By Nancy Virden (c)2022

Our emotions are great messengers and lousy guides. Listen to your “desire” to hide because that fear tells you something is wrong. Nonetheless, act the opposite by engaging in the community – even when it is hard – because that is where you find relief.

Here are 4 specific choices to make that will lessen your isolation and sense of aloneness. Pick one and as you grow stronger, try another. Baby steps are fine! Slow progress is still progress.

1. Act opposite by accepting a different perspective: 

Ask a trusted friend what they see in you that is worthy. Run your fears past an understanding soul and listen to their response. Find out why you are needed by asking people who know you.

Who can you ask?

2. Act opposite by reaching out:  

Instead of waiting for others to knock on your door offering friendship, you step out first. Call a friend or talk to a volunteer agency. Find a safe person and share the real you. Perhaps you want to see a professional. If so, make the call and then show up for the appointment.

Who will you reach out to? When will you call (text, contact in some other way)?

3. Act opposite by allowing support:  

Ask for and graciously accept offers of help. Turning it away keeps you stuck. Our fear of rejection feels stronger than our need, but that is a lie. Sometimes help looks like an act of service and at others, it looks like listening. However a person offers to help, consider it.

What help would lessen the emotional toll of what you are experiencing? Who can you talk to about this?

4. Act opposite by going out:

Accept invitations and keep your promises by showing up. Next time you want to hide, tell isolation “NO!” and come out and show your face. Visit a friend, go to church, go to the store and say hello to the clerks. At a greater level than you feel like doing, go out and interact.

Where will you go? When?

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone…”

Acts 2:42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

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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