By Nancy Virden (c)2024

Upon receiving therapy following a suicide attempt in 2011, doubt about what I wanted prevailed for months. Would living prove too painful? Was death my answer? I remember saying to someone, “I just want to be whole.”

But wholeness was obscure and flighty like a distant bird’s silhouette that flits out of sight over the horizon. Not understanding what wholeness was supposed to feel like, I parroted ideas from others who implied that one is not whole if in emotional distress. My quest for wholeness was simply hope for the pain to stop one way or another.

Rather than a quick fix or complete healing, mental health recovery turned out to be about growth. Sixteen months after the attempt, I chose to discover what enjoying life could mean. Surprisingly, thriving turned out to be a learned skill. Flourishing even today is my choice. That is not to say it is simple or easy!

Since 1988, I and my insurance companies, have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars on treating and maintaining my mental health. Professional care must cost money because highly trained experts and hospitals are involved with serious mental illnesses. While I strongly support seeking professional help, it is also imperative to research and check reviews before selecting a therapist. Find insurance or a charity that will help cover costs.

Proverbs 4:6-7 says, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.“

It has been worth it to own fewer things, to leave frivolous wishes behind, and to live frugally to learn how to practice wholeness. Knowledgeable and free resources are also instrumental.

The Grace Alliance innovates mental health solutions with free resources and community groups. Donors provide for this ministry which supplies spiritual and scientific help for depression and anxiety recovery. Like all lay-led groups, it is limited and thus makes no claims to substitute for professional mental healthcare. Instead, they complement expert care by providing spiritual and peer input.

It is my privilege to lead such groups 2-3 times a year, since November 2020.

Grace Alliance’s published studies show positive outcomes of changed lives. Check out mental health grace alliance .org for free resources, to find a group, or to train as a leader.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

John 10:10 niv

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – Jesus

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, 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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