By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com

Mental health advocates and career professionals often discourage isolation as a dangerous practice. I agree; given the enticing lure of not dealing with people or anything stressful, isolation or withdrawal can feel temporarily good.

I had, in some people’s opinions and mine, a rough last week. I feel emotionally and mentally tired, with a lot of to-dos on my plate. Isolation to avoid all this isn’t a good idea, but staying home tomorrow instead of going out seems appropriate.

Sometimes we need to stop and regroup. If our schedule is such that we cannot find time for necessities, we need to slow down.

Isolation from public events, even if others are expecting you, can be a form of self-care. What good comes of pushing yourself over the edge with still more left undone? Jesus was surrounded by crowds begging for healings, and he left some of them because his job was to take his message to all the towns of Israel. He spent time alone, in prayer, communing with God, His Father. Others may have been disappointed because they wanted him to minister to them; nonetheless, Jesus knew what was most important.

So, tomorrow I will stay home. Hopefully, I will be able to catch up on some important tasks. I want to spend time with my heavenly Father too, and receive his guidance and reassurance.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Matthew 11:29-30

 “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” -Jesus

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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