Never Be Ashamed

I have now been out of the hospital for about two months. Some days it seems like forever ago, and then, there are days that seem like it was just yesterday that I was there. Since my hospital stay and my blog posts began, I have gotten numerous messages regarding what I have written about. Most of these messages are from people encouraging me to keep going and letting me know they are praying for me.  Then, there are the small handful that are messaging me because they are going through a lot of the same things that I write about.

These are the ones I write for. These are the ones I pray for as I am on my journey. These are the ones my heart aches for because I know the struggle. These are the ones that I hope find the freedom that I have found in Christ. These are the ones that I long for them to find the hope that I have found. These are the ones I want oh so badly to find genuine joy in their lives. These are the ones I wish could see their worth. These are the ones that I want to see that their lives are worth fighting for. These are the ones that I pray they too can be strong and courageous and ask for help.

One thing that seems to be a theme among these messages is that they are too afraid to step out and ask for help. Why? Because they are afraid of what others will think of them for dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, anger, guilt, shame, whatever it may be. Society has put a negative stigma on mental health and everything that goes along with that. And that needs to stop today.

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in America experience a mental illness?  That 2.6% (6.1 million) of American adults live with bipolar disorder? That 6.9% (16 million) of American adults live with major depression? Or that 18.1% (42 million) of American adults live with anxiety disorders? So why then, if there are so many people in America (not even the world) who live with these illnesses, are people so afraid to be open about them? I know for me personally, it was because of working in ministry that kept me from saying anything. I was afraid I would be told I should have my life together in order to do my job well. For others it may be fear of rejection from family or friends. And others it could just be pride.

Whatever the reasoning may be, there should never be a reason for someone to not share their struggle even if it is just with one person. And if you are one of those lucky people that are chosen to be the person someone pours their heart out to, then you should not only be a good listener, but also encourage them to seek more professional help along the way. We have to be careful to not take the place of a therapist or psychiatrist. Instead, we should push them toward the help, not in a manner of like “I do not want to deal with this, so go get help from someone else,” but in a loving “hey, I care about you so much that I want you to get better, but I cannot help you the way you need it, but I will help you find it,” kind of way.

To the ones out there struggling with any of these mental illnesses, I get you. I am here to tell you it is okay to be broken. It is okay to feel like you are a mess. It is okay to have a mental illness. It is NOTHING to be ashamed of, ever! Honestly the only way to truly start healing is to acknowledge it and tackle it head first (no pun intended). Cry out to God. Be honest with Him about how you feel having one of these illnesses. I know for a short while I was angry with God for this storm I have in my life, but let me share with you a quote from a book I recently read that changed my view,

“But God is breaking into your story today. He says, ‘The battle is already won. I want you to step out with me right now, today. Don’t delay. Life is short. Don’t waste your days.’” – Louie Giglio, Goliath Must Fall

If I continued to stay angry with God about this, I would have just wasted away my days. However, that is not what I want, so I am looking for the good in the storm. I am looking to the One who is the storm calmer! I want to share Him with those around me, especially those struggling.  If you are struggling with a mental illness or you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, do NOT delay! Dear sister or brother out there, please do not wait to say something! Please, let someone help you! Even if it is just telling someone you are not doing okay. You do not even have to go into details. And for those of you who may have someone you know that is struggling but they do not say anything, then you go to them! Ask them the hard questions even if it is awkward. Even if they do not want to answer, keep asking! Be a light in their darkness and lead them to the Light Giver!

If you do not have someone you feel free to open up to, I would be more than happy to listen! Seriously, message me! I would love to be an encouragement and help you find the help you want and need!

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:4-5 HCSB

**All statistics are from nami.org**