By Nancy Virden (c)2022

Mental health was defined in 2001 by the World Health Organization as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

Does that describe your experience?

Everyone struggles with mental health to some degree. What hurts us as humans is the stigma that says if you have been diagnosed, then you are a mentally ill person. Mental illness occurs when signs and symptoms cause unmanageable stress, affecting one’s ability to function. Mental illness stops when mental health is retrieved.

So what about a person who was once hospitalized due to mental illness? Is it possible to know, based only on that information, what kind of friend, employee, boss, parent, or anything else they might be? No.

What about a person on psychotropic medications? Is it acceptable to assume, based only on that information, that they are untrustworthy or dangerous? No way!

If someone has a mental health/illness diagnosis, it is important to find out where they are on their journey. Mental health is possible and for most people there are ways to gain and maintain it. Emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being have how-tos that can be learned and applied in differing scenarios.

No, mental health is not always a matter of choice. The “just” crowd – you know the ones – who scold, just run, walk, eat, pray, read the Bible, go to church, take a pill, pull yourself up, etc., is ignorant. So if you ever struggle with a mental health challenge, remember you are the same as everyone else. Reach out. Seek help from knowledgeable people. Lay aside any thoughts of stigma.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Matthew 7:2

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

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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