned. As I receive more information about the diseases, a plan of action is forming. In mental health crises I have been asked to make a safety plan. That applies here too. COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

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!

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: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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