By Nancy Virden (c)2025

A therapist once told me that recovery of one’s mental health is like walking along a continuum.

DEPRESSION/ANXIETY | – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – | JOY

We travel from notch to notch, sometimes taking two steps forward and one back. Baby steps, the most important steps we will ever take, are appropriate every moment of recovery, especially when we are challenged with a type of mental or behavioral disorder.

Some days, we will react to a special event or person and have an unusually good day. That’s not where we will stay; recovery is not dependent on outside factors. It is the slow climb, step by step that brings us to a more satisfying life.

We must take in whatever small positives that surround us, and not dismiss them. Had a better day? Enjoy. The sun is shining? Enjoy. Your friend called you? Enjoy the fact that you have a friend who will reach out.

I know my recovery was, and still is, empowered by my Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. If it were not for His intervention, I would be a statistic. He is the author of eternal joy.

Consider Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as it is statistically the best solution for depression and anxiety. Be prepared to practice what you learn. Recovery can be a long haul, which may depend somewhat on how deep you fell into darkness. it is the work you apply to the problem that makes the standing difference. The light shines bright where joy is, and as you learn how to manage your symptoms, you will see it more often. Keep walking.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Philippians 4:8-9

 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 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. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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