By Nancy Virden (c)2021

Nope, it is not laughter. Laughter, as we who struggle in any way know, can be canned, fake, or even hopeless. Talking to a friend or therapist is much more helpful in the long run.

Emotions get pent up, like when I spent 50 years not talking much about what was bothering me. Internalizing everything led to physical and mental consequences. Now I try to handle difficulties differently.

It is not easy for some of us to ask for help or even a listening ear. Sometime along, probably in childhood, we learned our emotions didn’t count for much. When we think about talking to someone, we fear bothering them or wasting their time. Either that, or we do not think talking will help because it didn’t before.

Well, as challenging as it is, I know that internalizing almost led to my death. I have many good friends but am fearful still of putting one in the awkward position of listening to me. That is old, false, and negative beliefs popping up. When an adult says “talk to me”, their words can be taken at face value.

It is important. The stress of living in 2022 can seem to be too much. Talk it out.

The best and the ultimate loving listener is God. He wants us to communicate with him.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Philippians 4:5-7
 ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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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